The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient who has presented in the Emergency Room. The lab results show that the troponin T value is at 5.3 ng/mL. Whi

The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient who has presented in the Emergency Room. The lab results show that the troponin T value is at 5.3 ng/mL. Which of these interventions, if not completed already, would take priority over the others?

1. Put the patient in a 90 degree position
2. Check whether the patient is taking diuretics
3. Obtain and attach defibrillator leads
4. Check the patient’s last ejection fraction

1. Put the patient in a 90 degree position
Incorrect – This position is optimal for helping a patient breathe, but is not the priority action in an emergency situation.

2. Check whether the patient is taking diuretics
Incorrect – Diuretics play a role in CHF by decreasing fluid volume, but this patient is likely having an acute myocardial infarction.

Correct Answer: 3. Obtain and attach defibrillator leads
Correct – This patient is undergoing an emergency cardiac event. Normal Troponin T levels are less than 0.2 ng/mL. Ventricular Fibrillation is the cause of death in most cases of deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is the most important action to take to prevent death.

4. Check the patient’s last ejection fraction
Incorrect – Ejection fraction is a test used to gauge the severity of CHF, not an emergency cardiac arrest.