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 B
Explanation
A) Have suction equipment at the bedside:
Having suction equipment at the bedside is not specifically related to the administration of clopidogrel. It may be necessary for clients with respiratory or airway concerns but is not directly associated with this medication.
B) Monitor the client for black, tarry stools:
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding. Monitoring for black, tarry stools is essential as it can indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a potential adverse effect of clopidogrel therapy.
C) Initiate contact precautions:
Contact precautions are not required for clients taking clopidogrel. Clopidogrel does not pose an infection risk that would necessitate contact precautions.
D) Administer the medication with each meal:
Clopidogrel is typically administered once daily, regardless of meals. There is no specific requirement to administer it with each meal.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) BP of 132/82 mm Hg: This blood pressure reading is within the normal range for most adults and does not typically indicate a need to withhold digoxin or report to the provider. Digoxin's primary concerns are related to heart rate and electrolyte levels rather than blood pressure.
B) Heart rate of 66/min: A heart rate of 66 beats per minute is within the normal range for adults. While digoxin is used to manage heart rate, particularly in atrial fibrillation, this heart rate does not indicate an immediate need to report to the provider or withhold the medication.
C) Digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL: This digoxin level falls within the therapeutic range, which is typically 0.8 to 2.0 ng/mL for most patients. Therefore, this finding does not indicate digoxin toxicity or a need to report to the provider.
D) Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, as low potassium levels can enhance digoxin's effects on the heart. Therefore, this finding is significant and should be reported to the provider to prevent potential adverse effects and complications.
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