A nurse is providing instructions to a client who has a new prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) to treat angina pectoris. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Cytotoxic hypersensitivity is a type of hypersensitivity that involves the production of IgG or IgM antibodies that bind to antigens on the surface of cells, leading to cell destruction by complement activation or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Myasthenia gravis is an example of a cytotoxic hypersensitivity, as it is caused by autoantibodies that target the acetylcholine receptors on the muscle cells, impairing neuromuscular transmission and causing muscle weakness.

Delayed hypersensitivity is a type of hypersensitivity that involves the activation of T cells and macrophages, leading to inflammation and tissue damage after several hours or days of exposure to an antigen. Examples of delayed hypersensitivity include contact dermatitis, tuberculin skin test, and transplant rejection.

Immediate hypersensitivity is a type of hypersensitivity that involves the production of IgE antibodies that bind to mast cells or basophils, leading to degranulation and release of histamine and other mediators, causing anaphylaxis, urticaria, or allergic rhinitis within minutes of exposure to an antigen.

Immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity is a type of hypersensitivity that involves the formation of antigen- antibody complexes that deposit in tissues or blood vessels, leading to complement activation and inflammation, causing vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, or serum sickness within hours or days of exposure to an antigen.

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.