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

Choice A rationale
Bradycardia, palpitations, confusion, and truncal rash are not typically associated with septic shock. Septic shock is a severe infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. It can cause organs to fail and can lead to death.
Choice B rationale
Severe respiratory distress, jugular venous distention, and chest pain are more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure or pulmonary embolism, not septic shock.
Choice C rationale
Low blood pressure and tachycardia are common symptoms of septic shock. This happens because the body’s response to the infection causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure. The heart rate often increases (tachycardia) in an attempt to maintain blood flow to the organs.
Choice D rationale
Reduced cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, and a moist cough are not typical symptoms of septic shock. These symptoms are more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure.

Choice A rationale
Left heart failure is a common cause of right heart failure. When the left side of the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, it can cause increased pressure in the lungs, which can then lead to right heart failure.
Choice B rationale
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac-like covering around the heart, is not typically a direct cause of right heart failure.
Choice C rationale
While hypertension, or high blood pressure, can contribute to heart failure, it typically affects the left side of the heart more than the right.
Choice D rationale
Acute pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, is not typically a direct cause of right heart failure.