A nurse preparing incoming storm. Which of the following clients should the nurse recommend for discharge planning?

A) "I will stop what I am doing and lie down.": This is the correct response. When a client with stable angina experiences chest pain, they should stop any physical activity and rest in a comfortable position, preferably lying down. This helps reduce the heart’s workload and decrease the demand for oxygen, which can relieve the pain. Rest is important before taking any further action.

B) "I will take two 325 milligram aspirin tablets at the same time.": While aspirin can help reduce blood clot formation in some cases of chest pain, the recommended dosage is typically one 81-325 mg aspirin, not two 325 mg tablets. Taking two large doses may lead to an overdose or unwanted side effects. Additionally, this is not the immediate intervention for stable angina pain, which typically responds to rest and nitroglycerin.

C) "I will hold my breath and bear down.": This technique, known as the Valsalva maneuver, can increase intrathoracic pressure and slow the heart rate, but it is not recommended to relieve chest pain in stable angina. In fact, it could increase stress on the heart and worsen the symptoms. This maneuver is used in specific situations, such as slowing a rapid heart rate, not for chest pain relief.

D) "I will call the provider after taking one dose of nitroglycerin.": The client should first try nitroglycerin for chest pain as prescribed, and if the pain doesn’t resolve after one dose (or if it worsens), they should seek medical attention. However, in the case of stable angina, it's more appropriate to call the provider if the chest pain persists despite rest and nitroglycerin, not immediately after the first dose.

A) Instruct another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record:
The nurse receiving a telephone prescription is responsible for ensuring the prescription is recorded correctly in the medical record. It is not appropriate to delegate this responsibility to another nurse. The nurse should personally document the prescription to ensure accuracy and clarity.

B) Withhold the medication until the provider signs the prescription:
The nurse should not withhold the medication solely based on the provider's signature. Telephone prescriptions are valid once they are received and documented accurately by the nurse. The prescription must be signed by the provider as soon as possible, but withholding medication is not warranted unless there are other concerns with the prescription.

C) Ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication:
When receiving a telephone prescription, the nurse should ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication to avoid errors. Medication names, especially those that sound similar, need to be communicated clearly to ensure correct medication administration. This action helps prevent misinterpretation or confusion, ensuring patient safety.

D) Record the date and time of the telephone prescription:
Recording the date and time of the telephone prescription is essential for accurate documentation and legal purposes. This step ensures that there is a clear record of when the prescription was given and that the provider’s order is traceable in the client’s medical record. It also assists in meeting legal and institutional documentation requirements.

E) Request that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription:
The nurse should read back the prescription to the provider to confirm accuracy. This action is part of the "read-back" process, a safety measure used to verify that the prescription has been communicated correctly and understood by both the nurse and the provider. This step helps reduce the risk of medication errors.