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 B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Mouth dryness is not a typical therapeutic result of minoxidil. It’s not listed as a common side effect either.

Choice B rationale

Dizziness is a known side effect of minoxidil. It can occur when the medication causes a drop in blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness or dizziness.

Choice C rationale

An elevated blood glucose level is not related to the administration of minoxidil. It could be an unrelated finding, possibly indicating another condition like diabetes.

Choice D rationale

Pain rated at 1/10 is not directly related to the therapeutic effect or side effects of minoxidil. It could be an unrelated finding.

A. A review of the medication regimen is required due to the poor drug response. B. A dosage increase may be needed, which requires in-hospital evaluation. C. Therapy sessions may be needed to enhance the medication’s action on depression. D. Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is D. Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective. Choice A rationale While it’s important to review the medication regimen if a patient is not responding to treatment, it’s also crucial to understand that antidepressants like amitriptyline don’t typically show their full effects immediately. It’s common for these medications to take several weeks before their full therapeutic effect becomes apparent. Choice B rationale A dosage increase may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after a sufficient period, typically several weeks. However, since the patient has only been on the medication for five days, it’s too early to consider a dosage increase. Choice C rationale Therapy can indeed be beneficial in treating depression and can enhance the effect of medication. However, the statement that the medication isn’t working after five days is likely due to the fact that antidepressants usually take longer to start showing effects. Choice D rationale This is the correct answer. Antidepressants like amitriptyline often take 2 to 4 weeks to start showing their full effects. It’s important for patients to know this so they don’t get discouraged and stop taking the medication too soon.

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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

Review the patient data history and physical flow sheet. Mark whether the assessment finding represents a therapeutic result of the minoxidil administered, a nontherapeutic side effect, or an unrelated finding.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client who is taking sildenafil 50 mg by mouth (PO) as needed (PRN), reports experiencing visual changes to the practical nurse (PN). Which instruction should the PN give to the client?

The client’s heart rate is 96 beats per minute, blood pressure is 220/129 mmHg, and respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute. The client is complaining of a headache. Ibuprofen was given as ordered. Furosemide 50 mg IV was also given. What should be the next step in the client’s care?

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?

The practical nurse (PN) is helping with the care plan for a client who is taking the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketorolac for painful back muscle spasms. What intervention should the PN include in the client’s care plan?

A patient with depression who is taking a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) reports frequent early morning awakening and difficulty going back to sleep. Which information from the patient is important for the Practical Nurse (PN) to obtain to improve the patient’s sleep pattern?

A client receives a prescription for drospirenone. Which symptom should the practical nurse (PN) report to the healthcare provider?

A patient with Paget’s disease has been prescribed alendronate. What information should the practical nurse (PN) emphasize to the patient?

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?