Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who developed chest pain 6 hr. ago. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of a myocardial infarction (MI)?

a. Elevated troponin levels.

b. Decreased creatinine kinase-MB.

c. Normal myoglobin levels.

d. Increased C-reactive protein.

Answer 1

An elevated troponin level is a significant indicator of a myocardial infarction (MI), as it is released by damaged cardiac cells and is specifically measured for diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify an elevated troponin level as an indication of a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponin is a regulatory protein for muscle contraction, which is released into the bloodstream when cardiac muscle cells are damaged. An elevation in troponin levels is a key marker used in diagnosing an MI, along with other findings such as alterations in the ST and Q components on an ECG and elevations in creatine kinase MB (CK-MB). While increases in C-reactive protein can indicate inflammation, it is not as specific as troponin for an MI. Decreased CK-MB and normal myoglobin levels would not be indicative of an MI.