A patient with angina pectoris has been discharged with a new prescription for nitroglycerin tablets.
What is the most important instruction for the practical nurse (PN) to emphasize to the patient regarding the administration of nitroglycerin?
Flushing, dizziness, and general body warmth are common occurrences with each sublingual tablet taken.
If chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three times at 5-minute intervals, call the emergency medical service (EMS).
A pounding headache is a common side effect of both the nitroglycerin patch and the sublingual tablets.
Use the nitroglycerin patch for long-term prevention and use the sublingual tablets for acute attacks.
The Correct Answer is B
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is B. If chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three
times at 5-minute intervals, call the emergency medical service (EMS).
Choice A rationale
While flushing, dizziness, and general body warmth can occur with each sublingual tablet
taken, these are side effects of the medication and not the primary intended effect. The main
purpose of nitroglycerin is to relieve chest pain associated with angina.
Choice B rationale
This is the most important instruction. Nitroglycerin is used to treat episodes of angina. If
chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three times at 5-minute
intervals, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack. In this case,
immediate medical attention is necessary.
Choice C rationale
A pounding headache is a common side effect of both the nitroglycerin patch and the
sublingual tablets. However, the presence of a headache does not indicate whether the
medication is effectively treating angina.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that nitroglycerin patches are used for long-term prevention and sublingual
tablets are used for acute attacks, this is general information about the medication and not the
most important instruction for a patient who has been prescribed nitroglycerin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: Calculate the total amount of warfarin required. The healthcare provider has prescribed 7.5 mg of warfarin.
Step 2 is: Subtract the amount of warfarin already administered. The patient has already received 2 tablets, each containing 2.5 mg of warfarin, for a total of 5 mg.
Step 3 is: Calculate the additional amount of warfarin required. The total amount required (7.5 mg) minus the amount already administered (5 mg) equals 2.5 mg.
Step 4 is: Determine the number of additional tablets required. Since each tablet contains 2.5 mg of warfarin, the patient should receive 1 additional tablet.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.
Choice A rationale:
Wearing protective clothing when in direct sunlight is not specifically related to taking alendronate. This advice is more relevant for medications that increase photosensitivity, which is not a known side effect of alendronate.
Choice B rationale:
Sucking on hard candy to increase oral secretions is not necessary for patients taking alendronate. This advice is typically given to patients experiencing dry mouth, which is not a common side effect of alendronate.
Choice C rationale:
Drinking 8 ounces (240 mL) of water with each dose of alendronate is crucial. This helps ensure the medication reaches the stomach quickly and reduces the risk of esophageal irritation or ulcers.
Choice D rationale:
Laying supine for 30 minutes after taking alendronate is incorrect. Patients should remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure the medication reaches the stomach properly.
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