A patient with angina is receiving Nitroglycerin and begins to complain of a severe headache. What is the most appropriate response from the nurse?
Headaches can occur due to the vasoconstriction effect of the medication.
I can give you some Morphine to help with that headache.
I will notify the physician immediately.
This is a normal side effect of Nitroglycerin as it dilates your body's vessels.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: The statement "Headaches can occur due to the vasoconstriction effect of the medication" is incorrect. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, not vasoconstriction. Vasodilation increases blood flow, which can lead to headaches as a common side effect.
Choice B reason: Offering Morphine to manage the headache is not the most appropriate initial response. While Morphine can relieve pain, it's essential to educate the patient about the common side effects of Nitroglycerin and provide reassurance. Morphine use should be carefully considered and is typically reserved for more severe pain management.
Choice C reason: Notifying the physician immediately is not necessary in this scenario, as a headache is a known and common side effect of Nitroglycerin. It's more appropriate to educate the patient about the side effects and provide reassurance. Only if the headache is severe and unrelieved by other measures should the physician be notified.
Choice D reason: Explaining that the headache is a normal side effect of Nitroglycerin, which dilates blood vessels, is the most appropriate response. This helps to reassure the patient and provides an understanding of why the headache is occurring. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce angina symptoms, and headaches are a common side effect due to this vasodilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C,D,A,B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing the client's respiratory status is the top priority action. This ensures that any immediate issues with breathing or oxygenation are identified and managed promptly. Respiratory status can quickly deteriorate in patients with heart failure, and addressing this first can be life-saving.
Choice B reason: Drawing blood to assess the patient's serum electrolytes is important to determine any imbalances that need immediate correction. Electrolyte levels can affect heart function and overall stability, so understanding the patient's current status helps guide further treatment.
Choice C reason: Administering the prescribed intravenous furosemide (Lasix) is critical for managing fluid overload in heart failure. Furosemide helps reduce fluid retention and alleviate symptoms such as pulmonary edema, which can improve respiratory status and overall comfort.
Choice D reason: Asking the patient about an advanced directive is important for understanding their wishes and planning care accordingly. However, it is not an immediate priority compared to stabilizing the patient's respiratory status and addressing urgent medical needs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status is essential for patients with acute pancreatitis. This allows the pancreas to rest and decreases the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. NPO status is typically maintained until the patient's symptoms improve and the inflammation subsides.
Choice B reason: A soft, bland diet is not appropriate for the initial management of acute pancreatitis. Introducing food too early can stimulate pancreatic enzyme production and worsen inflammation. Once the patient stabilizes, dietary recommendations may include a gradual reintroduction of low-fat, bland foods.
Choice C reason: A regular diet is not suitable for patients with acute pancreatitis. Consuming a regular diet can exacerbate symptoms and inflammation by stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion. Patients need to follow a more controlled dietary plan to manage their condition effectively.
Choice D reason: A low-fat, high-fiber diet is beneficial for general health but not for the initial management of acute pancreatitis. Once the patient's condition stabilizes and they are no longer NPO, a low-fat diet may be introduced gradually to avoid stimulating pancreatic enzyme production.
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