A client with unstable angina pectoris receives a prescription for nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually PRN chest pain every 5 minutes x3. The prescription directions include leaving the medication at the bedside for self-administration. Which assessment finding should the practical nurse (PN) obtain first?
Number of tablets taken in past 24 hours.
Level of orientation and compliance.
Heart rate and blood pressure.
Hourly urinary output and daily weight.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While knowing the number of tablets taken is important for managing chest pain, it is secondary to ensuring that the client can safely administer the medication.
B. Assessing the client's level of orientation and compliance is crucial because the client needs to understand how and when to use the nitroglycerin properly. Misunderstanding or non-compliance could lead to ineffective treatment or potential harm.
C. Checking heart rate and blood pressure is important for assessing the effects of nitroglycerin, but before leaving the medication for self-administration, it is vital to ensure that the client understands how to use the medication.
D. Monitoring hourly urinary output and daily weight is not relevant to the immediate concern of ensuring safe and effective nitroglycerin self-administration.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Implementing fall precautions is the most important intervention for a client with Parkinson’s disease experiencing decreased postural reflexes, rigidity, and gait issues. These symptoms significantly increase the risk of falls, so fall precautions are crucial for preventing injury.
B. Aspiration precautions are important for many clients, but they are less immediately relevant in this context compared to fall prevention. The symptoms listed do not directly indicate a high risk of aspiration.
C. Reorientation cues may be necessary for clients with cognitive issues but are not the primary concern for managing motor symptoms like those listed. The focus here should be on physical safety rather than cognitive orientation.
D. Bowel training is a useful intervention for managing bowel function but is not directly related to the acute risks of fall and gait disturbances associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Re-assessing the client’s temperature is important but not the priority action since the client is currently afebrile and the cough with yellow sputum could indicate an infection or other condition needing immediate attention.
B. Notifying the charge nurse of the assessment findings is the priority because the yellow-tinged sputum in a client receiving chemotherapy might indicate an infection or complication that requires further investigation and possible intervention.
C. Measuring and recording intake and output is important for overall fluid balance but does not address the immediate concern of a productive cough with potential infection.
D. Providing regular oral hygiene is part of general care but does not address the potential underlying cause of the productive cough and yellow-tinged sputum.
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