A nurse admits an older patient to the emergency room with reports of shortness of breath on exertion and a productive cough.
The nurse reviews the patient's current medications and the patient says, “I take one pink pill every morning.”. The nurse asks the name of the drug and the patient says she doesn’t know.
The patient cannot supply the name of the drug or the purpose of taking it either.
This happens with four other medications the patient says she takes.
What is an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?

Choice A rationale

Unstable angina is characterized by sudden, severe chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and is not relieved by nitroglycerin. It represents an imminent risk of myocardial infarction.

Choice B rationale

Ischemic heart disease can cause various types of angina, including stable, unstable, and Prinzmetal’s angina. The term “ischemic” refers to a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle, but this choice is too broad.

Choice C rationale

Stable angina occurs when there is an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, typically during physical exertion or emotional stress. It is characterized by predictable chest pain that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Choice D rationale

Prinzmetal’s angina, also known as variant angina, is caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries, which leads to a temporary reduction in blood flow. It can occur at rest and is not necessarily related to the imbalance of myocardial supply and demand.

Choice A rationale

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) primarily focuses on the enforcement of controlled substances laws and regulations, not the approval and testing of medications.

Choice B rationale

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs, but it does not control medication testing.

Choice C rationale

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health and disease prevention, not the scientific testing of medications.

Choice D rationale

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices through rigorous scientific testing. .