In suspected ACS with elevated cardiac biomarkers, which nursing action is anticipated?

In suspected ACS with elevated cardiac biomarkers, which nursing action is anticipated?

• A. Withhold analgesia
• B. Administer aspirin only
• C. Discharge patient
• D. Prepare to administer morphine

Answer: (D)

Relieving chest pain and lowering the heart’s workload are central goals in suspected ACS with elevated biomarkers. Morphine is used to control severe or persistent chest pain and, beyond analgesia, it helps reduce myocardial oxygen demand. It achieves this by causing venodilation, which lowers preload, and by dampening sympathetic stimulation that can raise heart rate and blood pressure. By easing pain and anxiety, morphine further decreases catecholamine-driven demand on the heart, helping stabilize the patient’s condition. The nursing actions focus on preparing to administer morphine when pain remains controlled with nitrates and aspirin or when pain persists despite initial therapy. While giving analgesia, the nurse continues close monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, and pain level, and remains vigilant for side effects such as hypotension or respiratory depression. Proper timing and assessment ensure analgesia contributes to overall ischemia management without compromising safety.

Relieving chest pain and lowering the heart’s workload are central goals in suspected ACS with elevated biomarkers. Morphine is used to control severe or persistent chest pain and, beyond analgesia, it helps reduce myocardial oxygen demand. It achieves this by causing venodilation, which lowers preload, and by dampening sympathetic stimulation that can raise heart rate and blood pressure. By easing pain and anxiety, morphine further decreases catecholamine-driven demand on the heart, helping stabilize the patient’s condition.

The nursing actions focus on preparing to administer morphine when pain remains controlled with nitrates and aspirin or when pain persists despite initial therapy. While giving analgesia, the nurse continues close monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, and pain level, and remains vigilant for side effects such as hypotension or respiratory depression. Proper timing and assessment ensure analgesia contributes to overall ischemia management without compromising safety.