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

Increases glomerular filtration, resulting in decreased venous return.

Enhances the contractility of the myocardium, increasing oxygen delivery.

Produces an immediate analgesic effect, relieving chest pain.

Increases the coronary blood supply and decreases the afterload.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Increasing glomerular filtration would result in increased urine output, not decreased venous return. This action is not directly related to the therapeutic action of nitroglycerin.
Choice B rationale
While enhancing the contractility of the myocardium would increase oxygen delivery, this is not the primary action of nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin primarily works by dilating the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of work the heart has to do and increases the blood supply to the heart muscle.
Choice C rationale
Nitroglycerin does not produce an immediate analgesic effect. While it can relieve chest pain, it does so by increasing blood flow to the heart, not by acting as an analgesic.
Choice D rationale
Nitroglycerin increases the coronary blood supply and decreases the afterload314. By dilating the blood vessels, nitroglycerin reduces the amount of work the heart has to do and increases the blood supply to the heart muscle. This is the primary therapeutic action of nitroglycerin in alleviating chest pain.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The statement “I will call an ambulance if I have pain after taking 3 nitroglycerin 5 minutes apart” indicates that the patient understands the correct use of sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat). If chest pain is not relieved after a total of 3 tablets or sprays, this is an emergency situation and medical help should be sought immediately.

A. Anxiety B. Acute pain C. Decreased cardiac output D. Stress management

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Anxiety is a common response to the stress of hospitalization and illness, especially in the context of a serious condition like ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
However, while anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms and should be addressed, it is not the primary problem in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Acute pain is a common symptom of STEMI, as the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. However, the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate readings suggest a more immediate concern related to the cardiovascular system.
Choice C rationale
Decreased cardiac output is likely the priority problem for this patient. The patient’s low blood pressure (86/40 mm Hg) and high heart rate (132 beats/min) suggest that the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs, which is a direct consequence of the STEMI1. This can lead to organ failure and other serious complications if not addressed promptly.
Choice D rationale
Stress management is an important aspect of long-term care for patients with heart disease, as chronic stress can contribute to further heart damage. However, in the acute phase of a STEMI, the focus is on stabilizing the patient’s condition and preventing complications.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which patient statement indicates that the nurse’s teaching about sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) has been effective?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient has been admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) with an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The patient is restless, anxious, has a blood pressure of 86/40 mm Hg, and a heart rate of 132 beats/min. What is the priority problem for this patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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