A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for a nitroglycerin transdermal patch.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Apply a new patch if you have chest pain.
Discontinue the patch if you experience a headache.
Remove the patch prior to going to bed.
Cover the patch with dry gauze when taking a shower.
The Correct Answer is C
Nitroglycerin transdermal patches are used to prevent episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). They work by relaxing the blood vessels so that the heart does not need to work as hard and therefore does not need as much oxygen.
Choice A is wrong because nitroglycerin transdermal patches cannot be used to treat an attack of angina once it has begun. They can only be used to prevent attacks of angina. If you have chest pain, you should use another form of nitroglycerin, such as sublingual tablets or spray.
Choice B is wrong because headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin transdermal patches and does not mean that you should stop using them. However, you should tell your doctor if the headaches are severe or do not go away. You may also take acetaminophen to relieve the headache.
Choice D is wrong because you do not need to cover the patch with dry gauze when taking a shower. You may shower while you are wearing a nitroglycerin skin patch. If a patch loosens or falls off, replace it with a fresh one.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the colon to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. However, excessive use of osmotic laxatives can cause fluid volume deficit, which is a state of reduced intravascular volume.
One of the signs of fluid volume deficit is oliguria, which means low urine output.
Choice B. Nausea is wrong because nausea is a common side effect of osmotic laxatives, not an indication of fluid volume deficit.
Choice C. Headaches is wrong because headaches are more likely to be caused by dehydration, which is a state of reduced total body water, mostly affecting the intracellular fluid compartment.
Dehydration can result from osmotic laxatives, but it is not the same as fluid volume deficit.
Choice D. Weight gain is wrong because weight gain is not a sign of fluid volume deficit.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Pruritus is a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion. It is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells in the skin. Pruritus can be treated with antihistamines or opioid antagonists. Choice A is wrong because gastric bleeding is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Gastric bleeding can occur due to peptic ulcer disease, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or anticoagulants.
Choice C is wrong because cough is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Cough can be caused by respiratory infections, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Choice D is wrong because tachypnea is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Tachypnea can be caused by hypoxia, anxiety, pain, or fever. Morphine can cause respiratory depression, which is characterized by bradypnea, not tachypnea.
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