The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with chest pain to rule out a myocardial infarction (MI).The nurse observes that the patient is experiencing electrocardiogram (ECG)changes and reviews new laboratory results.Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has a significantly elevated troponin.The abnormal troponin,along with ECG changes,indicates that the patient is likely experiencing an MI.(Elevated troponin levels are most indicative of an MI as these enzymes are specific to heart muscle damage.)While the nurse should report the abnormally low potassium of 3.4 (low normal)sodium,these findings are of lesser priority than the elevated troponin.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Admitted with Chest