Which of the following is cardiac biomarker?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Troponin is a protein complex found in cardiac and skeletal muscles that regulates muscle contraction.
Cardiac-specific troponins (cTnI and cTnT) are released into the blood following injury to heart muscle cells (myocytes).
Elevated levels of cardiac troponin are a highly sensitive and specific indicator of myocardial damage, making it the preferred biomarker for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (MI).
High-sensitivity troponin assays can detect even minor cardiac injury, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention.

Option A: Creatinine is a biomarker for renal (kidney) function, not cardiac function. It is a waste product of muscle metabolism cleared by the kidneys.
Option B: Heparin is not a biomarker; it is a pharmacologic agent (an anticoagulant drug) used to prevent and treat blood clots.
Option D: Trypsin is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas to break down proteins in the small intestine. It has no role in cardiac function.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of Cardiac Biomarkers as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role in suspected MI is the prompt collection of blood samples for cardiac biomarker analysis, as ordered, and immediate reporting of critical results.
Serial troponin measurements (e.g., at presentation, 3 hours, and 6 hours) are essential to observe a rising and/or falling pattern, which confirms an acute cardiac event rather than a chronic elevation.
Understanding the timeline of biomarker elevation helps nurses anticipate orders and educate patients about the diagnostic process.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem, which is 'cardiac biomarker'.
Understand that a biomarker is a substance measured in the body that indicates a particular disease state. In this case, it's for the heart.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of physiology and pharmacology.
Option A, Creatinine, is famously associated with kidney function.
Option B, Heparin, is a well-known anticoagulant medication.
Option D, Trypsin, is a key enzyme in the digestive system.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QM1xrvdH5Zf1wIZphDkqm

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 258-260

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 20-22

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 148-150

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.