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."
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
A. Taking 4 tablets over 20 minutes exceeds the recommended limit of 3 doses in 15 minutes and can dangerously delay emergency care if the pain is due to a heart attack.
B. The correct teaching is to take 1 sublingual nitroglycerin tablet at the onset of angina and, if pain persists after 5 minutes, activate emergency services while taking up to 2 additional tablets at 5-minute intervals. This ensures rapid symptom relief while promptly initiating emergency care if the angina does not resolve.
C. Calling 911 before taking any nitroglycerin delays immediate treatment of angina. Sublingual nitroglycerin is meant to relieve pain quickly, so contacting emergency services comes after assessing response to the first dose.
D. Waiting until all 3 tablets are taken before calling 911 can dangerously delay care if the angina is progressing to myocardial infarction. Early activation after the first dose ensures patient safety and timely intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While increasing caloric intake is important, the primary reason for small, frequent meals is to prevent dyspnea.
B. Social interaction is beneficial, but it is not the main reason for recommending small, frequent meals.
C. Ensuring a balanced diet is important, but not the specific reason for this recommendation.
D. Eating large meals can cause abdominal distention and pressure on the diaphragm, leading to dyspnea. Small, frequent meals help prevent this.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Drawing a basic metabolic panel (BMP) is important for monitoring electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium in clients on diuretics, but it is not the priority intervention.
B. Obtaining a health history is necessary, but assessing the client’s current status takes priority in an acute setting.
C. Auscultating the lung and heart sounds is correct. In heart failure, pulmonary congestion and fluid overload can quickly lead to respiratory distress. The nurse should immediately assess for crackles, wheezing, or signs of pulmonary edema, as well as abnormal heart sounds that may indicate worsening heart failure.
D. Assessing pulse and temperature is routine, but assessing lung and heart sounds directly evaluates for acute decompensation and should be prioritized.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.