A patient with angina is receiving Nitroglycerin and begins to complain of a severe headache. What is the most appropriate response from the nurse?
Headaches can occur due to the vasoconstriction effect of the medication.
I can give you some Morphine to help with that headache.
I will notify the physician immediately.
This is a normal side effect of Nitroglycerin as it dilates your body's vessels.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: The statement "Headaches can occur due to the vasoconstriction effect of the medication" is incorrect. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, not vasoconstriction. Vasodilation increases blood flow, which can lead to headaches as a common side effect.
Choice B reason: Offering Morphine to manage the headache is not the most appropriate initial response. While Morphine can relieve pain, it's essential to educate the patient about the common side effects of Nitroglycerin and provide reassurance. Morphine use should be carefully considered and is typically reserved for more severe pain management.
Choice C reason: Notifying the physician immediately is not necessary in this scenario, as a headache is a known and common side effect of Nitroglycerin. It's more appropriate to educate the patient about the side effects and provide reassurance. Only if the headache is severe and unrelieved by other measures should the physician be notified.
Choice D reason: Explaining that the headache is a normal side effect of Nitroglycerin, which dilates blood vessels, is the most appropriate response. This helps to reassure the patient and provides an understanding of why the headache is occurring. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce angina symptoms, and headaches are a common side effect due to this vasodilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. While it is a significant risk factor, individuals cannot change their age. Modifiable risk factors are those that individuals can alter through lifestyle changes or medical interventions to reduce their risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Choice B reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. By managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring, individuals can reduce their risk of developing coronary artery disease. Effective management of hypertension includes reducing sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed medications.
Choice C reason: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. Individuals can work towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral modifications. Losing weight can significantly lower the risk of coronary artery disease by improving blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health.
Choice D reason: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. Quitting smoking can dramatically reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Smoking cessation programs, medications, and support groups can help individuals successfully quit smoking and improve their cardiovascular health.
Choice E reason: Stress is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. Chronic stress can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease by affecting blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, counseling, and mindfulness practices can help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Inotropic drugs are used to improve the strength of the heart's contractions and support cardiac output in cases of heart failure or cardiogenic shock. While they may be used as supportive therapy in septic shock to maintain blood pressure and perfusion, they are not the primary treatment.
Choice B reason: Antibiotics are the primary and most crucial therapy for managing septic shock. Septic shock is caused by a severe infection that leads to systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is essential to target the underlying infection and prevent the progression of septic shock. Antibiotic therapy is initiated as soon as possible, often after obtaining blood cultures to identify the causative pathogen.
Choice C reason: Antidysrhythmic drugs are used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. They are not specific to the treatment of septic shock but may be used if the patient develops arrhythmias as a complication of the shock state.
Choice D reason: Beta blockers are used to manage hypertension and certain types of arrhythmias by reducing the heart rate and the workload on the heart. They are not typically used in the acute management of septic shock and may even be contraindicated due to their potential to decrease cardiac output.
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