A nurse is talking with a client who is about to start taking nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Take the medication with meals.
Swallow the capsules whole.
Stop taking the medication if you develop headaches.
Take 1 capsule at the onset of anginal pain.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Take the medication with meals:
Nitroglycerin oral, sustained-release capsules should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Taking them with meals may delay or alter the absorption rate, potentially affecting the medication's effectiveness.
B) Swallow the capsules whole:
Nitroglycerin sustained-release capsules should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing. Breaking or crushing the capsules can lead to rapid release of the medication, which may cause adverse effects such as sudden drops in blood pressure or headaches.
C) Stop taking the medication if you develop headaches:
Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilatory effects. Clients are often advised to continue taking the medication as prescribed and inform their healthcare provider about persistent or severe headaches.
D) Take 1 capsule at the onset of anginal pain:
Nitroglycerin is typically used to relieve anginal pain when it occurs. However, sustained-release formulations are not intended for immediate relief of acute angina attacks. Fast-acting formulations like sublingual nitroglycerin tablets are used for acute pain relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I might not get relief from my pain for 3 to 4 weeks.": This statement is correct because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen can take several weeks to achieve their full therapeutic effect, particularly in chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
B) "I can take these pills with my meals.": Taking naproxen with meals is appropriate and helps to minimize gastrointestinal irritation, which is a common side effect of NSAIDs. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.
C) "I am taking this type of medication so it dissolves in my intestine, not my stomach.": This is correct as enteric-coated medications are designed to pass through the stomach intact and dissolve in the intestines to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
D) "It's okay to crush a tablet as long as I make sure it dissolves completely in water before swallowing it.": This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed or chewed because crushing them destroys the coating designed to protect the stomach from irritation and the drug from stomach acid, potentially leading to increased side effects and reduced effectiveness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "Heparin prevents new clots from forming rather than dissolving established clots":
Heparin works primarily by inhibiting the formation of new clots and preventing existing clots from growing larger. It does not actively dissolve established clots. Instead, the body's natural fibrinolytic system is responsible for breaking down existing clots over time.
B) "The time it takes for heparin to dissolve a clot depends on the size of the clot":
While the size of the clot can influence the duration of treatment with heparin, heparin itself does not directly dissolve clots. Factors such as clot location, patient's overall health, and the body's natural fibrinolytic activity contribute to the resolution of the clot over time.
C) "It usually takes at least 2 to 3 days for heparin to dissolve a clot":
This statement is incorrect because heparin does not dissolve clots. It prevents the clot from growing larger and gives the body time to naturally break down the clot through fibrinolysis, which typically takes longer than a few days.
D) "The time it takes heparin to dissolve clots varies between clients":
This statement is partially correct, as the time it takes for a clot to resolve can vary based on individual factors such as clot size, location, and the body's natural fibrinolytic process. However, heparin itself does not directly dissolve clots.
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