The nurse obtains the following data when assessing a patient who experienced an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 2 days previously. Which information is most important to report to the health care provider?
a. The troponin level is elevated.
b. The patient denies ever having a heart attack.
c. Bilateral crackles are auscultated in the mid-lower lobes.
d. The patient has occasional premature atrial contractions (PACs).
ANS: C
The crackles indicate that the patient may be developing heart failure, a possible complication of myocardial infarction (MI). The health care provider may need to order medications such as diuretics or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for the patient. Elevation in troponin level at this time is expected. PACs are not life-threatening dysrhythmias. Denial is a common response in the immediate period after the MI.
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