A nurse in a provider's clinic is assessing a client who takes sublingual nitroglycerin for stable angina. The client reports getting a headache each time he takes the medication. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"Take only one dose of nitroglycerin to reduce the risk of getting a headache."
"There's nothing that can be done to relieve the headaches that nitroglycerin causes."
"We will ask the provider to prescribe a different medication for you."
"Try taking a mild analgesic to relieve the headache."
The Correct Answer is D
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and reduces myocardial oxygen demand. It is used to treat and prevent angina atacks. A common side effect of nitroglycerin is headache, which is caused by cerebral vasodilation. The nurse should advise the client to take a mild analgesic, such as acetaminophen, to relieve the headache. The headache usually subsides with continued use of nitroglycerin.
The other options are not correct because:
"Take only one dose of nitroglycerin to reduce the risk of getting a headache." This statement is incorrect because it may compromise the effectiveness of nitroglycerin in relieving angina. The client should follow the prescribed dosage and frequency of nitroglycerin, which is usually one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses, as needed for chest pain.
"There's nothing that can be done to relieve the headaches that nitroglycerin causes." This statement is incorrect because it is discouraging and dismissive of the client's concern. The nurse should acknowledge the client's
discomfort and offer suggestions for managing the side effect, such as taking a mild analgesic or lying down in a dark room.
"We will ask the provider to prescribe a different medication for you." This statement is incorrect because it implies that nitroglycerin is not suitable for the client and may cause unnecessary anxiety or confusion. The nurse should explain that nitroglycerin is an effective and safe medication for angina and that the headache is a common and transient side effect that can be managed with simple measures. The nurse should also inform the client that there are other forms of nitroglycerin, such as patches or sprays, that may have less headache-inducing effects. However, changing the medication or the route of administration should be done only after consulting with the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should place a towel under the client's head to protect it from injury during the seizure. The nurse should also loosen any tight clothing, remove any objects that could harm the client, and maintain a patent airway.
Place the client in a prone position is wrong because it can compromise the client's breathing and increase the risk of aspiration. The nurse should place the client in a side-lying position after the seizure to facilitate drainage of oral secretions and prevent aspiration.
Holding the client's arms and legs still is wrong because it can cause injury to the client or the nurse. The nurse should not restrain or interfere with the client's movements during the seizure but rather ensure a safe environment and observe the seizure activity.
Leaving the client to get help is wrong because it can endanger the client's safety and well-being. The nurse should stay with the client during the seizure and call for assistance if needed, but not leave the client alone or unattended.
Correct Answer is ["8"]
Explanation
To calculate the volume to administer, the nurse should use the following formula:
Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL) x 1000
Plugging in the given values, the nurse should get:
Volume (mL) = 400 mg / 250 mg/5 mL x 1000
Volume (mL) = 8 mL
The nurse should round the answer to the nearest whole number and use a leading zero if it applies. Therefore, the nurse should administer 8 mL of valproic acid per dose.
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