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 C
Explanation
A) "Heparin enhances the effects of the warfarin.": This statement is incorrect. Heparin and warfarin work through different mechanisms. Heparin acts quickly by inhibiting clot formation through antithrombin, while warfarin acts slower by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. They do not directly enhance each other's effects.
B) "Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots.": This is inaccurate. Neither heparin nor warfarin dissolve existing clots; they prevent new clots from forming and existing clots from growing. The body's natural processes will eventually dissolve the clot.
C) "Heparin will be continued until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level!": This is correct. Heparin is used initially because it acts quickly. Warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels. Overlapping the two ensures continuous anticoagulation until warfarin is effective.
D) "I will ask the charge nurse to call your provider and get an explanation.": While involving the provider for further explanation can be helpful, it does not directly answer the client’s question. Providing accurate information about the overlapping use of heparin and warfarin is more appropriate in this context.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) To provide analgesia:
Aspirin is primarily used as an antiplatelet medication in the context of myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary artery disease (CAD). While aspirin can provide mild pain relief (analgesia), its main therapeutic effect in this scenario is not for pain management.
B) To reduce inflammation:
Aspirin does have anti-inflammatory properties, but its use in preventing cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction is primarily due to its antiplatelet effects rather than its anti-inflammatory properties.
C) To prevent fever:
Aspirin is sometimes used to reduce fever, but its role in preventing cardiovascular complications like clot formation after myocardial infarction is more crucial and unrelated to fever prevention.
D) To prevent blood clotting:
Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces the risk of blood clot formation. This antiplatelet effect is beneficial in preventing further clot formation in coronary arteries, which is critical in the management of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.
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