A nurse caring for a patient with unstable angina will most likely need to give medications to accomplish which desirable objective?

Choice A rationale
Decreasing coronary artery constriction by giving aspirin is a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of clot formation and improving blood flow in the coronary arteries. This helps to alleviate chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.
Choice B rationale
Increasing afterload for the left ventricle to maximize cardiac output is not a desirable objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing afterload would increase the workload on the heart, which is counterproductive in patients with angina. The goal is to reduce the heart’s workload and improve blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Increasing preload to reduce overall cardiac workload is not a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing preload would increase the volume of blood returning to the heart, potentially worsening symptoms. The focus is on reducing myocardial oxygen demand and improving coronary perfusion.
Choice D rationale
Reducing arterial inflammation by administering statins is a long-term strategy for managing cardiovascular disease, but it is not the immediate objective in managing unstable angina.
Statins help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, but the immediate goal in unstable angina is to relieve chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.

Choice A rationale
Administering diuretic medication as prescribed is an important intervention for managing fluid overload in heart failure. Diuretics help reduce fluid accumulation by increasing urine output, which can alleviate symptoms such as swelling and shortness of breath. However, before administering any medication, it is crucial to assess the client’s current respiratory status and oxygen saturation to determine the severity of their condition and ensure that the intervention is appropriate and safe.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the client’s legs can help reduce swelling in the lower extremities by promoting venous return and decreasing fluid accumulation. While this intervention can provide some relief, it does not address the immediate concern of the client’s respiratory status. Assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation is a priority to ensure that they are receiving adequate oxygenation and to identify any potential respiratory distress that may require urgent intervention.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation is the first priority in this scenario. Heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange, resulting in shortness of breath and decreased oxygen levels. By assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation, the nurse can determine the severity of the client’s condition, identify any immediate respiratory needs, and implement appropriate interventions to improve oxygenation and respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Restricting fluid intake is a common intervention for managing fluid overload in heart failure. By limiting fluid intake, the nurse can help prevent further fluid accumulation and reduce the risk of worsening symptoms. However, this intervention does not address the immediate concern of the client’s respiratory status. Assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation is a priority to ensure that they are receiving adequate oxygenation and to identify any potential respiratory distress that may require urgent intervention.