A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has stable angina and a new prescription for nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Take 1 capsule at the onset of anginal pain.
Take the medication with meals.
Swallow the capsules whole.
Stop taking the medication if side effects are troublesome.
The Correct Answer is C
Swallowing the capsules whole is the correct way to take nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules, as they are designed to release the medication slowly and steadily over time. The client should not crush, chew, or open the capsules, as this can alter the absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
Taking 1 capsule at the onset of anginal pain is not appropriate, as nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules are not meant for acute episodes of angina, but for long-term prevention and management. The client should use a fast-acting form of nitroglycerin, such as sublingual tablets or spray, to relieve anginal pain.
Taking the medication with meals is not necessary, as nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules can be taken with or without food. However, the client should take the medication at regular intervals and around the same time each day.
Stopping taking the medication if side effects are troublesome is not advisable, as nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules can cause withdrawal symptoms and rebound angina if discontinued abruptly. The client should consult with the provider before stopping or changing the dose of the medication. The client should also report any severe or persistent side effects, such as headache, dizziness, hypotension, or tachycardia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Asthma typically presents with wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While dyspnea is a symptom, tachycardia and weak peripheral pulses are not characteristic findings associated with asthma.
B. Aortic valve regurgitation may cause dyspnea and fatigue, but it is more commonly associated with bounding pulses and diastolic murmur rather than weak peripheral pulses.
C. Heart failure is characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, tachycardia, and weak peripheral pulses due to reduced cardiac output and poor perfusion to the extremities. The nurse should recognize these signs as indicative of heart failure.
D. Aortic stenosis can lead to symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue; however, it typically presents with a triad of symptoms including exertional dyspnea, angina, and syncope, rather than weak peripheral pulses.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An exercise stress test is a diagnostic procedure that measures the heart's response to physical activity. The client is instructed to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while their heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram are monitored. The test can help detect coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or other cardiac problems.
The client should follow certain guidelines before the test, such as:
- Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and stimulants for at least 4 hours before the test, as they can affect the heart rate and blood pressure.
- Fasting for at least 2 hours before the test, as eating can affect the blood flow to the heart.
- Getting adequate rest and sleep the night before the test, as fatigue can affect the performance and results of the test.
- Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for exercise.
- Informing the provider of any medications they are taking, as some medications may need to be withheld or adjusted before the test, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, or antiarrhythmics. These medications can affect the heart rate and blood pressure and interfere with the interpretation of the test results.
Therefore, the comment made by the client that indicates a need for further teaching is "I'll take my heart medications the morning of my test." The client should consult with their provider about whether they should take their heart medications or not before the test. The other comments made by the client are appropriate and indicate that they understand the pre-test instructions.
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