A client who has chronic stable angina is being discharged. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching?

Choice A reason: Tinnitus is not a common or serious side effect of digoxin, a drug that strengthens the contraction of the heart and regulates the heart rhythm. ¹ Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by many factors, such as ear infections, loud noises, or medications. ² However, digoxin is not known to cause tinnitus, and it is not a reason to call the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: Constipation is not a common or serious side effect of digoxin. Digoxin does not affect the bowel function, and it is not a reason to call the healthcare provider. Constipation can be caused by many factors, such as dehydration, lack of fiber, or medications. ³ The client should drink plenty of fluids, eat high-fiber foods, and exercise regularly to prevent or relieve constipation.

Choice C reason: Visual disturbances are a common and serious side effect of digoxin, and they are a reason to call the healthcare provider. Digoxin can cause changes in vision, such as blurred vision, yellow or green halos around objects, or seeing spots or flashes. ¹ These are signs of digoxin toxicity, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the level of digoxin in the blood is too high. The client should report any visual disturbances to the healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Choice D reason: Vertigo is not a common or serious side effect of digoxin. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or losing balance that can be caused by many factors, such as inner ear problems, head injuries, or medications. However, digoxin is not known to cause vertigo, and it is not a reason to call the healthcare provider.

Choice A reason: Performing meditation every day will not be the most important information that the nurse should stress first. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity, and can help reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. However, meditation alone is not enough to prevent or treat coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque. The nurse should advise the client to practice meditation as a complementary therapy, but not as the primary intervention.

Choice B reason: It is important to look into a smoking cessation program is the most important information that the nurse should stress first. Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, as it damages the lining of the arteries, increases the buildup of plaque, reduces the oxygen in the blood, and raises the blood pressure and heart rate. Smoking can also worsen the symptoms and complications of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart attack. The nurse should urge the client to quit smoking as soon as possible, and provide them with resources and support to help them achieve this goal.

Choice C reason: It is important to take a fish oil capsule daily is not the most important information that the nurse should stress first. Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart and blood vessels, as they can lower the triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots. However, fish oil alone is not enough to prevent or treat coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque. The nurse should recommend the client to take fish oil as a supplement, but not as the main treatment.

Choice D reason: You will not be able to eat meat or have other fats in your diet is not the most important information that the nurse should stress first. A healthy diet is essential for preventing and managing coronary artery disease, as it can help lower the cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight, and improve the blood flow and oxygen to the heart. However, a healthy diet does not mean that the client has to avoid all meat or fats, as some of them can be beneficial for the heart, such as lean meat, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, or olive oil. The nurse should educate the client to limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, which are found in red meat, butter, cheese, pastries, or fried foods, and to choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.