A nurse administered nitroglycerin sublingually to a client who has angina pectoris and experienced chest pain.
The client states that his chest pain is relieved but now he has a headache.
Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
"A headache indicates tolerance to the medication.”.
"It sounds as if you are allergic to this medication.”.
"A headache is a common adverse effect of this medication, but it will probably occur less often over time.”.
"Your headache is probably a result of anxiety about the chest pain.”.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Tolerance to nitroglycerin is not indicated by the presence of a headache. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina, and headaches can be a common side effect.
Choice B rationale:
Allergic reactions to nitroglycerin are rare, and a headache is not a typical symptom of an allergy to this medication.
Choice C rationale:
"A headache is a common adverse effect of this medication, but it will probably occur less often over time.”. This is the correct response. Nitroglycerin commonly causes headaches due to its vasodilatory effects. Patients often experience this side effect initially, but it tends to improve or occur less frequently with continued use. The nurse should educate the client about this and reassure them that the headaches should diminish over time.
Choice D rationale:
Anxiety may exacerbate chest pain, but it is not the likely cause of the headache. It is important to address the headache as a potential side effect of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A client who takes glyburide for type 2 diabetes mellitus is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Glyburide is an antidiabetic medication and does not interact directly with digoxin.
Choice B rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (normal potassium levels: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and hypomagnesemia (normal magnesium levels: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL). These imbalances increase the sensitivity to digoxin and the risk of toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias. Furosemide's impact on electrolytes makes it a significant risk factor for digoxin toxicity.
Choice C rationale: Cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, can inhibit the metabolism of certain drugs by affecting liver enzymes. However, it does not significantly alter digoxin levels or increase the risk of toxicity. Normal liver enzyme levels include ALT (7 to 56 U/L) and AST (10 to 40 U/L). While cimetidine may interact with other medications, its effect on digoxin is minimal.
Choice D rationale:
A client who takes azelastine for allergic rhinitis is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Azelastine is an antihistamine and does not interact directly with digoxin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH (above the normal range of 7.35-7.45) and an increased bicarbonate (HCO3) level (above the normal range of 22-28 mEq/L). In this case, the client's pH of 7.6 and HCO3 level of 32 mEq/L indicate a primary metabolic alkalosis. It can be caused by excessive bicarbonate intake, loss of acid (as in vomiting or excessive diuretic use), or other factors that result in an excess of bicarbonate in the body. The PaCO2 level is within the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), which is consistent with compensatory hypoventilation seen in metabolic alkalosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic acidosis Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and bicarbonate level. The client's ABG results do not align with metabolic acidosis. In this case, the pH is elevated, and the bicarbonate level is above the normal range.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and decreased PaCO2. The client's ABG results show a normal PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg, which does not align with respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, you would typically see a lower PaCO2.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and elevated PaCO2. The client's ABG results do not align with respiratory acidosis. In this case, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, and the pH is elevated, which is not indicative of respiratory acidosis.
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