Chapter 24: Antianginal Drugs
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which is a true statement concerning the administration of topical nitroglycerin ointment?
a. The ointment should be applied on the chest over the heart.
b. The ointment should be used only in the case of a mild angina episode.
c. The old ointment should be removed before the new ointment is applied.
d. The ointment should be massaged gently into the skin and then covered with plastic wrap.
ANS: C
The old ointment should be removed before a new dose is applied; the ointment is not massaged or
spread on the skin, and it is not indicated for the treatment of acute angina.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
2. The nurse is administering intravenous nitroglycerin to a patient who has just been admitted for an
acute myocardial infarction.
Which statement is true in regard to the administration of this medication?
a. It must be contained in special non–polyvinyl chloride (non-PVC) intravenous
(IV) bags.
b. It is stable for only 24 hours after preparation.
c. It can be given in infusions with other medications.
d. An IV filter should be attached to the infusion tubing.
ANS: A
This medication must be contained in specifically designed non-PVC plastic IV bags. IV nitroglycerin is
stable for 96 hours after preparation, it cannot be given with any other drugs, and IV filters will absorb the
drug.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
, 3. A 53-year-old male patient has been admitted for evaluation of chest pain. He has been diagnosed
with angina and prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. What important instructions for using this
medication should the nurse give the patient?
a. Take up to five doses at 15-minute intervals after an anginal attack.
b. If the tablet does not dissolve quickly, chew the tablet for maximal effect.
c. If the chest pain is not relieved, go to hospital immediately.
d. Sit or lie down when taking a tablet; change positions slowly to avoid falling or fainting.
ANS: D
Sublingual nitroglycerin may cause hypotension. Therefore, the patient should sit or lie down when taking
a dose and should move slowly to avoid injury from falling or fainting. One tablet should be taken every 5
minutes, up to 3 tablets in 15 minutes. This drug should never be chewed. If chest pain is not relieved after
the first tablet and within 5 minutes, call 911 to activate emergency medical services.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
4. A 74-year-old professional golfer has chest pain that occurs toward the end of his golf games. He says
the pain usually goes away after he takes one or two sublingual nitroglycerin tablets and rests. What type
of angina does he have?
a. Classic angina b. Variant angina
c. Unstable angina
d. Prinzmetal’s angina
ANS: A
The patient has classic angina. Also called chronic stable angina, it is triggered by either exertion or stress
and usually subsides within 15 minutes with either rest or drug therapy.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which is a true statement concerning the administration of topical nitroglycerin ointment?
a. The ointment should be applied on the chest over the heart.
b. The ointment should be used only in the case of a mild angina episode.
c. The old ointment should be removed before the new ointment is applied.
d. The ointment should be massaged gently into the skin and then covered with plastic wrap.
ANS: C
The old ointment should be removed before a new dose is applied; the ointment is not massaged or
spread on the skin, and it is not indicated for the treatment of acute angina.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
2. The nurse is administering intravenous nitroglycerin to a patient who has just been admitted for an
acute myocardial infarction.
Which statement is true in regard to the administration of this medication?
a. It must be contained in special non–polyvinyl chloride (non-PVC) intravenous
(IV) bags.
b. It is stable for only 24 hours after preparation.
c. It can be given in infusions with other medications.
d. An IV filter should be attached to the infusion tubing.
ANS: A
This medication must be contained in specifically designed non-PVC plastic IV bags. IV nitroglycerin is
stable for 96 hours after preparation, it cannot be given with any other drugs, and IV filters will absorb the
drug.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
, 3. A 53-year-old male patient has been admitted for evaluation of chest pain. He has been diagnosed
with angina and prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. What important instructions for using this
medication should the nurse give the patient?
a. Take up to five doses at 15-minute intervals after an anginal attack.
b. If the tablet does not dissolve quickly, chew the tablet for maximal effect.
c. If the chest pain is not relieved, go to hospital immediately.
d. Sit or lie down when taking a tablet; change positions slowly to avoid falling or fainting.
ANS: D
Sublingual nitroglycerin may cause hypotension. Therefore, the patient should sit or lie down when taking
a dose and should move slowly to avoid injury from falling or fainting. One tablet should be taken every 5
minutes, up to 3 tablets in 15 minutes. This drug should never be chewed. If chest pain is not relieved after
the first tablet and within 5 minutes, call 911 to activate emergency medical services.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
4. A 74-year-old professional golfer has chest pain that occurs toward the end of his golf games. He says
the pain usually goes away after he takes one or two sublingual nitroglycerin tablets and rests. What type
of angina does he have?
a. Classic angina b. Variant angina
c. Unstable angina
d. Prinzmetal’s angina
ANS: A
The patient has classic angina. Also called chronic stable angina, it is triggered by either exertion or stress
and usually subsides within 15 minutes with either rest or drug therapy.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
