A nurse is teaching a family member of a client who had an acute myocardial infarction (MI) about the reason for the frequent blood draws from the client. Which of the following statements is appropriate for the nurse to say when educating the family member about cardiac enzymes?

Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of pulmonary congestion

These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure and mobility of the heart valves

These tests help determine the degree of damage to the heart tissues

Cardiac enzymes will identify the location of the MI

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Cardiac enzymes, such as troponin, do not diagnose pulmonary congestion, which is assessed via imaging or clinical signs like crackles. These enzymes (troponin, CK-MB) are released from damaged myocardial cells during an MI, indicating heart tissue injury rather than lung-related conditions like congestion.

Choice B reason: Cardiac enzymes do not assess heart structure or valve mobility, which are evaluated using imaging techniques like echocardiography. Enzymes like troponin and CK-MB are specific to myocardial damage, rising in the blood post-MI to indicate the extent of heart tissue injury, not structural details.

Choice C reason: Cardiac enzyme tests, particularly troponin and CK-MB, measure the degree of myocardial damage after an MI. These proteins are released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells die, with elevated levels correlating to the extent of tissue injury, aiding in assessing MI severity.

Choice D reason: Cardiac enzymes do not pinpoint the exact location of an MI. Localization is achieved through EKG changes or imaging like cardiac catheterization. Enzymes indicate the presence and extent of myocardial damage but lack specificity for identifying which coronary artery or heart region is affected.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Wearing a sequential compression device is recommended post-surgery to prevent venous thromboembolism. It promotes venous blood flow in the legs, reducing stasis, a key risk factor for clot formation. This action supports VTE prevention by enhancing circulation, making it appropriate and not to be avoided.

Choice B reason: Elevating the feet post-surgery aids venous return, reducing blood pooling in the legs, a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. This action decreases stasis and supports circulation, making it a beneficial practice for VTE prevention, not one to avoid in postoperative recovery.

Choice C reason: Massaging the legs should be avoided post-surgery, as it risks dislodging a formed clot, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism. In clients at risk for VTE, massage can mobilize thrombi from deep veins, leading to life-threatening complications, making this a critical action to avoid.

Choice D reason: Ambulating soon after surgery is encouraged to prevent venous thromboembolism. Early mobility promotes venous blood flow, reducing stasis, a major risk factor for clot formation. This action supports circulation and VTE prevention, making it appropriate and not something to avoid in postoperative care.

A. Obtain a 12-lead EKG B. Administer enteric-coated acetaminophen C. Obtain an echocardiogram D. Administer ibuprofen

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Symptoms like jaw, back, and shoulder pain with shortness of breath and nausea suggest a possible myocardial infarction (MI). A 12-lead EKG is the priority to confirm MI by detecting ST-segment changes or Q waves, enabling rapid diagnosis and intervention to restore coronary blood flow and minimize heart damage.

Choice B reason: Administering enteric-coated acetaminophen is inappropriate, as it addresses pain but not the underlying cause of these symptoms, which may indicate an MI. Acetaminophen lacks anti-inflammatory or anti-ischemic properties, and delaying diagnostic measures like an EKG could worsen outcomes in a potential cardiac emergency.

Choice C reason: Obtaining an echocardiogram is not the priority in this acute scenario. While it assesses heart structure and function, it is less urgent than a 12-lead EKG, which quickly diagnoses MI by identifying ischemic changes. Echocardiography may follow later to evaluate complications like wall motion abnormalities.

Choice D reason: Administering ibuprofen is not appropriate, as it does not address the potential MI indicated by these symptoms. Ibuprofen may relieve pain but lacks specificity for cardiac ischemia and could delay critical diagnostic steps like an EKG, risking further myocardial damage in an acute cardiac event.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is teaching a family member of a client who had an acute myocardial infarction (MI) about the reason for the frequent blood draws from the client. Which of the following statements is appropriate for the nurse to say when educating the family member about cardiac enzymes?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is recovering a client who is postoperative. In an effort to educate the client about being at risk for developing a venous thromboembolism (VTE), which of the following actions should the client avoid?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who reports pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder with shortness of breath and nausea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who just had a cardiac catheterization through the left femoral vessel. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse include in the client’s plan of care? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious following a cerebral hemorrhage. Which of the following nursing interventions is of highest priority?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a sustained intracranial pressure (ICP) reading of 35 mm Hg. Which of the following findings indicate that the client is experiencing Cushing’s triad? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an exercise stress test. Which of the following comments made by the client should indicate to the nurse that the client requires further teaching?

A nurse is teaching a family member of a client who had an acute myocardial infarction (MI) about the reason for the frequent blood draws from the client. Which of the following statements is appropriate for the nurse to say when educating the family member about cardiac enzymes?

A nurse at a community health clinic is caring for a client who reports a headache and stiff neck. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is caring for a client who recently had surgery for insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following orders should the nurse clarify with the provider?

A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?