A client with angina has been prescribed nitroglycerin.
Before administering the drug, what potential adverse effects should the nurse inform the client about?

Choice A rationale:

While educating the patient about the pathophysiology of acute coronary artery disease (ACAD) is important, it is not the priority intervention during an acute episode.

The patient is likely experiencing significant discomfort and anxiety, and their ability to process information may be impaired.

Providing immediate relief of symptoms and stabilizing the patient's condition take precedence over education at this time.

Choice B rationale:

Supplemental oxygen may be beneficial for patients with ACAD, but it is not the highest priority intervention.

Oxygen therapy can improve oxygen saturation levels in the blood, but it does not directly address the underlying issue of coronary artery occlusion.

It is important to administer nitroglycerin first to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

Choice C rationale:

Sublingual nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes and widens blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart muscle.

It is a first-line medication for the treatment of acute angina (chest pain) and is often used in the setting of ACAD.

Nitroglycerin can rapidly relieve chest pain and other symptoms of ischemia, such as shortness of breath, and can help prevent further damage to the heart muscle.

Choice D rationale:

Staying with the patient to decrease anxiety is important, but it is not the priority intervention.

While providing emotional support can help to calm the patient and reduce stress, it does not directly address the underlying issue of myocardial ischemia.

It is crucial to administer nitroglycerin to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect. PVCs are not caused by a malfunctioning SA node. The SA node is responsible for initiating the normal heartbeat, while PVCs originate from the ventricles. The underlying cause of PVCs can vary, but it's not directly related to SA node dysfunction. Choice C rationale:

Incorrect. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, typically defined as three or more consecutive PVCs. Two PVCs in a row are usually classified as a couplet, not VT.

Choice D rationale:

Incorrect. While PVCs are often harmless, they can sometimes be associated with underlying heart disease or lead to complications, especially if they are frequent or occur in specific patterns. Therefore, careful assessment and potential treatment are necessary.

Choice B rationale:

Correct. Treatment for PVCs is generally only recommended if the patient experiences concerning symptoms or if the PVCs are associated with a risk of developing more serious arrhythmias. Additionally, the QRS complex on the EKG/ECG should be evaluated. A narrow QRS complex during PVCs typically suggests a less concerning origin within the ventricles, while a wide QRS complex may indicate a higher risk of complications.