Which patient statement indicates that the nurse’s teaching about sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) has been effective?

Choice A rationale: Adenosine Adenosine is a naturally occurring substance that relaxes and dilates blood vessels. It also affects the electrical activity of the heart. Adenosine is used to help restore normal heartbeats in people with certain heart rhythm disorders. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.

Choice B rationale: Diltiazem Diltiazem belongs to a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Diltiazem also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. It is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or symptoms of angina (chest pain). Diltiazem injection is used in adults to treat certain heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation.

Choice C rationale: Atropine Atropine is a tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings as well as some types of slow heart rate, and to decrease saliva production during surgery. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.

Choice D rationale: Captopril Captopril is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure.
Captopril is also used to improve survival and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack in patients with a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart)4. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.

Choice A rationale
While palpating the liver edge can provide information about liver health and potential fluid accumulation, it is not typically a priority assessment for a patient taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril.
Choice B rationale
A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is low (hypokalemia). This is a critical finding because both Digoxin and Furosemide can cause hypokalemia. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C rationale
While weight gain may indicate worsening heart failure, a gain of 2 pounds over 3 days is not typically considered significant. However, any sudden or unexplained weight gain should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles could indicate worsening heart failure, but it is not as immediately concerning as hypokalemia in a patient taking Digoxin and Furosemide.