A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has angina and a new prescription of nitroglycerin sublingual. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"If my pain is not relieved in 20 minutes, I will take a second tablet."
"I will keep my tablets on a shelf in the bathroom."
"I should be sure to swallow the tablet whole."
“If my mouth is dry, I will take a sip of water before I take the tablet.”
The Correct Answer is D
A. "If my pain is not relieved in 20 minutes, I will take a second tablet." Sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken at 5-minute intervals, up to a maximum of three doses within 15 minutes. If chest pain persists after three doses, emergency medical assistance is necessary, as this may indicate a myocardial infarction. Delaying a second dose for 20 minutes may lead to worsening of the condition and delay appropriate treatment.
B. "I will keep my tablets on a shelf in the bathroom." Nitroglycerin is highly sensitive to heat, light, and moisture, which can cause it to lose potency. Storing it in the bathroom, where temperature and humidity fluctuate, can degrade the medication. It should be kept in its original dark glass container with the lid tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat sources.
C. "I should be sure to swallow the tablet whole." Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Swallowing it whole delays its effect because it would need to pass through the digestive system before being absorbed, reducing its ability to quickly relieve angina. Clients should be instructed to place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely without chewing or swallowing.
D. “If my mouth is dry, I will take a sip of water before I take the tablet.” A dry mouth can slow the dissolution of the sublingual tablet, delaying its absorption and effectiveness. Taking a sip of water before administration ensures the tablet dissolves properly under the tongue, allowing for rapid relief of angina symptoms. However, clients should avoid drinking excessive amounts of water that might wash the tablet down before it dissolves.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Fluconazole. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, such as candidiasis. It is not related to penicillin and does not pose a risk for cross-reactivity in clients with a penicillin allergy. It can be safely administered in this scenario.
B. Tetracycline. Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including acne and respiratory infections. It belongs to a different antibiotic class than penicillins and cephalosporins, meaning it does not pose a risk of cross-reactivity in clients with a penicillin allergy.
C. Acyclovir. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat viral infections, such as herpes simplex and varicella-zoster. Since it does not belong to the beta-lactam antibiotic class, it is not contraindicated for clients with a penicillin allergy.
D. Cephalexin. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin, which shares a similar beta-lactam ring structure with penicillins. Clients with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin are at increased risk of cross-reactivity with cephalosporins, particularly first-generation ones like cephalexin. Due to the severity of the client’s allergic reaction, cephalexin should be avoided, and an alternative non-beta-lactam antibiotic should be considered.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Add the medications to the enteral feeding bag. Medications should not be mixed with enteral feeding formula as this can alter drug absorption, cause tube clogging, or result in medication interactions. Each medication should be administered separately to ensure proper effectiveness.
B. Check for gastric residual 15 min after administering the medications. Gastric residual volume (GRV) should be checked before medication administration to assess delayed gastric emptying. Checking it after administration is unnecessary and may disrupt medication absorption without clinical benefit.
C. Keep the client's head elevated 15° while administering the medications. The head of the bed should be elevated at least 30–45 degrees, not 15 degrees, to reduce aspiration risk and promote medication passage. Insufficient elevation increases the likelihood of regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia.
D. Flush the tube with 30 ml of water between each medication. Flushing with 30 mL of water between medications prevents tube clogging and ensures each drug is properly delivered. It also minimizes drug interactions by preventing medications from mixing within the tube.
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