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 ranolazine does not increase heart rate and cardiac output. Instead, it has a neutral effect on heart rate.
B) This choice is incorrect because ranolazine does not directly dilate coronary arteries. Its primary action is to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and improve oxygen utilization in the heart.
C) This choice is correct. Ranolazine is an anti-anginal medication that primarily works by reducing myocardial oxygen demand. It achieves this by inhibiting the late sodium current in cardiac cells, which helps decrease intracellular calcium levels, thereby reducing the energy required for the heart's contraction and relaxation. This results in improved oxygen utilization in the heart muscle and decreased anginal symptoms.
D) This choice is incorrect because ranolazine is not an antiplatelet medication. Its mechanism of action is related to its effects on myocardial oxygen demand and utilization, not its impact on platelet aggregation and clot formation.
Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because while aspirin is important for clients with angina, the priority teaching point is the use of nitroglycerin for chest pain relief during angina episodes.
B) This choice is incorrect because keeping a log of triggers can be helpful for managing angina, but it is not the priority teaching point regarding the immediate relief of chest pain.
C) This choice is incorrect because limiting physical activity to avoid exertion is not the primary management strategy for angina. Moderate exercise, as tolerated, is beneficial for clients with stable angina.
D) This choice is correct. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that helps to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and relieving chest pain during an angina episode. Teaching the client to use nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain relief is a priority in angina management.
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