A patient with angina pectoris has been discharged with a new prescription for nitroglycerin tablets.
What is the most important instruction for the practical nurse (PN) to emphasize to the patient regarding the administration of nitroglycerin?

Flushing, dizziness, and general body warmth are common occurrences with each sublingual tablet taken.

If chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three times at 5-minute intervals, call the emergency medical service (EMS).

A pounding headache is a common side effect of both the nitroglycerin patch and the sublingual tablets.

Use the nitroglycerin patch for long-term prevention and use the sublingual tablets for acute attacks.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Answer and explanation
The correct answer is B. If chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three
times at 5-minute intervals, call the emergency medical service (EMS).
Choice A rationale
While flushing, dizziness, and general body warmth can occur with each sublingual tablet
taken, these are side effects of the medication and not the primary intended effect. The main
purpose of nitroglycerin is to relieve chest pain associated with angina.
Choice B rationale
This is the most important instruction. Nitroglycerin is used to treat episodes of angina. If
chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three times at 5-minute
intervals, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack. In this case,
immediate medical attention is necessary.
Choice C rationale
A pounding headache is a common side effect of both the nitroglycerin patch and the
sublingual tablets. However, the presence of a headache does not indicate whether the
medication is effectively treating angina.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that nitroglycerin patches are used for long-term prevention and sublingual
tablets are used for acute attacks, this is general information about the medication and not the
most important instruction for a patient who has been prescribed nitroglycerin.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Colchicine and allopurinol are commonly used to manage gout. Colchicine can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea. Therefore, it’s important for patients to report any such symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale

While a low-grade fever could potentially be a side effect of many medications, it is not specifically associated with colchicine or allopurinol.

Choice C rationale

Anorexia is not a common side effect of either colchicine or allopurinol.

Choice D rationale

Thinning hair is not a common side effect of either colchicine or allopurinol.

A. Pill-rolling hand motions. B. Anorexia. C. Flat affect. D. Dizziness.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Pill-rolling hand motions are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This is a type of tremor where the thumb and fingers rub together in a circular motion as if rolling a pill. This is not a contraindication to administering carbidopa-levodopa.

Choice B rationale

Anorexia, or loss of appetite, could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition or a side effect of the medication. This would require further assessment before administering the medication.

Choice C rationale

A flat affect, or reduced emotional expressiveness, is another common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This would not typically require further assessment before administering carbidopa- levodopa.

Choice D rationale

Dizziness can be a side effect of carbidopa-levodopa. However, it would not typically require further assessment before administering the medication unless it was severe or persistent.

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A patient with angina pectoris has been discharged with a new prescription for nitroglycerin tablets. What is the most important instruction for the practical nurse (PN) to emphasize to the patient regarding the administration of nitroglycerin?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with gout has prescriptions for colchicine and allopurinol to control future attacks. What is the most important information for the practical nurse (PN) to reinforce with the client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

The Practical Nurse (PN) is preparing to administer carbidopa-levodopa to a patient with Parkinson’s disease. Which patient finding requires further assessment before administering the medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

The practical nurse applies a preparation with keratolytic properties to both legs of a client with psoriasis. Which finding indicates the desired effect has been achieved?

When a patient is being administered a 20% mannitol intravenous (IV) solution at a rate of 100 g/24 hours (or 70 mg/min), which outcome data should the practical nurse (PN) prioritize in collection?

Which instruction should the PN emphasize about the dosing schedule?

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A patient with angina pectoris has been discharged with a new prescription for nitroglycerin tablets.
What is the most important instruction for the practical nurse (PN) to emphasize to the patient regarding the administration of nitroglycerin?