The nurse is providing care for a patient with the following tracing on the electrocardiogram (ECG) for atrial fibrillation. What prescription should the nurse anticipate from the primary healthcare provider (PHCP)?

Choice A rationale
Increasing glomerular filtration would result in increased urine output, not decreased venous return. This action is not directly related to the therapeutic action of nitroglycerin.
Choice B rationale
While enhancing the contractility of the myocardium would increase oxygen delivery, this is not the primary action of nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin primarily works by dilating the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of work the heart has to do and increases the blood supply to the heart muscle.
Choice C rationale
Nitroglycerin does not produce an immediate analgesic effect. While it can relieve chest pain, it does so by increasing blood flow to the heart, not by acting as an analgesic.
Choice D rationale
Nitroglycerin increases the coronary blood supply and decreases the afterload314. By dilating the blood vessels, nitroglycerin reduces the amount of work the heart has to do and increases the blood supply to the heart muscle. This is the primary therapeutic action of nitroglycerin in alleviating chest pain.

Choice A rationale
Education on the necessity of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial for patients who have just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever.
Patients who have had rheumatic fever are at risk of getting it again if they have another strep infection. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent recurrent infections and the development of rheumatic heart disease.
Choice B rationale
While anticoagulation therapy may be necessary for some patients with heart conditions, it is not typically the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation and damage to the heart valves, but it does not typically cause blood clots, which are the primary reason for anticoagulation therapy.
Choice C rationale
Adherence to standard infection control procedures is important for all patients, but it is not the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.
Choice D rationale
While physical activity management may be part of the overall care plan for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever, it is not typically the most important nursing action. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.