Question

The client is suspected of having had a myocardium infarction. Which diagnostic finding is most significant? A. LDH B. Troponin C. Creatinine D. AST

Short answer

Answer: B. Troponin

Step-by-step solution

A. LDH

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in many body tissues, including the heart. While an increase in LDH levels can indicate tissue damage, it is not specific to myocardial infarction as it can also be elevated in other conditions such as liver disease and anemia. Therefore, LDH is not the most significant diagnostic finding for myocardium infarction.

B. Troponin

Troponin is a protein found in heart muscle cells. When there is damage to the heart muscle, such as in a myocardial infarction, troponin levels in the blood rise. Elevated troponin levels are highly specific for myocardium infarction and can be detected within a few hours after the onset of chest pain, making it a significant diagnostic tool for myocardium infarction.

C. Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles and excreted through the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels are indicative of kidney problems, but not specifically related to myocardium infarction. Thus, creatinine is not a significant diagnostic finding for myocardium infarction.

D. AST

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme present in various tissues, including the heart and liver. While elevated AST levels can indicate tissue damage, it is not specific to myocardium infarction and can be elevated due to other conditions such as liver disease. Therefore, AST is not the most significant diagnostic finding for myocardium infarction.

Conclusion

Among the given options, Troponin is the most significant diagnostic finding for myocardium infarction as it is a highly specific indicator of heart muscle damage. Therefore, the correct answer is option B: Troponin.