How will the nurse administer a nitroglycerin sublingual tablet to the patient?
Have the patient swallow the tablet with a sip of water.
Crush the tablet and dissolve it in a teaspoon of water.
Place the tablet in the patient’s mouth next to the cheek.
Place the tablet under the patient’s tongue.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect because swallowing the tablet with water would lead to slower absorption and a delayed onset of action. Nitroglycerin is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa, and swallowing it would route it through the digestive system, where it would be absorbed more slowly and less effectively.
Swallowing the tablet could also increase the risk of side effects, such as headache and flushing, due to the larger amount of the drug that would be absorbed systemically.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect because crushing the tablet and dissolving it in water would also delay its absorption. This method would require the tablet to dissolve in the water before it could be absorbed through the oral mucosa, which would slow down the onset of action.
Crushing the tablet could also damage the medication and make it less effective.
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect because placing the tablet in the patient's mouth next to the cheek would not allow for optimal absorption. The oral mucosa under the tongue is more permeable than the cheek, so placing the tablet under the tongue allows for faster and more efficient absorption.
Placing the tablet in the cheek could also increase the risk of the patient accidentally swallowing it.
Choice D rationale:
Correct because placing the tablet under the patient's tongue allows for rapid absorption and a quick onset of action. The sublingual route is the preferred method of administration for nitroglycerin because it allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
This method also allows for the patient to easily remove the tablet if they experience any side effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A lactose-free diet does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that does not affect blood clotting or the ability to receive acupuncture safely.
Acupuncture needles are very fine and do not typically cause bleeding. Even if minor bleeding occurs, it is not a concern for individuals without bleeding disorders.
Therefore, a lactose-free diet does not pose a risk for acupuncture.
Choice B rationale:
Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count. Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into the skin. This can cause minor bleeding, even when performed correctly.
In individuals with thrombocytopenia, even minor bleeding can be difficult to control and may lead to excessive bruising or hematoma formation.
Therefore, thrombocytopenia is a contraindication to acupuncture therapy due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.
Choice C rationale:
Herniated lumbar disks are a common condition that can cause back pain. Acupuncture is often used to treat back pain, including pain caused by herniated disks.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with herniated disks.
Therefore, the presence of herniated lumbar disks does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy.
Choice D rationale:
Latex and strawberry allergies are not contraindications to acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, which does not contain latex.
Additionally, acupuncture does not involve the use of strawberries or any other substances that are common allergens. Therefore, latex and strawberry allergies do not pose a risk for acupuncture.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Mixing insulin detemir and insulin aspart in the same syringe is generally not recommended due to the following reasons:
Altered Pharmacokinetics: Mixing insulins can potentially alter their absorption and action profiles, leading to unpredictable blood glucose control.
Stability Concerns: The compatibility of different insulins in a mixed solution is not always guaranteed, potentially leading to precipitation or decreased potency.
Dosing Accuracy: Drawing up mixed insulins accurately can be challenging, especially when different dosages are required for each type.
Manufacturer Recommendations: Insulin manufacturers typically advise against mixing different insulins unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. While the order of drawing up insulins may have a minor impact on mixing, it does not address the fundamental concerns of mixing different insulins in the same syringe. The primary issue is the potential for altered pharmacokinetics, stability concerns, and dosing accuracy, as explained in the rationale for Choice A.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Rolling insulin bottles between the palms is a technique used to gently resuspend insulin particles that may have settled at the bottom. However, it does not pertain to the correct procedure for drawing up different insulins for administration.
Choice C rationale:
Correct. Administering insulin detemir and insulin aspart using separate syringes and different injection sites is the most appropriate approach for several reasons:
Maintains Pharmacokinetics: It ensures that each insulin maintains its intended absorption and action profile, promoting optimal blood glucose control.
Ensures Stability: Using separate syringes eliminates the risk of potential incompatibility issues that could arise from mixing insulins.
Promotes Dosing Accuracy: Drawing up insulins in separate syringes allows for greater precision in administering the correct dosage of each type.
Aligns with Manufacturer Guidelines: This approach adheres to the recommendations of insulin manufacturers, ensuring safe and effective administration.
Additional Considerations:
Nurses should always consult the latest insulin administration guidelines and individual patient needs for optimal care.
Proper education and counseling should be provided to patients who require multiple insulin injections to ensure adherence and understanding of correct administration techniques.
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