When administering sublingual nitroglycerin for emergency treatment of angina or chest pain, the nurse monitors for which common adverse effect?
Nausea.
Bradycardia.
Hypertension.
Headache.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D: Headache.
Choice A rationale: Nausea is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Nausea may occur in some patients, but it is usually mild and transient. Nausea may be related to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can cause hypotension and reflex tachycardia1. Nausea may also be caused by other factors, such as anxiety, stress, or food intolerance. Nausea is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice B rationale: Bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually defined as less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia may occur in some patients who take nitroglycerin, especially in combination with other drugs that affect the heart rate, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin3. Bradycardia may also be caused by other factors, such as vagal stimulation, hypothyroidism, or electrolyte imbalance. Bradycardia is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice C rationale: Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Hypertension is a high blood pressure, usually defined as more than 140/90 mmHg. Hypertension may occur in some patients who take nitroglycerin, especially in those who have a history of hypertension, renal impairment, or volume overload4. Hypertension may also be caused by other factors, such as stress, pain, or caffeine intake. Hypertension is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice D rationale: Headache is a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Headache may occur in up to 80% of patients who take nitroglycerin, especially during the first few days of therapy or after an increase in dose5. Headache may be related to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can cause cerebral vasodilation and increased intracranial pressure. Headache may also be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, sinusitis, or migraine. Headache is usually mild to moderate in intensity and can be relieved by analgesics, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Headache is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
These are all modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, meaning they can be changed through lifestyle choices or medication.Cholesterol level, blood pressure, weight, and smoking all affect the health of the heart and blood vessels, and can increase the risk of developing conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart attack, or stroke.
Choice C, family history, is not a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
It is a non-modifiable risk factor, meaning it cannot be changed and is determined by genetics.
Having a family history of cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of developing it, but it does not mean that it is inevitable.Other non-modifiable risk factors include sex, older age, race and ethnicity.
Some normal ranges for the modifiable risk factors are:
• Cholesterol level: total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL; LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol should be more than 40 mg/dL for men and more than 50 mg/dL for women; triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL.
• Blood pressure: normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg; elevated blood pressure is 120-129/less than 80 mmHg; hypertension stage 1 is 130-139/80-89 mmHg; hypertension stage 2 is 140 or higher/90 or higher mmHg.
• Weight: body mass index (BMI) is a measure of weight relative to height; normal BMI is 18.5-24.9 kg/m2; overweight BMI is 25-29.9 kg/m2; obese BMI is 30 or higher kg/m2.
• Smoking: smoking any amount of tobacco products can harm the cardiovascular system; quitting smoking can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Taking niacin with an NSAID such as ibuprofen can reduce flushing, the most common adverse effect of niacin therapy. Flushing is a side effect of taking large doses of niacin (vitamin B3) supplements.It happens when the niacin causes the small blood vessels in your skin to dilate so more blood can rush through.Flushing can cause skin redness, warmth, itching, tingling, or burning sensations.
Choice A is wrong because taking niacin before starting daily activities can increase the risk of flushing and interfere with your routine.Flushing usually occurs within 15 to 30 minutes of taking niacin and lasts for about an hour.
Choice B is wrong because taking niacin with a sedative can increase the risk of liver damage, especially if the sedative is acetaminophen (Tylenol).Niacin can also cause liver problems at high doses, so combining it with another liver-toxic drug is not advisable.
Choice C is wrong because taking niacin with grapefruit juice can increase the risk of side effects, such as low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting.Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of some drugs, including niacin, and make them more potent or toxic.
Normal ranges for niacin intake vary depending on age and gender.The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adult males is 16 mg per day and for adult females is 14 mg per day.Higher doses of niacin may be prescribed by a doctor to treat high cholesterol or other conditions, but they should be taken under medical supervision and with caution.
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