A patient in the Emergency department is suspected of having a myocardial infarction (MI). The initial cardiac troponin 1 level was negative. What action by the healthcare professional is best?
A)Prepare the patient for thrombolytic therapy.
B)Dismiss the patient because the lab was negative.
C)Schedule repeat lab within a few hours.
D)Give the patient oxygen and pain medication.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Several cardiac biomarkers exist including the most specific, cardiac troponin 1 (cTnI), cTnI begins to rise within 2 to 4 hours after cardiac injury, so if the initial result is normal, the test should be repeated within 6 to 9 hours and again at 12 to 24 hours. It is not known yet if the patient has had an MI so treatment with thrombolytic therapy would be premature. The patient should not be dismissed since the professional suspected an MI. The patient does need oxygen and pain medication (if pain is present) but that option is not directly related to the question.

A Patient in the Emergency Department Is Suspected of Having