When administering sublingual nitroglycerin for emergency treatment of angina or chest pain, the nurse monitors for which common adverse effect?
Nausea.
Bradycardia.
Hypertension.
Headache.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D: Headache.
Choice A rationale: Nausea is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Nausea may occur in some patients, but it is usually mild and transient. Nausea may be related to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can cause hypotension and reflex tachycardia1. Nausea may also be caused by other factors, such as anxiety, stress, or food intolerance. Nausea is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice B rationale: Bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually defined as less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia may occur in some patients who take nitroglycerin, especially in combination with other drugs that affect the heart rate, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin3. Bradycardia may also be caused by other factors, such as vagal stimulation, hypothyroidism, or electrolyte imbalance. Bradycardia is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice C rationale: Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Hypertension is a high blood pressure, usually defined as more than 140/90 mmHg. Hypertension may occur in some patients who take nitroglycerin, especially in those who have a history of hypertension, renal impairment, or volume overload4. Hypertension may also be caused by other factors, such as stress, pain, or caffeine intake. Hypertension is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice D rationale: Headache is a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Headache may occur in up to 80% of patients who take nitroglycerin, especially during the first few days of therapy or after an increase in dose5. Headache may be related to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can cause cerebral vasodilation and increased intracranial pressure. Headache may also be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, sinusitis, or migraine. Headache is usually mild to moderate in intensity and can be relieved by analgesics, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Headache is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
ACE inhibitors are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which narrows the blood vessels and increases blood pressure.By preventing this hormone from acting, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. One of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough, which occurs in 12–19% of people who take them. The cough is caused by the accumulation of a substance called bradykinin, which is normally broken down by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).When ACE is inhibited, bradykinin levels increase and cause irritation and inflammation in the airways.
Choice A is wrong because decreased white blood cells are not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may develop a condition called neutropenia, which is a low level of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.This can increase the risk of infections and may require stopping the medication.
Choice B is wrong because swelling of the face and lips is not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may develop a rare but serious allergic reaction called angioedema, which is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes.
This can affect the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body and can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.Angioedema can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D is wrong because renal failure is not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may experience a decrease in kidney function or an increase in blood levels of creatinine, which is a waste product filtered by the kidneys.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Atorvastatin is a type ofstatin, which are the most potent antilipidemic agents, and have proven to lower the risk of myocardial infarction by reducing the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.Statins also slightly increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Choice B, niacin, is a type ofnicotinic acid, which can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol, but it is less effective than statins and has more side effects, such as flushing, itching, and liver toxicity.
Choice C, gemfibrozil, is a type offibric acid derivative, which can lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol, but have little effect on LDL cholesterol.They are mainly used for patients with high triglyceride levels or low HDL cholesterol levels.
Choice D, amlodipine, is not an antilipidemic agent at all.It is a type ofcalcium channel blocker, which is used to treat hypertension and angina by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart.
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