Chapter 17

Question 1

LAB STUDIES FOR MI
-What are the two laboratory studies that can be done for myocardial infarction?

Answer 1

1. Troponins
2. Aterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Question 2

LAB STUDIES FOR MI: Troponins
-What are troponins?

Answer 2

Proteins found in the cardiac muscle that are released when damage to the muscle has occurred

Question 3

LAB STUDIES FOR MI: Troponins
-What do high levels of troponins mean?

Answer 3

MI

Question 4

LAB STUDIES FOR MI: Troponins
-Normally, how are troponins in the blood?

Answer 4

They are undetectable in the blood

Question 5

LAB STUDIES FOR MI: Troponins
-Explain how you would evaluate chest pain with troponin

Answer 5

1. Perform a series of 3 serial troponin levels drawn 8 hrs apart
2. ALL THREE must be NEGATIVE to rule out MI

Question 6

LAB STUDIES FOR MI: Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)
-What does this test?

Answer 6

1. Oxygen
2. CO2
3. Bicarbonate
4. pH levels

Question 7

LAB STUDIES FOR MI: Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)
-Describe why this is done for MI

Answer 7

Because oxygen content of the blood can be affected by cardiovascular disorders, such as MI

Question 8

TEST FOR SEPTICEMIA
-What would you use to test for septicemia?

Answer 8

Blood cultures

Question 9

TEST FOR SEPTICEMIA
-Explain why blood cultures are performed

Answer 9

To assess microorganisms that cause septicemia

Question 10

TEST FOR SEPTICEMIA
-Explain what the microorganisms that cause septicemia do

Answer 10

-These organisms in the blood can attach to the endocardium & infect heart valves, causing inflammation
-This interferes with valve opening & closing

Question 11

TEST FOR SEPTICEMIA
-After identification of the microorganism, what will happen?

Answer 11

The patient is given appropriate antimicrobial drugs to eradicate the infection