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 A
Explanation
Erectile dysfunction drugs should not be used when a patient is taking nitrates.This is because both types of drugs cause blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or fainting.
Choice B is wrong because alpha-adrenergic blockers are sometimes used together with nitrates to treat high blood pressure and angina. They work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Choice C is wrong because calcium channel blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure and angina. They work by blocking the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, which reduces the force of contraction and relaxes the blood vessels.
Choice D is wrong because beta-adrenergic blockers are another class of drugs that can be used with nitrates to treat high blood pressure and angina. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, which slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Normal ranges for blood pressure vary depending on age, gender and other factors, but generally they are between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg for healthy adults.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, which is a type of cholesterol that carries excess cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, where it can be removed.HDL cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol because it helps protect against heart disease by lowering the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries.Increasing HDL cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.
Choice A is wrong because increasing LDL cholesterol levels would have the opposite effect.
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, which is a type of cholesterol that carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body, where it can accumulate in the walls of the arteries and form plaque.
LDL cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because it increases the risk of heart disease by narrowing and hardening the arteries.Decreasing LDL cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.
Choice C is wrong because increasing triglyceride levels would also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that circulates in the blood and provides energy for the body.
However, when triglycerides are too high, they can contribute to plaque formation in the arteries and inflammation of the pancreas.
High triglycerides are often associated with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and low thyroid levels.Lowering triglyceride levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.
Choice D is wrong because increasing intake of saturated fats would also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Saturated fats are a type of fat that are solid at room temperature and are found mostly in animal products, such as meat, butter, cheese, and cream.
Saturated fats can raise both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, but they also increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.Reducing intake of saturated fats and replacing them with unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.
The normal ranges for blood lipid levels are as follows:
• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)
• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)
• HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) or higher for men; 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) or higher for women
• Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
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