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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: Calculate the total amount of warfarin required. The healthcare provider has prescribed 7.5 mg of warfarin.
Step 2 is: Subtract the amount of warfarin already administered. The patient has already received 2 tablets, each containing 2.5 mg of warfarin, for a total of 5 mg.
Step 3 is: Calculate the additional amount of warfarin required. The total amount required (7.5 mg) minus the amount already administered (5 mg) equals 2.5 mg.
Step 4 is: Determine the number of additional tablets required. Since each tablet contains 2.5 mg of warfarin, the patient should receive 1 additional tablet.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Misoprostol is a medication used to prevent stomach ulcers in patients who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen over a long period. NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers, and misoprostol works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and replacing the protective substances in the stomach that are reduced by NSAIDs. Therefore, relief of epigastric pain (pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen) would indicate that the medication is effective.
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