The nurse has received the laboratory results for a patient who developed chest pain 4 hours ago and may be having a myocardial infarction. Which laboratory test result should be most helpful in indicating myocardial infarction?
Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB)
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Myoglobin
Troponin
The Correct Answer is D
A. CK-MB is a cardiac enzyme that rises in response to myocardial injury, but it is less specific and takes longer to rise than troponin.
B. BNP is associated with heart failure, not myocardial infarction.
C. Myoglobin is an early marker but is non-specific, as it rises with any muscle damage.
D. Troponin is the most specific and sensitive biomarker for myocardial infarction. It rises within 3-4 hours after myocardial injury and remains elevated for days, making it the most useful test for confirming an MI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Thrombolytic therapy is the priority in managing an ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) when percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not available. It helps dissolve the blood clot causing the blockage in the coronary artery.
B. Maintaining oxygen saturation is important, but the priority is to restore coronary blood flow.
C. The focus should be on stabilizing the heart rhythm, not specifically maintaining a high heart rate.
D. Diuretics are important in managing heart failure but are not the priority in acute STEMI management.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so it would not cause hypokalemia.
B. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete potassium, leading to hypokalemia.
C. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker and does not directly affect potassium levels.
D. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator and does not affect potassium levels.
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