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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Atropine is not typically used for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. It is an anticholinergic drug that is primarily used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and as part of the management of organophosphate poisoning. It does not have a role in the management of pulmonary embolism, which requires anticoagulation to prevent further clot formation.
Choice B reason: Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used to treat fluid overload conditions such as heart failure or edema. While it can help relieve symptoms associated with fluid accumulation, it does not treat the underlying cause of a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the pulmonary arteries.
Choice C reason: Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that is commonly used in the initial treatment of pulmonary embolism. It works by preventing the formation of new blood clots and stopping existing clots from getting bigger. Heparin is often administered intravenously or subcutaneously and is a key component in the management of pulmonary embolism.
Choice D reason: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that is used to reduce inflammation in various conditions, such as allergic reactions, asthma, and certain types of arthritis. It is not used as a primary treatment for pulmonary embolism, as it does not have anticoagulant properties.
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