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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Antiretroviral medications can indeed decrease Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) related complications. These medications work by blocking the replication of the HIV virus, thereby reducing the viral load in the body. This allows the immune system to recover and fight off infections and diseases that are associated with AIDS12.
Choice B rationale
This statement is correct. While antiretroviral medications are highly effective in managing HIV infection, they do not cure the disease. The primary goal of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, but this does not mean the virus is completely eliminated from the body. HIV remains in latent reservoirs within the body, and if antiretroviral therapy is stopped, the virus can rebound.
Choice C rationale
Antiretroviral medications can decrease the viral load to an undetectable level. This means that the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard blood tests. Achieving an undetectable viral load is a key goal of antiretroviral therapy as it indicates that the treatment is working effectively.
Choice D rationale
While antiretroviral medications significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, they do not completely prevent it. Having an undetectable viral load greatly reduces the risk of transmission, but it does not eliminate it. Therefore, other preventive measures, such as using condoms and practicing safe sex, should still be followed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While taking medication with meals can sometimes help prevent nausea, this is not specifically related to the use of the expectorant guaifenesin. Therefore, this statement does not show that the client has understood the instructions related to the use of the expectorant.
Choice B rationale
Staying upright for 30 minutes after taking medication can sometimes help prevent indigestion, but this is not specifically related to the use of the expectorant guaifenesin. Therefore, this statement does not show that the client has understood the instructions related to the use of the expectorant.
Choice C rationale
Increasing fluid intake can help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs, which is the primary purpose of an expectorant like guaifenesin. Therefore, this statement shows that the client has understood the instructions related to the use of the expectorant.
Choice D rationale
While it’s important to avoid combining certain medications due to potential interactions, there’s no specific interaction between guaifenesin and levothyroxine that would cause injury. Therefore, this statement does not show that the client has understood the instructions related to the use of the expectorant.
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