A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is being treated. Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL is elevated, indicating myocardial damage, making it the most concerning finding in a client with a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponin is a highly specific marker for cardiac muscle damage, and elevated levels suggest ongoing injury to the heart muscle. While Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is also a cardiac enzyme, troponin is more specific and sensitive for myocardial damage. Serum potassium and blood glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in MI patients, but in this scenario, the elevated troponin level takes precedence as it directly reflects cardiac injury.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Contact precautions are necessary when performing postmortem care on a client with MRSA to prevent the spread of infection. Contact precautions involve using barriers like gloves and gowns to limit direct contact with the deceased individual's body fluids and tissues. Airborne precautions are used for pathogens that are transmitted through the air, like tuberculosis. Droplet precautions are for pathogens that are transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as influenza. Compromised host precautions are not a recognized standard precaution type and are not applicable in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Makes the moral judgment that 'stealing is wrong''. This finding signifies the attainment of the concrete operational stage according to Piaget. At this stage, children begin to understand rules and logic, including moral judgments. Choice A is incorrect because it does not specifically relate to concrete operational thinking. Choice B is incorrect as it refers more to the preoperational stage where children engage in symbolic thought. Choice D is also incorrect as it involves practical reasoning, which is not directly related to the concrete operational stage according to Piaget.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In acetaminophen poisoning, liver damage is a significant concern due to the drug's metabolism in the liver. Monitoring liver enzymes such as AST and ALT is crucial as they indicate liver function and damage. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (Choice A) are coagulation studies and are not the priority in acetaminophen poisoning. Red blood cell and white blood cell counts (Choice B) are not directly related to acetaminophen poisoning. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (Choice C) assess kidney function, but liver enzymes are more specific for evaluating liver damage in acetaminophen poisoning.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best response for the nurse to provide in this scenario is option D: "Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that is often effective for management of pain." This response is correct because it acknowledges the client's preference for alternative treatments and supports the use of acupuncture based on the client's positive past experiences with this modality. Option A is incorrect because it dismisses the client's preference for non-surgical interventions and fails to consider alternative treatment options. Option B is incorrect as it suggests revisiting a medication regimen that the client has already reported as ineffective for the current acute episode of pain. Option C is also incorrect as it suggests less invasive treatments that may not align with the client's preference for acupuncture. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of person-centered care and respecting the client's autonomy in decision-making regarding their healthcare. It also emphasizes the value of exploring and incorporating alternative and complementary therapies in pain management, especially when conventional treatments have been ineffective or are not preferred by the client. Understanding and respecting the client's beliefs, preferences, and past experiences with treatments are essential aspects of providing holistic and effective nursing care.