Cardiac Disorders NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A client has an elevated AST 24 hours following chest pain and shortness of breath. This is suggestive of which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: AST is an enzyme released in response to tissue damage. The symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, along with elevated AST 24 hours later, are suggestive of myocardial infarction. AST rises after a myocardial infarction but may also rise with liver damage or skeletal muscle injury. Gallbladder disease typically presents with pain in the right scapula region and would not have an elevated AST.