A nurse is caring for a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to find in the early stage of the disease?

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and reduces myocardial oxygen demand. It is used to treat and prevent angina atacks. A common side effect of nitroglycerin is headache, which is caused by cerebral vasodilation. The nurse should advise the client to take a mild analgesic, such as acetaminophen, to relieve the headache. The headache usually subsides with continued use of nitroglycerin.

The other options are not correct because:

"Take only one dose of nitroglycerin to reduce the risk of getting a headache." This statement is incorrect because it may compromise the effectiveness of nitroglycerin in relieving angina. The client should follow the prescribed dosage and frequency of nitroglycerin, which is usually one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses, as needed for chest pain.

"There's nothing that can be done to relieve the headaches that nitroglycerin causes." This statement is incorrect because it is discouraging and dismissive of the client's concern. The nurse should acknowledge the client's

discomfort and offer suggestions for managing the side effect, such as taking a mild analgesic or lying down in a dark room.

"We will ask the provider to prescribe a different medication for you." This statement is incorrect because it implies that nitroglycerin is not suitable for the client and may cause unnecessary anxiety or confusion. The nurse should explain that nitroglycerin is an effective and safe medication for angina and that the headache is a common and transient side effect that can be managed with simple measures. The nurse should also inform the client that there are other forms of nitroglycerin, such as patches or sprays, that may have less headache-inducing effects. However, changing the medication or the route of administration should be done only after consulting with the provider.

Hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain, causing bleeding and increased intracranial pressure. The client's symptoms of sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure, and

unresponsiveness are consistent with hemorrhagic stroke. The client's elevated blood pressure and temperature are also risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke.

Thrombotic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, causing ischemia and tissue damage. The client's symptoms are not typical of thrombotic stroke, which usually has a gradual onset and affects one side of the body.

Transient ischemic atack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing neurologic deficits that resolve within 24 hours. The client's symptoms are not indicative of TIA, which does not cause loss of consciousness or permanent brain damage.

Embolic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot or other debris travels from another part of the body to the brain, causing occlusion and ischemia. The client's symptoms are not characteristic of embolic stroke, which usually has a sudden onset and affects one side of the body.