Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Practice
A client is admitted with a possible myocardial infarction. Which laboratory test result is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Serum troponin is the most specific and sensitive indicator of myocardial infarction. Troponin levels rise within 3-4 hours after myocardial damage, peak at 10-24 hours, and remain elevated for up to 10-14 days. Creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin can also be elevated in myocardial infarction, but troponin is more specific to cardiac muscle damage. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation and is not specific for myocardial infarction.