To evaluate the effectiveness of nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL administered to a client diagnosed with angina pectoris, the nurse should:
Assess if the client's urine output has increased.
Ask the client if chest pain is relieved.
Take the client's blood pressure.
Ask the client to ambulate and assess for the absence of dyspnea.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason
Increased urine output is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of nitroglycerin for angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used primarily to relieve chest pain by improving blood flow to the heart muscle, not to influence urine production.
Choice B Reason
Asking the client if their chest pain has been relieved is the most direct method of evaluating the effectiveness of nitroglycerin. Relief of chest pain indicates that the medication is working as intended, reducing the ischemia that causes angina.
Choice C Reason
While taking the client's blood pressure is important, especially since nitroglycerin can cause hypotension, it is not the primary method for evaluating the effectiveness of the medication in relieving angina. Blood pressure measurements are more of a safety check to monitor for adverse effects.
Choice D Reason
Ambulation and assessing for the absence of dyspnea can be part of an overall evaluation of the client's cardiovascular status, but they are not specific to evaluating the effectiveness of nitroglycerin for angina relief. Dyspnea may be a symptom of heart failure or other conditions, not specifically angina pectoris.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
A client with paranoid personality disorder is typically not described as superficially charming. This description is more often associated with other personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, where individuals may use charm to manipulate others for personal gain.
Choice B Reason
Being friendly and open is generally not characteristic of paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are often wary of others and may be perceived as cold or distant due to their mistrust.
Choice C Reason
While intensity and impulsivity can be seen in various personality disorders, they are not the defining features of paranoid personality disorder. These traits are more commonly associated with borderline personality disorder.
Choice D Reason
Guarded and suspicious are hallmark descriptors for someone with paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with this condition are often very distrustful of others, suspecting that others have ulterior motives or are out to harm them. They may be preoccupied with doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason
A hemoglobin level of 7.1 g/dL is significantly lower than the normal range, which is typically around 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women. This finding is concerning as it indicates severe anemia, which can be a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Anemia can lead to tissue hypoxia as the blood's capacity to carry oxygen is diminished. In the context of peripheral arterial disease, where blood flow is already compromised, anemia can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of ischemic events.
Choice B Reason
Ecchymosis, or bruising, on the client's upper extremities could be a result of the antiplatelet effects of aspirin, which inhibits platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time. While this is a concern and warrants monitoring, it is not as immediately life-threatening as severe anemia. However, it does indicate a risk of bleeding complications, which should be addressed by the healthcare provider.
Choice C Reason
A platelet count of 148,000/uL is at the lower end of the normal range, which is approximately 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. This finding should be monitored, especially in the context of aspirin therapy, which can affect platelet function. However, it is not as critical as the low hemoglobin level.
Choice D Reason
Gastrointestinal discomfort is a common side effect of aspirin due to its irritation of the stomach lining. While this symptom can be uncomfortable and may lead to more serious gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers or bleeding, it is typically not as urgent as severe anemia. The client should be evaluated for potential gastrointestinal complications of aspirin therapy.
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