The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for newly admitted ...

[penza]

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for newly admitted patients on the cardiovascular unit. Which patient laboratory result is most important to communicate as soon as possible to the health care provider?
 
  a. Patient whose triglyceride level is high
  b. Patient who has very low homocysteine level
  c. Patient with increase in troponin T and troponin I level
  d. Patient with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level

Question 2

The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on the telemetry unit are caring for four pa-tients. Which nursing action can be delegated to the UAP?
 
  a. Teaching a patient scheduled for exercise electrocardiography about the procedure
  b. Placing electrodes in the correct position for a patient who is to receive ECG moni-toring
  c. Checking the catheter insertion site for a patient who is recovering from a coronary angiogram
  d. Monitoring a patient who has just returned to the unit after a transesophageal echo-cardiogram

[mjenn52]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The elevation in troponin T and I indicates that the patient has had an acute myocardial infarc-tion. Further assessment and interventions are indicated. The other laboratory results are indica-tive of increased risk for coronary artery disease but are not associated with acute cardiac prob-lems that need immediate intervention.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
UAP can be educated in standardized lead placement for ECG monitoring. Assessment of pa-tients who have had procedures where airway maintenance (transesophageal echocardiography) or bleeding (coronary angiogram) is a concern must be done by the registered nurse (RN). Patient teaching requires RN level education and scope of practice.

[penza]

Excellent

[scottmt]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it