The physician has ordered determination of CK-MB and troponin levels for a patient who has experienced chest pain and aching for the last 4 days.What does the nurse expect on reading this order?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Troponin level determination is the most reliable indicator of myocardial damage occurring several days earlier. While CK-MB enzyme levels are also used as a marker of myocardial necrosis, they may not always be specific to myocardial damage and may also be elevated in other conditions. Myoglobin levels, although sensitive, are not as specific for myocardial damage and may also be elevated in other conditions such as rhabdomyolysis. Serum cardiac markers can be inconclusive in determining myocardial injury that is several days old, hence the need for troponin level determination.

The Physician Has Ordered Determination of CK-MB and Troponin Levels