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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason:Pain that is relieved by food intake is a classic symptom of duodenal ulcers, as eating can neutralize stomach acid temporarily, providing relief.
Choice B reason:Pain radiating down the right arm is not a typical symptom of a duodenal ulcer; it is more commonly associated with cardiac issues.
Choice C reason:Nausea and vomiting can be associated with duodenal ulcers, but they are not as specific as pain relief by food intake.
Choice D reason:Weight loss can occur with duodenal ulcers due to pain and eating avoidance, but the key symptom that relates directly to the ulcer is pain relief after food intake.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A headache is not typically an indication of an allergy to nitroglycerin. Allergic reactions are more likely to present with symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
Choice B reason:Headaches are a well-known side effect of nitroglycerin, due to its vasodilating effects, which can cause dilation of cerebral arteries.
Choice C reason:While anxiety can cause headaches, in this context, where the client has taken nitroglycerin, it is more likely that the headache is a side effect of the medication rather than anxiety.
Choice D reason:Tolerance to medication would reduce the effectiveness of the drug, not typically cause a headache. The headache is a common side effect, not an indication of tolerance.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.