A client on a medical-surgical unit has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The nurse understands that in addition to supportive care, which treatment can be used within the first 2 weeks of symptom onset?

A. Barrel chest is a physical finding commonly associated with COPD due to hyperinflation of the lungs. It results from chronic air trapping and enlargement of the chest. While barrel chest is not directly caused by cor pulmonale, it is a characteristic feature of advanced COPD.
B. Clubbing of the fingers is not directly caused by cor pulmonale. It is typically associated with chronic hypoxia, which can occur in advanced lung diseases like COPD. Clubbing involves changes in the shape and texture of the nails and fingertips due to chronic lack of oxygen in the blood.
C. Destruction of the alveoli is a hallmark of emphysema, which is a type of COPD. Emphysema leads to loss of lung tissue elasticity and surface area, contributing to chronic airflow limitation. While emphysema is a risk factor for developing cor pulmonale, destruction of alveoli itself does not directly cause cor pulmonale.
D. Peripheral edema is a manifestation caused by cor pulmonale. When the right side of the heart fails (cor pulmonale), it leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, which can eventually cause fluid to leak out into the tissues, resulting in peripheral edema. This is a consequence of the right heart's inability to effectively pump blood forward due to pulmonary hypertension and subsequent right ventricular failure.

A. Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilatory effects, especially in the head. Most headaches associated with nitroglycerin are mild and transient. Patients are generally advised to continue using the medication as prescribed unless the headache is severe or persistent.
B. Nitroglycerin tablets are used for the immediate relief of angina symptoms. If the first tablet does not adequately relieve chest pain within 5 minutes, the patient can take a second tablet. If the pain persists after the second tablet, emergency medical attention should be sought. However, it's important to note that the maximum number of tablets that can be taken within a short period should be specified by the healthcare provider, typically 2 or 3 tablets in 15 to 30 minutes.
C. Nitroglycerin can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure upon standing up. This can lead to dizziness or fainting. Therefore, patients should be advised to stand up slowly after taking nitroglycerin to minimize the risk of falls or injury.
D. Nitroglycerin tablets are sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, which can reduce their effectiveness over time. Therefore, it's recommended to replace nitroglycerin tablets every 3 to 6 months to ensure potency and effectiveness.