A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has angina pectoris and a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I'll dial 911 if I still have pain after taking 4 nitroglycerin tablets over a 20-minute period."
"I'll dial 911 if 1 nitroglycerin tablet does not relieve my pain, and then take up to 2 more tablets 5 minutes apart while waiting."
“I’ll dial 911 when I have pain and then take the nitroglycerin tablets."
"I'll dial 911 if I still have pain after taking 3 nitroglycerin tablets 5 minutes apart."
The Correct Answer is D
A. Taking 4 nitroglycerin tablets is incorrect. The maximum dose is 3 tablets, taken 5 minutes apart. If chest pain persists after the third dose, the client should seek emergency help.
B. Calling 911 after only one dose is incorrect. The correct protocol is to take up to three doses before seeking emergency assistance unless symptoms worsen rapidly.
C. Calling 911 immediately before taking nitroglycerin is incorrect. The client should attempt to relieve the chest pain with nitroglycerin before calling for emergency help.
D. Calling 911 if pain persists after taking 3 nitroglycerin tablets 5 minutes apart is correct. Persistent chest pain despite nitroglycerin use suggests a possible myocardial infarction (MI), requiring immediate medical intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Vital signs . The client has tachycardia (HR 138/min) and tachypnea (RR 28/min), which may indicate worsening heart failure or fluid overload. The low blood pressure (96/75 mmHg) is also concerning, especially with rapid ventricular response (RVR).
B. Respiratory assessment . The presence of a frequent cough with pink-tinged sputum suggests pulmonary congestion or pulmonary edema, a sign of worsening left-sided heart failure.
C. Renal function . The BUN of 28 mg/dL (elevated) and creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL (borderline high) suggest possible kidney impairment due to decreased cardiac output and poor perfusion.
D. Cardiac enzymes . The client denies chest pain or discomfort, so cardiac enzymes are not the immediate priority.
E. BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) . BNP is a key marker of heart failure severity and helps guide treatment decisions.
F. ECG results . The atrial fibrillation with RVR increases the risk of hemodynamic instability and potential thromboembolic events, requiring urgent intervention.
G. Neurologic status . The client is alert, oriented, and following commands, so no immediate neurologic concerns are present.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Ascites is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. Right-sided failure leads to systemic congestion, causing fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
B. Edema in the legs and feet is a symptom of right-sided heart failure. Left-sided failure primarily affects the lungs, while right-sided failure leads to peripheral edema.
C. Crackles in the lungs are expected in left-sided heart failure. Pulmonary congestion results from blood backing up into the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
D. Confusion can occur due to decreased cardiac output and poor oxygenation to the brain. Clients with severe heart failure may experience cognitive changes or altered mental status.
E. Exertional dyspnea is a hallmark of left-sided heart failure. The inability of the left ventricle to pump effectively leads to pulmonary congestion, making breathing difficult during physical activity.
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