The nurse has provided discharge teaching to the client to manage his chest pain at home. Which 2 statements from the client should the nurse recognize as a need for further education?
I will chew my nitroglycerin tabs as soon as pain begins.
I will lie down or sit if I start to feel any chest discomfort.
I will keep my nitroglycerin tablets with me all the time.
I will call 911 if there is no improvement in my chest pain after taking nitroglycerin.
I will wear a medication alert bracelet to indicate my history of heart problems.
I will take the nitroglycerin 1 or 2 more times 10 minutes apart if pain does not get better.
I will wait 5 minutes after taking my nitroglycerin to see if the pain improves.
Correct Answer : A,F
A. Nitroglycerin is highly susceptible to the "first-pass effect," meaning if it is swallowed or chewed and enters the digestive system, the liver will metabolize and inactivate it before it reaches the heart. It must be administered sublingually (under the tongue) to be absorbed directly into the systemic circulation through the oral mucosa.
B. Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator. A common side effect is a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), which can cause dizziness, syncope (fainting), and falls. Sitting or lying down before taking the medication ensures patient safety. Additionally, resting reduces the oxygen demand on the heart.
C. Anginal pain often occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress (as seen when the patient was mowing the lawn). Immediate access to the medication is critical to stop the progression of ischemia and prevent myocardial infarction.
D. If the pain does not subside after the first dose, it may indicate a myocardial infarction (heart attack) rather than stable angina. Timely activation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is the most critical step in reducing heart muscle damage.
E. In the event the patient becomes unconscious or unresponsive, a medical alert bracelet provides first responders with vital information regarding his cardiac history and medications, allowing for faster and more accurate emergency treatment.
F. This statement contains two errors. First, the interval between doses should be 5 minutes, not 10. Second, the patient should not wait to take three doses before calling 911. Current guidelines suggest calling 911 if pain is unrelieved or worsening 5 minutes after the first dose.
G. Sublingual nitroglycerin typically begins to work within 1 to 3 minutes. Waiting 5 minutes allows enough time for the medication to reach peak effect before deciding if an additional dose or emergency intervention is required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is "{\"xRanges\":[67.52494131455398,86.30428403755869],\"yRanges\":[37.5,61.30952380952381]}"
Explanation
Rhinorrhea is the drainage of fluid from the nasal cavity. In cases of suspected CSF leak (often after head trauma, skull base fracture, or neurosurgery), CSF can escape through the nose. The nurse would collect fluid from the nares for testing (commonly the halo test or laboratory analysis for glucose or beta‑2 transferrin).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Elevations in hepatic enzymes indicate liver dysfunction but are not specific to kidney transplant rejection. While abnormal labs should be monitored, they are not the primary indicators of graft rejection.
B. This is the most significant finding. Elevations in BUN and serum creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, which is a key sign of kidney transplant rejection. Prompt reporting allows the healthcare provider to initiate diagnostic testing (e.g., biopsy) and adjust immunosuppressive therapy to prevent further graft damage.
C. A WBC count below 5,000/mm³ indicates leukopenia, which may increase infection risk, often related to immunosuppressive therapy. While important, it is not a direct indicator of transplant rejection.
D. Hypotension is a general concern for perfusion but is not a specific or sensitive marker of kidney transplant rejection. Monitoring blood pressure is important for overall cardiovascular stability but does not confirm rejection.
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