HESI Fundamentals 2023 Test Bank Related

Review HESI Fundamentals 2023 Test Bank related questions and content

A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is being treated. Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

  • A. Troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL
  • B. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) of 5.0 ng/mL
  • C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
  • D. Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL is elevated, indicating myocardial damage, making it the most concerning finding in a client with a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponin is a highly specific marker for cardiac muscle damage, and elevated levels suggest ongoing injury to the heart muscle. While Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is also a cardiac enzyme, troponin is more specific and sensitive for myocardial damage. Serum potassium and blood glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in MI patients, but in this scenario, the elevated troponin level takes precedence as it directly reflects cardiac injury.