A nurse is preparing to administer nitroglycerin topical ointment to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Measure the dosage of medication using the applicator paper.
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin.
Cover the medication on the client's skin with a sterile gauze pad.
Apply the medication to the same site for three consecutive days.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Using the applicator paper is appropriate for measuring the dosage accurately, but simply measuring the dosage is not the only step; the medication needs to be spread over the specified area of the skin.
Choice B Reason:
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin. Nitroglycerin ointment is typically measured using a specific paper or measuring tape provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing. The ointment is spread thinly and evenly over a specific measured area of the skin, usually about 12.7 cm (5 inches) in length, to maintain consistent dosing.
Choice C Reason:
Covering the medication with a sterile gauze pad is not typically done with nitroglycerin ointment. The ointment is meant to be absorbed through the skin, and covering it may interfere with its absorption.
Choice D Reason:
Nitroglycerin ointment is often applied to different sites to prevent skin irritation and tolerance from developing at one site. It's usually rotated to different clean areas of the skin to prevent skin irritation and tolerance buildup. Applying it to the same site for three consecutive days is not standard practice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Furosemide is not correct. Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat conditions like heart failure and edema by increasing urine output. It is not a contraindication for sildenafil. However, it's essential to monitor blood pressure when these medications are used together, as both can potentially lower blood pressure.
Choice B Reason:
Albuterol is not correct. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. It doesn't have direct contraindications with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. Although both medications can cause some cardiovascular effects, they are not typically considered contraindications for each other.
Choice C Reason:
Indomethacin is not correct. Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation and pain. While it can have effects on blood pressure and the cardiovascular system, it is not a direct contraindication for sildenafil specifically for erectile dysfunction.
Choice D Reason:
Nitroglycerin is correct. Nitroglycerin is a contraindication for sildenafil. Both medications can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. When taken together, they can potentiate each other's effects, leading to a severe decrease in blood pressure, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, individuals using nitroglycerin or any nitrate medications should not take sildenafil or other medications for erectile dysfunction due to the risk of hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ondansetron is incorrect. Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication commonly used in cancer patients to manage nausea and vomiting, often caused by chemotherapy. It's not typically contraindicated or known to interact significantly with morphine administered via a PCA pump. This combination is often used to manage both pain and associated symptoms in cancer patients.
Choice B Reason:
Acetaminophen is incorrect. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that doesn't typically interact significantly with morphine administered via a PCA pump. It's often used concurrently with other pain medications to manage discomfort in cancer patients. There isn't a known significant interaction between acetaminophen and morphine when used appropriately.
Choice C Reason:
Nalbuphine is correct. Nalbuphine is an opioid analgesic, similar to morphine, and administering it concurrently with morphine could potentially lead to opioid overdose or increased risk of opioid-related side effects such as respiratory depression. Thus, it's crucial to clarify with the provider whether there might be a potential interaction or if both medications are indeed necessary in this specific clinical scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Insulin glargine is incorrect. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. While its interaction with morphine isn't typically a concern, it's essential to monitor blood sugar levels closely in individuals receiving opioids like morphine, as opioids can affect glucose metabolism and may necessitate adjustments in insulin dosage.
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