A nurse is talking with a client who is about to start taking nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Take the medication with meals.
Swallow the capsules whole.
Stop taking the medication if you develop headaches.
Take 1 capsule at the onset of anginal pain.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Take the medication with meals:
Nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Taking them with meals may delay or alter the absorption rate, potentially affecting the medication's effectiveness.
B) Swallow the capsules whole:
Nitroglycerin sustained-release capsules should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing. Breaking or crushing the capsules can lead to rapid release of the medication, which may cause adverse effects such as sudden drops in blood pressure or headaches.
C) Stop taking the medication if you develop headaches:
Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilatory effects. Clients are often advised to continue taking the medication as prescribed and inform their healthcare provider about persistent or severe headaches.
D) Take 1 capsule at the onset of anginal pain:
Nitroglycerin is typically used to relieve anginal pain when it occurs. However, sustained-release formulations are not intended for immediate relief of acute angina attacks. Fast-acting formulations like sublingual nitroglycerin tablets are used for acute pain relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): This test is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy, not warfarin. While aPTT measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, it is not the standard test for monitoring warfarin, which affects the extrinsic pathway and vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
B) Platelet count: This test measures the number of platelets in the blood and is used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to platelet function, such as thrombocytopenia. However, it does not provide information about the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, which works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
C) White blood cell count (WBC): This test measures the number of white blood cells in the blood and is used to diagnose and monitor infections and inflammatory conditions. It is not relevant for monitoring the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, as WBC levels are not influenced by warfarin therapy.
D) Prothrombin time (PT): This is the correct test to monitor the effect of warfarin therapy. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of coagulation, which is directly influenced by warfarin. The international normalized ratio (INR) is derived from the PT and is used to standardize PT results, making it the most reliable indicator of warfarin’s anticoagulant effect. Regular monitoring of PT/INR helps ensure therapeutic levels are maintained while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Chill the otic solution prior to administration:
Chilling ear drops is not typically necessary or recommended. Cold solutions can cause discomfort or dizziness when instilled into the ear. Room temperature or slightly warmed ear drops are generally more comfortable for the client.
B) Pull the pinna upward and backward:
This is the correct action for administering ear drops to an adult client. Pulling the pinna (outer ear) upward and backward helps straighten the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter the ear canal properly.
C) Avoid applying pressure to the tragus of the ear:
The tragus is the small cartilaginous flap in front of the ear canal. Applying pressure to the tragus can help facilitate the flow of medication into the ear canal rather than avoiding it. Gently pressing on the tragus after instilling the drops can aid in distributing the medication.
D) Don sterile gloves to instill the medication:
Sterile gloves are not typically required for administering ear drops unless the nurse is dealing with a client with a compromised immune system or open ear canal. Standard precautions (clean hands) are usually sufficient for administering ear drops.
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