The client with pernicious anemia asks why vitamin B12 injections are necessary. What is the best response by the nurse?

Choice A reason: Throwing away any tablets that fizzle under my tongue, it means they are ineffective is not a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is incorrect and dangerous, as fizzling or tingling is a normal sensation that indicates that the tablet is working. The client should not discard or waste the medication, but keep it in a dark, dry, and cool place.

Choice B reason: Keeping my bottle of nitroglycerin at home in the medicine cabinet is not a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is impractical and risky, as the client may need the medication when they are away from home. The client should always carry the medication with them and have it readily available in case of chest pain.

Choice C reason: Calling 911 if I get chest pain that doesn't go away after one tablet and I will take another tablet is a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is correct and safe, as it follows the standard protocol for using nitroglycerin SL for angina. The client should take one tablet under the tongue at the onset of chest pain, wait five minutes, and repeat if the pain persists. If the pain is not relieved after three tablets, the client should seek emergency medical attention.

Choice D reason: Removing the tablets from the bottle and keeping them in a plastic bag in my handbag is not a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is inappropriate and harmful, as it exposes the medication to light, moisture, and heat, which can reduce its potency and effectiveness. The client should keep the tablets in their original container and close it tightly after each use.

Choice A reason: Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram and calling a rapid response is not the first action that the nurse should take. A 12-lead electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help diagnose a heart attack or other cardiac problems. ¹ A rapid response is a team of healthcare professionals that can provide immediate care to a client who is experiencing a life-threatening emergency. ² However, these actions are not the priority for a client who has chest pain while brushing their teeth. The nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before performing any tests or calling for help.

Choice B reason: Withholding the client's medications until the healthcare provider arrives is not the first action that the nurse should take. The client's medications may include drugs that can relieve chest pain, such as nitroglycerin, aspirin, or beta-blockers. ³ These drugs can help dilate the blood vessels, prevent blood clots, or reduce the workload of the heart. ³ The nurse should not withhold these medications, as they may help the client's condition and prevent further complications. The nurse should check the client's medication orders and administer them as prescribed.

Choice C reason: Instructing the client to stop the activity and provide a chair is the first action that the nurse should take. Chest pain is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque. ⁴ Chest pain can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, such as brushing the teeth, which can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. ⁵ The nurse should instruct the client to stop the activity and provide a chair, as this can help reduce the stress on the heart and ease the chest pain. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation, and provide oxygen if needed.

Choice D reason: Calling the healthcare provider immediately about the client's complaint is not the first action that the nurse should take. The healthcare provider may need to be notified about the client's condition, especially if the chest pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating. ⁵ However, the nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before calling the healthcare provider. The nurse should also be prepared to initiate emergency protocols if the chest pain does not improve or worsens.