A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client. Exhibits The nurse reviews the client’s medical record. Select the 4 actions the nurse should take.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Sputum cultures are indicated for suspected respiratory infections, not myocardial infarction. This is incorrect. B. A 12-lead ECG is the first diagnostic test for chest pain to identify ST-segment elevation or ischemic changes indicating myocardial infarction. C. Antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin) prevents further platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, which improves coronary blood flow during acute coronary syndromes. D. ABGs may provide information about oxygenation, but are not routinely required unless severe respiratory compromise or acidosis is suspected. Priority is oxygen and cardiac assessment. E. Preparing for cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography) is appropriate since this client shows positive troponins and unrelieved chest pain, indicating myocardial infarction requiring reperfusion evaluation. F. Oxygen administration at 2 L/min via nasal cannula helps improve oxygenation (SpO₂ 89%) and reduces myocardial ischemia. Maintaining SpO₂ ≥ 90% is essential to minimize cardiac workload.