A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took three nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

"A headache is an expected side effect of the medication."

"A headache is an indication of an allergy to the medication."

"A headache is likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain."

"A headache indicates tolerance to the medication."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason : Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilatory effects, which can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to headaches. Patients should be informed that this is a common reaction and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary¹²³⁴.

Choice B reason : A headache is not typically an indication of an allergy to nitroglycerin. Allergic reactions would more likely present with symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.

Choice C reason : While anxiety can cause headaches, in this context, the headache is more likely a direct side effect of the nitroglycerin, especially since it occurred after taking the medication and the chest pain was relieved.

Choice D reason : Tolerance to medication refers to a reduced response to a drug over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. A headache after taking nitroglycerin does not indicate tolerance; it is a known side effect of the drug.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason : Albuterol is a bronchodilator often used in asthma to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm. While it can help open airways, in a case of anaphylaxis, it does not address the systemic histamine release and is not the first-line treatment¹.

Choice B reason : Epinephrine is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that can occur after a bee sting. It works rapidly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat¹³. In an emergency situation where a patient is experiencing anaphylactic symptoms such as difficulty breathing and a feeling of a lump in the throat, immediate administration of epinephrine is critical to counteract the reaction.

Choice C reason : The term "high-residual cannula" does not correspond to a recognized medical treatment or device. In the context of anaphylaxis, oxygen may be administered via a high-flow nasal cannula if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress, but this would be secondary to the administration of epinephrine.

Choice D reason : The option "Administer 5 mg prescription of the bee" is nonsensical as it does not refer to a legitimate medical treatment. In the context of bee stings, no medication is prescribed as "prescription of the bee."

A. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level." B. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question." C. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming." D. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason : This statement is misleading. While heparin does need to reach a therapeutic level to be effective, it does not directly dissolve existing clots. Heparin's primary action is to prevent the formation of new clots and the extension of existing clots by inhibiting certain factors in the coagulation cascade.

Choice B reason : While a pharmacist can provide detailed information about medications, it is the nurse's responsibility to educate and inform the client about the effects of their treatment. Therefore, this response would not be appropriate.

Choice C reason : This is the most accurate response. Heparin works by inhibiting the formation of fibrin, which is essential for clot formation. It does not have the ability to dissolve existing clots but can prevent new ones from forming and existing ones from getting larger.

Choice D reason : Oral medications such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be used after heparin to maintain anticoagulation; however, they also do not dissolve clots. The body's natural fibrinolytic system is responsible for breaking down clots over time.

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A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took three nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has thrombophlebitis and is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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