A client with a history of angina reports the onset of chest pain. The nurse determines that the heart rate is 104 beats/minute and the blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg. A transdermal nitroglycerin patch was applied 30 minutes ago to the right upper chest. Which action should the nurse take?
Obtain another transdermal patch and position it on the client’s left upper chest.
Withhold further doses of nitroglycerin until contacting the healthcare provider.
Leave the patch in place and administer a PRN dose of sublingual nitroglycerin.
Reassure the client that the patch will begin to take effect within a few minutes.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Applying another transdermal patch is not recommended without healthcare provider approval. Doubling the dose of nitroglycerin could increase the risk of hypotension and other adverse effects.
B) Withholding further doses of nitroglycerin without healthcare provider guidance may lead to inadequate control of angina symptoms. However, in this scenario, the client has already received a dose of transdermal nitroglycerin, so withholding further doses may not be appropriate if the client’s symptoms persist.
C) Leaving the patch in place and administering a sublingual dose of nitroglycerin is the correct action in this situation. Sublingual nitroglycerin provides rapid relief of angina symptoms by dilating blood vessels and improving myocardial oxygen supply. The transdermal patch may not have reached therapeutic levels yet, but the sublingual form can provide more immediate relief.
D) While it’s important to reassure the client, especially during an episode of chest pain, relying solely on the transdermal patch to take effect may not provide timely relief. Administering sublingual nitroglycerin allows for faster absorption and symptom relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Instruct the caregiver to withhold the medication until the dosage can be decreased to ensure the client's sa’ety: Withholding the medication without consulting the healthcare provider may not be appropriate, especially if the client is experiencing improvements in cognitive function. The insomnia may be a temporary side effect that could resolve with continued use or adjustment of the dosage.
B) Notify the healthcare provider that the dosage of the medication may need to be increased to manage the client's in’omnia: Increasing the dosage of rivastigmine to manage insomnia may not be the most appropriate action. It's es’ential to assess the client further and explore other interventions before considering a dosage adjustment.
C) Advise the caregiver that the purpose of the medication is to promote sleep, so a change in medication may be needed: Rivastigmine is not typically used to promote sleep. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's di’ease. Therefore, advising a change in medication solely based on the client's in’omnia is not appropriate.
D) Explain to the caregiver that insomnia is a common and temporary side effect when the medication is first started: Rivastigmine and other cholinesterase inhibitors may cause insomnia, especially when therapy is initiated. Educating the caregiver about this common side effect helps manage expectations and provides reassurance that the insomnia may improve over time as the client's bo’y adjusts to the medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Feverfew may interact with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: This information is crucial to include in the teaching plan because feverfew has been reported to interact with medications such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Clients need to be aware of potential drug interactions to prevent adverse effects and ensure safe use of feverfew.
B) Those with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew: While this is important information to consider, it may not be as immediately relevant to the client's current situation of experiencing fewer headaches with feverfew use. However, it is still important to assess for allergies and sensitivities to prevent allergic reactions.
C) Increased anxiety and nervousness have been reported by those taking feverfew: Although this is a potential side effect of feverfew, it may not be the most important information to include in the teaching plan for a client who is experiencing fewer headaches with feverfew use. The focus should be on the client's positive response to the herbal remedy and potential interactions with other medications.
D) Abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur when taking feverfew: While this is important information regarding potential side effects of feverfew, it may not be as immediately relevant to the client's current situation of experiencing fewer headaches with feverfew use. However, clients should be informed about possible adverse effects to monitor for and report to their healthcare provider if they occur.
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