A nurse is teaching a client who has angina about nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Place one tablet under your tongue every 5 minutes for 30 minutes to relieve chest pain."
"Nitroglycerin decreases chest pain by dissolving blood clots that are occluding the arteries."
"You can store the bottle of tablets in your bathroom medicine cabinet."
"Nitroglycerin dilates cardiac blood vessels to deliver more oxygen to the heart."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: "Place one tablet under your tongue every 5 minutes for 30 minutes to relieve chest pain." is not the correct statement. This is an incorrect and potentially dangerous instruction, as it can cause overdose and severe hypotension. The nurse should instruct the client to place one tablet under the tongue at the first sign of chest pain, and repeat every 5 minutes for up to three doses, if needed. The client should call 911 if the pain is not relieved after the first dose.
Choice B reason: "Nitroglycerin decreases chest pain by dissolving blood clots that are occluding the arteries." is not the correct statement. This is a false and misleading explanation of how nitroglycerin works. Nitroglycerin does not dissolve blood clots, nor does it affect the occlusion of the arteries. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, especially the veins. This reduces the preload and the oxygen demand of the heart, and relieves the chest pain caused by ischemia.
Choice C reason: "You can store the bottle of tablets in your bathroom medicine cabinet." is not the correct statement. This is an inappropriate and unsafe storage recommendation, as it can affect the potency and effectiveness of the medication. The nurse should instruct the client to store the bottle of tablets in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from heat, moisture, and light. The client should also keep the bottle tightly closed and replace it every 6 months, or as directed by the provider.
Choice D reason: "Nitroglycerin dilates cardiac blood vessels to deliver more oxygen to the heart." is the correct statement. This is a simple and accurate description of how nitroglycerin helps to relieve anginal pain. Nitroglycerin dilates the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This improves the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the ischemic areas of the heart, and reduces the pain and discomfort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin. Vitamin K reverses the effects of warfarin by increasing the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.
Choice B reason: Glucagon is the antidote for insulin, not heparin. Glucagon increases the blood glucose level by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver.
Choice C reason: Protamine is the antidote for heparin, not vitamin K or glucagon. Protamine neutralizes the effects of heparin by binding to it and forming a stable complex.
Choice D reason: Iron is not an antidote for any anticoagulant. Iron is a mineral that is essential for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bradycardia is not an indication of circulatory overload. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. Circulatory overload causes the heart to work harder to pump the excess fluid in the blood vessels, which can result in tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, usually above 100 beats per minute.
Choice B reason: Flushing is not an indication of circulatory overload. Flushing is a reddening of the skin, usually due to increased blood flow or inflammation. Circulatory overload causes the blood vessels to constrict and increase the blood pressure, which can result in pallor, or a pale appearance of the skin.
Choice C reason: Vomiting is not an indication of circulatory overload. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, usually due to nausea, infection, or irritation. Circulatory overload does not affect the gastrointestinal system directly, although it may cause abdominal distension or ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Choice D reason: Dyspnea is an indication of circulatory overload. Dyspnea is the sensation of difficulty breathing, usually due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the tissues. Circulatory overload causes the excess fluid in the blood vessels to leak into the lungs, which can result in pulmonary edema, or the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli. This impairs the gas exchange and causes hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in the blood.
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