Why is a patient who is using a transdermal nitroglycerin patch instructed to remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning?
To avoid allergic response.
To prevent tolerance.
To prevent overdosage.
To prevent the patient from forgetting to remove the patch in the morning.
The Correct Answer is B
Nitroglycerin is a medication that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow to the heart. It is used to treat angina, a condition that causes chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart. However, nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness over time if it is used continuously. This is called tolerance, and it means that the patient will need higher doses of the medication to achieve the same relief. To avoid tolerance, patients who use transdermal nitroglycerin patches are instructed to remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning. This creates a nitrate-free interval of about 8 to 12 hours, which allows the body to restore its sensitivity to nitroglycerin.
Choice A is wrong because an allergic response is not a common side effect of nitroglycerin. Some patients may experience skin irritation or rash at the site of application, but this is usually mild and does not require discontinuation of the medication.
Choice C is wrong because overdosage is unlikely with transdermal nitroglycerin patches. The patches deliver a controlled amount of nitroglycerin through the skin over a period of time. The risk of overdosage is higher with other forms of nitroglycerin, such as tablets or sprays, which are taken as needed for acute angina attacks.
Choice D is wrong because forgetting to remove the patch in the morning is not a serious problem. The patch will continue to deliver nitroglycerin until it is removed, but it will not cause harm to the patient. However, it may reduce the effectiveness of the next patch if there is no nitrate-free interval between them.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Nitrates are a class of drugs that help to widen the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the heart muscle, which reduces the chest pain or discomfort caused by angina.Nitrates can be taken as a mouth spray or tablets that dissolve under the tongue during an angina attack, or as a preventive measure before physical activity.
Choice A is wrong because fatty oxidase enzyme inhibitors are not a real class of drugs.
Fatty acid oxidation is a process that breaks down fats for energy, and it is not related to angina treatment.
Choice B is wrong because beta adrenergic blockers are not the main class of drugs for angina treatment, although they can be used to prevent angina attacks by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the blood pressure.
Beta blockers block the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on the heart and blood vessels, which reduces the oxygen demand of the heart.
Choice D is wrong because statins are not used to treat angina attacks, but to lower the cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.
Statins can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with angina, but they do not relieve angina symptoms.
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.
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