A nurse in a long-term care facility is collecting data from a client who has a new prescription for glyburide.
The client reports feeling anxious and having profuse sweating.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice Arationale:

The statement about taking the medication with food is incorrect. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be taken with food. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Choice B rationale:

The statement that the medication can slow the heart rate is incorrect. Nitroglycerin does not slow the heart rate. In fact, it can cause a reflex tachycardia, where the heart rate increases.

Choice C rationale:

The statement that the effects of the medication should be felt within 5 minutes is correct. This indicates an understanding of the instructions.

Choice Drationale:

Taking the medication every 10 minutes until the pain goes away is incorrect. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in 1 to 5 minutes. However, if the pain is not relieved, a second tablet can be taken 5 minutes after the first tablet. If the pain continues for another 5 minutes, a third tablet may be used. Taking the medication every 10 minutes could lead to an overdose.

Choice A rationale:

While it’s important for the provider to be informed if the medication isn’t working, it’s premature to change the medication after only 6 days.

Choice B rationale:

Amitriptyline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach to be effective.

Choice C rationale:

Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, often takes several weeks before a therapeutic effect is felt.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing the dose prematurely can lead to unnecessary side effects. It’s better to wait for the medication to take effect.