A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has angina and a new prescription of nitroglycerin sublingual. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Jaundice. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a sign of liver dysfunction and may indicate hepatotoxicity rather than an allergic reaction. Some medications can cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), but jaundice is not a typical symptom of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.

B. Urticaria. Urticaria (hives) is a classic allergic reaction that appears as raised, red, itchy welts on the skin. It occurs due to the release of histamine in response to an allergen, which increases capillary permeability and leads to swelling and itching. Urticaria may be accompanied by angioedema, respiratory distress, or anaphylaxis, requiring immediate intervention if severe.

C. Bradycardia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical manifestation of an allergic reaction. While anaphylaxis can cause hypotension and tachycardia due to systemic vasodilation, bradycardia is more commonly associated with beta-blockers, heart block, or vagal stimulation rather than an allergic response.

D. Hypertension. Allergic reactions, especially severe ones like anaphylaxis, typically cause vasodilation and hypotension, not hypertension. While stress or anxiety related to an allergic episode may lead to a temporary rise in blood pressure, persistent hypertension is not a direct sign of an allergic reaction.

A. "Instruct the client's visitors not to operate the PCA pump.” Only the client should press the PCA button to self-administer medication. Allowing visitors or family members to press the button ("PCA by proxy") increases the risk of over-sedation, respiratory depression, and opioid toxicity. The nurse should reinforce to visitors that only the client should control medication delivery based on their own pain level.

B. "Check the client's pain level every 8 hours." Pain assessment should be performed more frequently than every 8 hours when a client is receiving morphine PCA. Pain, sedation level, and respiratory status should be monitored every 1–2 hours initially and then at regular intervals as determined by hospital protocol to ensure effective pain management and prevent complications such as respiratory depression.

C. "Diarrhea is an adverse effect of morphine PCA." Morphine is an opioid analgesic that commonly causes constipation, not diarrhea. Opioids slow gastric motility, which can lead to delayed bowel movements, bloating, and discomfort. Clients on long-term opioid therapy often require stool softeners or laxatives to prevent opioid-induced constipation.

D. "Using morphine PCA increases the client's risk of toxicity." PCA pumps are designed with preset dose limits and lockout intervals to prevent overdose. While there is a risk of opioid toxicity if the system is misused (e.g., PCA by proxy or improper settings), PCA is actually safer than traditional opioid administration methods because it allows for precise dosing and patient-controlled pain management. Proper monitoring helps prevent complications.