Cardiac Case Study

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1. Discuss your immediate priorities and rationales for these as you manage Ron’s presenting problem. 5% 2. Discuss the disease process which has probably been the precursor for Ron’s problem in terms of its aetiology and pathophysiology. 10% 3 a. Discuss the rationales for this decision in terms of the potential actions of the drugs. b. Outline the nursing actions and precautions that would precede/ accompany administration of these medications. 10% 4. Outline the ‘blood tests’ you would have contemplated collecting given Ron’s presenting complaint and discuss your rationales. 5% Ron has presented with left sided chest pain. Blood tests to be collected include Blood Chemistry, cardiac enzymes and cardiac proteins markers. Blood Chemistry shows the levels of electrolytes, proteins and cholesterol. In relation to Ron the most Important electrolyte in the Blood Chemistry test is Potassium (K). The normal range of Potassium is 3.5-5.0 mmol/ litre. Low levels of potassium can cause an increase in heart muscle activity, resulting in an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation. High levels of potassium decrease heart muscle activity, while both cases can lead to a Myocardial Infarction or heart attack (Mushnick, 2007) Cardiac markers include Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LD), myoglobin, Troponin I and Troponin T, Homocysteine, C-reactive Protein (CRP) and B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2005) Ron will need his Troponin Levels checked. Troponin is a protein found in both skeletal and cardiac muscles. There are two types of troponin, Troponin I and troponin T. Troponin I and T are both found in the myocardium however Troponin T is also found in the skeletal muscle. "Troponin I levels can indicate an infarction, while Troponin T leels can be determined at the bedside, making them a useful tool for
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