The nurse is administering nitroglycerin intravenously to alleviate chest pain. What is the therapeutic action of this medication?

Choice A rationale
Standing frequently can help promote blood flow in the legs, which can be beneficial for a patient with arterial insufficiency. This is because standing engages the muscles in the legs, which helps push blood back up towards the heart.
Choice B rationale
Walking without shoes is not typically recommended for patients with arterial insufficiency. This is because these patients often have reduced sensation in their feet and may not notice if they step on something sharp or if a wound develops.
Choice C rationale
Vigorous massage of the legs is not usually recommended for patients with arterial insufficiency. While gentle massage can help promote blood flow, vigorous massage could potentially damage the arteries further.
Choice D rationale
Allowing the legs to dangle dependently often is not typically recommended for patients with arterial insufficiency. This position can actually increase swelling and discomfort in the legs.

Choice A rationale
While it’s important to inquire about an allergy to iodine in a patient who has undergone an angiogram, it’s not typically the priority for assessing and documenting for this patient after the procedure. An allergy to iodine would be more relevant before the procedure, as iodine-based contrast dye is often used during an angiogram.
Choice B rationale
Checking peripheral pulses in the affected leg is typically a priority when caring for a patient who has undergone an angiogram. This is because the procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel in the leg. Checking the peripheral pulses can help assess for potential complications such as a blood clot or decreased blood flow to the leg.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring for decreased blood pressure is important in a patient who has undergone an angiogram, but it’s not typically the priority for assessing and documenting for this patient after the procedure. While changes in blood pressure can occur after any medical procedure, other assessments such as checking peripheral pulses in the affected leg are typically more directly related to potential complications of an angiogram.
Choice D rationale
Tracking fluid intake is an important part of overall patient care, but it’s not typically the priority for assessing and documenting for a patient who has undergone an angiogram. Other assessments such as checking peripheral pulses in the affected leg are typically more directly related to potential complications of an angiogram.