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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Fresh fruits are good to include with meals.”. Including fresh fruits with meals is an excellent choice for a heart-healthy diet. Fresh fruits are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Choice B rationale:
"I will replace table salt with dried herbs.”. This is a good choice for reducing sodium intake. Dried herbs can add flavor to food without the need for table salt, which is high in sodium. Lowering sodium intake is crucial for individuals with hypertension to manage their condition and maintain a heart-healthy diet.
Choice C rationale:
"I can have a cola drink twice a day.”. This choice is incorrect. Consuming cola drinks, which are high in sugar and caffeine, is not advisable for individuals with hypertension. High sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and high blood pressure, while caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure. Clients with hypertension should limit or avoid soda consumption.
Choice D rationale:
"I can eat frozen juice bars for a snack.”. Frozen juice bars can be a healthier alternative to high-calorie, sugary snacks. However, the specific content of these bars should be considered. If they contain added sugars or high levels of sodium, it may not be the best choice. Clients with hypertension should focus on snacks that are low in added sugars and salt.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate a low pH (acidemia) and high PaCO2, which is characteristic of respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to an accumulation of CO2 and a decrease in pH. In this case, the high PaCO2 (50 mm Hg) indicates that the client is retaining carbon dioxide, likely due to impaired ventilation. The normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45, and the normal PaCO2 range is 35 to 45 mm Hg. These ABG values reflect an acid-base imbalance in the respiratory system, specifically, respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. This is not the condition described in the client's ABG results, as the pH is low (acidemic) and HCO3 levels are within the normal range (24 mEq/L).
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a decreased HCO3 level. The client's ABG results do not align with metabolic acidosis since the pH is low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level is within the normal range (24 mEq/L).
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low PaCO2. The client's ABG results do not match this condition as the pH is low (acidemic) and the PaCO2 is high (50 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. Therefore, choice A, respiratory acidosis, is the correct interpretation of the ABG results.
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