The nurse is caring for client who presented to the emergency department for chest pain. The nurse knows that which of the following laboratory tests is most specific for myocardial damage?
Troponins I & T
Creatine Kinase
C Reactive Protein
Myoglobin
The Correct Answer is A
A. Troponins I & T:
Troponins I and T are the most specific biomarkers for myocardial damage. These proteins are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is injured, such as during a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponins remain elevated for a prolonged period (typically up to 1-2 weeks) after myocardial injury, making them highly sensitive for detecting both acute and recent myocardial damage. Because of their high specificity for heart muscle, they are considered the gold standard for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction.
B. Creatine Kinase:
Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. While CK-MB (the heart-specific isoenzyme) can be elevated in cases of myocardial damage, it is less specific than troponins because it can also be elevated due to skeletal muscle injury or other conditions. CK-MB levels rise more rapidly than troponins but return to baseline within 48-72 hours, making it less useful for detecting myocardial damage over a longer period.
C. C-Reactive Protein (CRP):
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation or tissue injury. While CRP levels can be elevated in various inflammatory conditions, including atherosclerosis, it is not specific to myocardial damage. Elevated CRP is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events but does not provide specific information about acute myocardial injury, making it less helpful for diagnosing myocardial infarction.
D. Myoglobin:
Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding protein found in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. While it is an early marker that rises rapidly after muscle injury, it lacks specificity for myocardial damage because it is also released from skeletal muscle. Myoglobin levels peak quickly (within 1-4 hours of injury) and return to baseline within 24 hours, so it is not as useful for diagnosing a myocardial infarction or monitoring long-term cardiac injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["7"]
Explanation
Given:
Desired dose: Amoxicillin 350 mg PO
Available concentration: Amoxicillin 250 mg/5 ml
To find:
Volume to administer (in ml)
Step 1: Set up the proportion
We can use the following proportion to solve the problem:
(Desired dose) / (Available concentration) = Volume to administer
Step 2: Substitute the values
Plugging in the given values, we get:
(350 mg) / (250 mg/5 ml) = Volume to administer
Step 3: Simplify
To simplify, we can invert the denominator and multiply:
(350 mg) x (5 ml / 250 mg) = Volume to administer
The "mg" units cancel out, leaving us with:
(350 x 5 ml) / 250 = Volume to administer
Step 4: Calculate
Performing the multiplication and division, we get:
1750 ml / 250 = Volume to administer
1 ml = Volume to administer
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Glucagon IM:
Glucagon is used to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), not hyperglycemia. It is typically administered intramuscularly in cases of severe hypoglycemia to rapidly raise blood glucose levels. In acute hyperglycemia, the blood glucose is already elevated, so glucagon is not appropriate. The correct treatment for hyperglycemia includes insulin administration, fluid replacement, and monitoring of electrolytes.
B. Regular insulin IV infusion:
In acute hyperglycemia, particularly in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), regular insulin is commonly administered intravenously to reduce blood glucose levels. It acts rapidly to lower blood glucose, and the dose can be adjusted based on the client's response. Therefore, this is an expected intervention in the management of acute hyperglycemia.
C. Potassium laboratory monitoring:
In acute hyperglycemia, particularly during insulin administration, potassium levels should be closely monitored. Insulin can drive potassium into cells, potentially leading to hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Since hyperglycemia treatment can alter electrolyte balance, potassium levels need to be frequently checked to avoid complications like arrhythmias or muscle weakness. This is an important intervention in managing hyperglycemia.
D. IV fluid replacement:
IV fluid replacement is a crucial part of managing acute hyperglycemia, particularly in conditions like DKA and HHS. These conditions cause dehydration due to osmotic diuresis, and fluid replacement helps to restore normal hydration status and support renal function. The nurse would expect IV fluid administration to correct electrolyte imbalances and improve circulatory volume.
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