A client is diagnosed with chronic stable angina caused by plaques in the coronary arteries. The client receives a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin to use as needed when angina occurs. Which additional medication does the nurse anticipate would be prescribed for this client?

A. Atorvastatin is a statin used primarily to manage hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels) and reduce cardiovascular risk. However, it is not specifically used to treat heart failure symptoms or manage acute exacerbations.
B. Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used to manage heart failure. It helps reduce fluid overload by promoting diuresis (increased urine production), which can help alleviate symptoms of heart failure such as edema and pulmonary congestion.
C. Methimazole is an antithyroid medication used to manage hyperthyroidism. It is not used to treat heart failure. Thyroid disorders can impact heart failure, but methimazole itself does not address the acute symptoms or underlying mechanisms of heart failure.
D. Apixaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation. However, it is not used specifically to manage acute heart failure symptoms.
E. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that can be used to manage heart failure, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation. It helps improve cardiac output and control heart rate. Digoxin can be useful in managing heart failure symptoms by enhancing the heart's contractility and controlling the heart rate.

A. Gum bleeding can be a sign of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and is concerning because it indicates a potential for bleeding complications. However, while it's significant, it might not be the most urgent symptom in the context of HIT compared to symptoms indicating acute thrombosis.

B. A hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL is generally within the normal range for most adults. In the context of HIT, this level does not indicate any immediate abnormality or severe issue related to anemia or bleeding, making it less concerning compared to other symptoms that might indicate acute complications.
C. Tachycardia (increased heart rate) and shortness of breath are concerning symptoms in the context of HIT. These symptoms can be indicative of a thrombotic event such as a pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which are serious complications of HIT. The presence of these symptoms requires urgent evaluation as they suggest possible life-threatening complications.
D. Petechiae are small, pinpoint red or purple spots that appear due to bleeding under the skin, often associated with low platelet counts. While petechiae are a concerning sign and indicate bleeding issues, the presence of tachycardia and shortness of breath generally represents a more immediate threat to the patient's life due to potential thromboembolic events.