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","B"]
Explanation
Pentoxifylline is a medication that improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs.Pentoxifylline can help reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs that occurs with walking and improves with rest.
Choice A is correct because smoking is a major risk factor for PVD and quitting smoking can improve blood flow and prevent further damage to the arteries.
Choice B is correct because prolonged sitting or standing can reduce blood flow to the legs and worsen symptoms of PVD.
Patients should avoid crossing their legs, wearing tight clothing, or exposing their legs to cold temperatures.They should also elevate their legs when resting and move them frequently.
Choice C is wrong because pentoxifylline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to increase its absorption and effectiveness.
Choice D is wrong because physical activity is beneficial for patients with PVD and intermittent claudication.
Exercise can improve blood circulation, increase muscle strength, reduce pain, and lower cardiovascular risk factors.Patients should be encouraged to walk regularly, as tolerated, and follow a supervised exercise program if available.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because potassium sparing diuretics do not lower potassium levels in the blood, unlike other types of diuretics.Potassium is an essential electrolyte that serves nerve and muscular functions and is regulated by the kidneys.Low potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeats and other problems. Therefore, patients taking potassium sparing diuretics should avoid food sources that are high in potassium, such as bananas, avocados, spinach, and potatoes.
Choice A is wrong because thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, can cause low potassium levels in the blood.
Patients taking thiazide diuretics may need to take potassium supplements or eat more potassium-rich foods to prevent hypokalemia.
Choice B is wrong because osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, do not affect potassium levels in the blood.
They work by increasing the amount of water in the urine, but do not alter the electrolyte balance.
Osmotic diuretics are mainly used to treat cerebral edema and glaucoma.
Choice D is wrong because loop diuretics, such as furosemide, can also cause low potassium levels in the blood.
They work by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the loop of Henle, a part of the kidney.
Loop diuretics are used to treat edema and heart failure.
Normal ranges for potassium in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
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