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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The extra letters after the name of the medication do not mean it is a stronger dose, but that it is a combination of two different medications. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that reduces fluid retention and blood volume. The combination of these two medications may have a synergistic effect and lower blood pressure more effectively than either one alone.
Choice B reason: The client will have to do some things differently because it is not the same medication, but a combination of two medications. The client will have to monitor their blood pressure, weight, fluid intake, and electrolyte levels more closely, as the addition of hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of dehydration, hypotension, and hypokalemia. The client will also have to avoid alcohol, salt, and potassium supplements, as they may interact with the medication and affect its efficacy or safety.
Choice C reason: The client will still have to diet to lose weight, as the medication does not cause weight loss, but may cause weight gain due to fluid retention. The client will have to follow a healthy diet that is low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, as these may worsen hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The client will also have to exercise regularly, as this may help lower blood pressure and improve overall health.
Choice D reason: The client may experience fewer side effects with the new medication, as the combination of metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide may lower the dose and frequency of each medication, and reduce the adverse effects of each one. For example, metoprolol may cause fatigue, dizziness, or bradycardia, while hydrochlorothiazide may cause dry mouth, headache, or gout. The combination of these two medications may balance out these effects and improve the client's tolerance and compliance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Naloxone is not the correct medication. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Naloxone has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which is a mineral and electrolyte that is used to prevent seizures in clients with preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Choice B reason: Protamine is not the correct medication. Protamine is a heparin antagonist that reverses the effects of heparin overdose, such as bleeding, bruising, and thrombocytopenia. Protamine has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which is not an anticoagulant.
Choice C reason: Calcium gluconate is the correct medication. Calcium gluconate is a calcium salt that antagonizes the effects of magnesium sulfate overdose, such as hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, and muscle weakness. Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can occur when the serum magnesium level is above 7.5 mEq/L. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, deep tendon reflexes, and urine output, and report any signs of toxicity to the provider.
Choice D reason: Flumazenil is not the correct medication. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that reverses the effects of benzodiazepine overdose, such as drowsiness, confusion, and coma. Flumazenil has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which is not a sedative.
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