Question

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is being observed for possible myocardial infarction. Which laboratory result would be most important for the nurse to discuss with the physician?

Answer 1

For a client suspected of myocardial infarction, the most important lab results to discuss with the physician include elevated levels of cardiac troponin and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), which are specific markers of myocardial damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse reviewing the laboratory results for a client observed for possible myocardial infarction (MI) would find certain lab results particularly critical for discussion with the physician. The most important laboratory results to discuss with the physician would be the levels of cardiac troponin and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB). Elevated levels of cardiac troponin, a regulatory protein involved in muscle contraction, are highly specific for myocardial damage and are considered the gold standard for MI diagnosis. Similarly, the enzyme CK-MB, which catalyzes the conversion of creatine to phosphocreatine, is one of the first enzymes to rise after an MI. Another significant enzyme to consider is the isoenzyme form of lactate dehydrogenase, LDH1, which also increases in plasma during myocardial infarction. These blood tests provide direct markers of heart muscle injury and are crucial in confirming the diagnosis of an MI.