A nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the administration of nitroglycerin. Which of the following routes of administration provides the most rapid onset for the client?
Topical ointment
Sustained-release
Sublingual
Transdermal patch
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Topical ointment Topical ointment forms of nitroglycerin are used for their long-acting effects. The medication is absorbed slowly through the skin, providing a steady level of drug in the bloodstream. This form is not designed for rapid relief of acute angina attacks but rather for prevention.
Choice B: Sustained-release Sustained-release forms of nitroglycerin are designed to release the medication slowly over an extended period. This route is also not suitable for treating acute symptoms because it does not provide immediate relief but is used for long-term management of angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin is a medication used primarily to treat angina pectoris (chest pain) and heart failure. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles and dilating the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the heart and decreases its workload. The route of administration can significantly affect the onset and duration of the medication’s action.
Choice C: Sublingual The sublingual route, where the medication is placed under the tongue, allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels found in the area. This form of nitroglycerin acts quickly, usually within 1 to 3 minutes, and is the preferred choice for immediate relief of angina pain. When rapid onset is required for relief from acute angina symptoms, the sublingual route is the most appropriate choice for administering nitroglycerin. It provides quick absorption and fast action, making it an essential treatment option for patients experiencing chest pain due to angina.
Choice D: Transdermal patch Transdermal patches release nitroglycerin slowly through the skin and into the bloodstream. Like topical ointments and sustained-release forms, they are used for long-term prophylaxis of angina and not for rapid relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tenderness in the left upper abdomen is not typically associated with an obstruction of the common bile duct. This symptom is more commonly related to conditions affecting the stomach, pancreas, or spleen. The common bile duct is in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and tenderness in this area might be expected with its obstruction.
Choice B reason: Ecchymosis of the extremities is not a common finding in common bile duct obstruction. Ecchymosis, or bruising, is usually due to trauma, blood disorders, or other causes of fragile blood vessels and is not related to bile duct issues.
Choice C reason: Pale-colored urine is the opposite of what might be expected with common bile duct obstruction. Typically, the urine may become dark due to increased bilirubin levels that are excreted by the kidneys when the bile duct is obstructed.
Choice D reason: Fatty stools, or steatorrhea, are a classic finding in common bile duct obstruction. When bile flow is blocked, fats are not properly digested and absorbed, leading to stools that are bulky, greasy, and often have a foul odor. This occurs because bile is necessary for the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats in the intestine.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dizziness and pallor are common vasomotor symptoms of early dumping syndrome. They result from the rapid shift of fluid into the intestine, leading to a decrease in blood volume and a temporary decrease in blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Abdominal cramping and pain are gastrointestinal symptoms of dumping syndrome but are not specifically vasomotor manifestations. They occur due to the rapid entry of hyperosmolar contents into the small intestine.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not typically a symptom of dumping syndrome. Instead, tachycardia is more commonly observed due to the body's response to the rapid changes in the gastrointestinal tract and blood volume.
Choice D reason: Double vision and chest pain are not typical symptoms of dumping syndrome. These symptoms may indicate other medical conditions and should be evaluated separately.
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