A nurse is obtaining a health history for a client with chronic pancreatitis. Which of the following indicates the primary cause of the client's condition?

Choice A: Topical ointment Topical ointment forms of nitroglycerin are used for their long-acting effects. The medication is absorbed slowly through the skin, providing a steady level of drug in the bloodstream. This form is not designed for rapid relief of acute angina attacks but rather for prevention.

Choice B: Sustained-release Sustained-release forms of nitroglycerin are designed to release the medication slowly over an extended period. This route is also not suitable for treating acute symptoms because it does not provide immediate relief but is used for long-term management of angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin is a medication used primarily to treat angina pectoris (chest pain) and heart failure. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles and dilating the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the heart and decreases its workload. The route of administration can significantly affect the onset and duration of the medication’s action.

Choice C: Sublingual The sublingual route, where the medication is placed under the tongue, allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels found in the area. This form of nitroglycerin acts quickly, usually within 1 to 3 minutes, and is the preferred choice for immediate relief of angina pain. When rapid onset is required for relief from acute angina symptoms, the sublingual route is the most appropriate choice for administering nitroglycerin. It provides quick absorption and fast action, making it an essential treatment option for patients experiencing chest pain due to angina.

Choice D: Transdermal patch Transdermal patches release nitroglycerin slowly through the skin and into the bloodstream. Like topical ointments and sustained-release forms, they are used for long-term prophylaxis of angina and not for rapid relief.

Choice A reason:Bubbling in the water seal chamber with exhalation can be normal, indicating that air is being evacuated from the pleural space.

Choice B reason:Crepitus, or subcutaneous emphysema, can indicate that air is leaking into the tissue around the chest tube site, which is a serious complication that requires immediate attention.

Choice C reason:

Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side can indicate tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that also requires immediate attention.

Choice D reason:If the eyelets of the chest tube are not visible, it may simply mean that the tube is inserted fully, which is not an immediate cause for concern unless other symptoms are present.