Nitroglycerin via the sublingual route is ordered for a client diagnosed with angina.
Which of the following would the nurse include when teaching a client how to administer
this drug?
a) "Apply the medication to your upper chest area."
b) "Place the medication under your tongue."
c) "Swallow the medication with a sip of water."
d) "Tuck the medication into the inside of your cheek." - Answer- "Place the medication
under your tongue."
Correct
Explanation:
The nurse should tell the client to keep the medication below the tongue to ensure the
sublingual route of administration. The buccal route of administration requires the
medication to be kept in the side of the mouth. Oral medications are swallowed; patients
should not swallow sublingual tablets. Topical medications are applied to the skin
Which of the following terms refers to chest pain brought on by physical or emotional
stress and relieved by rest or medication?
a) Angina pectoris
b) Ischemia
c) Atheroma
d) Atherosclerosis - Answer- Angina pectoris
Correct
Explanation:
Angina pectoris is a symptom of myocardial ischemia. Atherosclerosis is an abnormal
accumulation of lipid deposits and fibrous tissue within arterial walls and lumens.
Atheromas are fibrous caps composed of smooth muscle cells that form over lipid
deposits within arterial vessels. Ischemia is insufficient tissue oxygenation and may
occur in any part of the body
A nurse is providing education about hypertension to a community group. One client
reports that his doctor has diagnosed him with hypertension, but that he feels just fine.
He asks, "What would happen if I did not treat my hypertension?" Which of the following
are possible consequences of untreated hypertension? Choose all that apply.
a) Tension pneumothorax
b) Pancreatitis
c) Coronary artery disease
d) Stroke
e) Myocardial infarction - Answer- Stroke
• Myocardial infarction
• Coronary artery disease
,Correct
Explanation:
People with hypertension may remain asymptomatic for many years. When specific
signs and symptoms appear, however, they usually indicate vascular damage. Coronary
artery disease with angina and myocardial infarction are common consequences of
hypertension. Cerebrovascular involvement may lead to a stroke. Tension
pneumothorax and pancreatitis are not directly related to hypertension
Which symptom should the nurse teach the client with unstable angina to report
immediately to the health care provider (HCP)?
a) pain during an argument
b) a change in the pattern of the chest pain
c) pain during sexual activity
d) pain during or after a physical activity - Answer- a change in the pattern of the chest
pain
Correct
Explanation:
The client should report a change in the pattern of chest pain. It may indicate increasing
severity of coronary artery disease. Pain occurring during stress or sexual activity would
not be unexpected, and the client may be instructed to take nitroglycerin to prevent this
pain. Pain during or after an activity such as lawn mowing also would not be
unexpected; the client may be instructed to take nitroglycerin to prevent this pain or may
be restricted from doing such activities
As an initial step in treating a client with angina, the health care provider (HCP)
prescribes nitroglycerin tablets, 0.3 mg given sublingually. This drug's principal effects
are produced by:
a) improved conductivity in the myocardium.
b) antispasmodic effects on the pericardium.
c) causing an increased myocardial oxygen demand.
d) vasodilation of peripheral vasculature. - Answer- vasodilation of peripheral
vasculature.
Correct
Explanation:
Nitroglycerin produces peripheral vasodilation, which reduces myocardial oxygen
consumption and demand. Vasodilation in coronary arteries and collateral vessels may
also increase blood flow to the ischemic areas of the heart. Nitroglycerin decreases
myocardial oxygen demand. Nitroglycerin does not have an effect on pericardial
spasticity or conductivity in the myocardium
Patients who are taking beta-adrenergic blocking agents should be cautioned not to
stop taking their medications abruptly because which of the following may occur?
a) Worsening angina
, b) Formation of blood clots
c) Internal bleeding
d) Thrombocytopenia - Answer- Worsening angina
Correct
Explanation:
Patients taking beta blockers are cautioned not to stop taking them abruptly because
angina may worsen and myocardial infarction may develop. Beta blockers do not cause
the formation of blood clots, internal bleeding, or thrombocytopenia
Which of the following signs and symptoms would the nurse expect in a client with
angina? Select all that apply.
a) General muscle aching
b) Slowed respiratory rate
c) Jaw pain
d) Bradycardia
e) Chest pressure
f) Chest tightness - Answer- Chest pressure
• Jaw pain
• Chest tightness
Correct
Explanation:
Chest tightness, chest pressure, and jaw pain are all symptoms of angina. General
muscle aching is not associated with angina. Respirations and heart rate typically
increase, not decrease, with anginal attacks
How should the nurse instruct the client with unstable angina to use sublingual
nitroglycerin tablets when chest pain occurs? "Sit down and then:
a) take one tablet. If pain persists after 5 minutes call 911."
b) take one tablet every 2 to 5 minutes until the pain stops."
c) take one tablet and rest for 15 minutes. Call the physician if pain persists after 15
minutes."
d) take one tablet, then if the pain persists take 2 additional tablets in 5 minutes. Call
the physician if pain persists after 15 minutes." - Answer- take one tablet. If pain persists
after 5 minutes call 911."
Correct
Explanation:
The nurse should instruct the client that correct protocol for using sublingual
nitroglycerin involves immediate administration when chest pain occurs. Sublingual
nitroglycerin appears in the bloodstream within 2 to 3 minutes and is metabolized within
about 10 minutes. The client should sit down and place the tablet under the tongue. If
the chest pain is not relieved within 5 minutes, then the client should call 911. Although
some physicians may recommend taking a second or third tablet spaced 5 minutes
apart and then calling for emergency assistance, it is not appropriate to take 2 tablets at
once. Nitroglycerin acts within 2 to 3 minutes and the client should not wait 15 minutes