A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets for treating angina. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Call 911 if pain persists 30 minutes after taking one tablet."
"Place the tablet under the tongue until dissolved."
"Store the tablets in a refrigerator in a plastic container."
"Take a tablet every 10 minutes until the pain subsides."
The Correct Answer is B
A) "Call 911 if pain persists 30 minutes after taking one tablet": This instruction is not accurate and could potentially delay appropriate medical intervention for angina. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are rapid-acting vasodilators used to relieve acute angina symptoms. If chest pain persists after taking one tablet, the client should take another tablet after 5 minutes. If the pain persists after a total of three tablets, the client should seek emergency medical assistance.
B) "Place the tablet under the tongue until dissolved": This instruction is correct. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. Sublingual administration allows for rapid absorption of the medication into the bloodstream, providing quick relief of angina symptoms.
C) "Store the tablets in a refrigerator in a plastic container": This instruction is incorrect. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Storing them in the refrigerator could alter their effectiveness.
D) "Take a tablet every 10 minutes until the pain subsides": This instruction is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should be taken as directed by the healthcare provider or based on the client's angina management plan. Typically, the client should take one tablet at the onset of angina symptoms and repeat the dose every 5 minutes if the pain persists, up to a maximum of three tablets within 15 minutes. Taking a tablet every 10 minutes without regard to symptom relief or maximum dosage limits could lead to hypotension and other adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C) "The TPN will provide nutrients while your bowels have time to rest": Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of providing nutrition intravenously to clients who are unable to tolerate or absorb adequate nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract. It bypasses the digestive tract entirely, delivering a balanced mixture of nutrients directly into the bloodstream. One of the primary indications for TPN is to provide nutritional support while allowing the gastrointestinal tract to rest, particularly in cases where the bowels are inflamed, injured, or unable to function properly. By bypassing the digestive system, TPN can provide essential nutrients to the body while reducing the workload on the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the nurse should include this information in the teaching to help the client understand the purpose and benefits of TPN therapy.
A) "The TPN will stimulate your appetite so that you'll be able to eat more food": TPN does not stimulate appetite. In fact, TPN is often used when the client cannot eat or tolerate oral intake due to various medical conditions or gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, this statement is incorrect and may confuse the client about the purpose of TPN therapy.
B) "The TPN contains medication that will help your digestive tract absorb nutrients": TPN does not contain medication to help the digestive tract absorb nutrients. Instead, TPN provides nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the need for digestion. This statement is inaccurate and does not accurately describe the mechanism of action of TPN.
D) "The TPN will help keep your bowels clear in case you need surgery": While TPN can help maintain nutritional status in clients who are unable to eat or tolerate oral intake, it is not primarily used to keep the bowels clear for surgery. Bowel preparation for surgery typically involves other interventions such as bowel rest, mechanical cleansing, or medication administration. Therefore, this statement is not directly related to the purpose of TPN therapy and may mislead the client about its intended use.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time): While the PTT is a laboratory test used to assess the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade and monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy, it is not routinely used to monitor warfarin therapy. Therefore, reviewing the PTT prior to administering warfarin is not necessary.
B) PT (Prothrombin Time): Prothrombin time measures the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade and is commonly used to monitor warfarin therapy. Since warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, such as factors II, VII, IX, and X, monitoring the PT allows for the assessment of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and helps guide dosing adjustments. Therefore, reviewing the PT prior to administering warfarin is essential to ensure appropriate anticoagulation therapy.
C) WBC (White Blood Cell Count): The white blood cell count is not directly related to warfarin therapy monitoring. While an elevated white blood cell count may indicate infection, it is not specific to warfarin therapy and does not influence the administration of the medication.
D) Total iron-binding capacity: Total iron-binding capacity is a laboratory test used to assess iron status and is not relevant to monitoring warfarin therapy. It measures the body's ability to bind and transport iron in the blood, and its results are not indicative of warfarin's anticoagulant effect or dosage adjustments.
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