ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who had a myocardial infarction 3 hr ago. The nurse should expect which of the following laboratory values to be elevated?

  • A. Serum sodium
  • B. Serum glucose
  • C. Troponin I
  • D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Troponin I. Troponin I is a specific marker for myocardial damage. After a myocardial infarction, the damaged heart muscle releases troponin I into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. This helps in diagnosing and monitoring the extent of myocardial damage.

A: Serum sodium levels are not typically affected by a myocardial infarction.
B: Serum glucose levels may be elevated due to stress response but are not specific to myocardial infarction.
D: White blood cell count may be elevated in response to inflammation caused by myocardial infarction, but it is not as specific as troponin I.