A client with angina pectoris is prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. What instructions should the nurse provide about taking nitroglycerin?
"Place the tablet under your tongue at the onset of chest pain and swallow it immediately."
"Take the tablet with a full glass of water at the first sign of chest discomfort."
"Crush the tablet and mix it with food to enhance its effect."
"Keep the tablets in their original bottle, away from moisture and heat."
The Correct Answer is D
A: This choice is incorrect because nitroglycerin tablets should not be swallowed immediately; they are designed to dissolve under the tongue to provide rapid relief from chest pain.
B: This choice is incorrect as nitroglycerin tablets do not need to be taken with water; they should dissolve sublingually and taking them with water could dilute the medication, reducing its effectiveness.
C: This choice is incorrect because crushing the tablet and mixing it with food would delay and potentially reduce the absorption of the medication, which is critical during an episode of angina.
D: This is the correct instruction because nitroglycerin tablets are very sensitive to light and moisture, which can reduce their effectiveness. Keeping them in their original bottle ensures they are protected from environmental factors that could degrade the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because beta-blockers do not directly dilate blood vessels. They primarily work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, leading to decreased heart rate and reduced blood pressure.
B) This choice is incorrect because beta-blockers do not directly affect cholesterol levels or prevent the formation of plaques in arteries. Their primary action is on the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart and blood pressure.
C) This choice is correct. Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed after an MI to reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. By blocking the effects of adrenaline, they help slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction, thereby decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and improving the heart's efficiency.
D) This choice is incorrect because beta-blockers do not directly prevent blood clot formation in coronary arteries. Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications are used to reduce the risk of clot formation in individuals at high risk for recurrent heart attacks.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A: This choice is incorrect because nitroglycerin tablets should not be swallowed immediately; they are designed to dissolve under the tongue to provide rapid relief from chest pain.
B: This choice is incorrect as nitroglycerin tablets do not need to be taken with water; they should dissolve sublingually and taking them with water could dilute the medication, reducing its effectiveness.
C: This choice is incorrect because crushing the tablet and mixing it with food would delay and potentially reduce the absorption of the medication, which is critical during an episode of angina.
D: This is the correct instruction because nitroglycerin tablets are very sensitive to light and moisture, which can reduce their effectiveness. Keeping them in their original bottle ensures they are protected from environmental factors that could degrade the medication.
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