A client admitted with chest pain is being evaluated for a ...

[Haya94]

A client admitted with chest pain is being evaluated for a myocardial infarction (MI). Which client comment best indicates the pain is angina rather than from an MI?
 
  1. I was very short of breath and sweating with the pain.
  2. The pain went away when I took a nap.
  3. The pain started when I was watching television.
  4. I took nitroglycerin but the pain was not relieved.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a client with angina about taking nitroglycerin (NTG) tablets. What should the nurse include in this teaching?
 
  1. Take the tablet with a large glass of water.
  2. Call 911 if pain is not relieved after taking one pill.
  3. Place a tablet under the tongue as soon as chest pain starts.
  4. Discard any tablets if they produce a tingling sensation.

[dmurph1496]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. An MI is often accompanied by shortness of breath and diaphoresis.
2. Anginal pain is usually relieved by rest and/or nitroglycerin.
3. Unstable angina may occur at rest.
4. The pain from an acute MI is not relieved by nitroglycerin.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

1. Nitroglycerin is a sublingual medication that should not be taken with water.
2. Emergency assistance should be obtained if pain is not relieved after taking 3 doses.
3. The medication should be taken at the onset of chest pain by placing a dose under the tongue.
4. A tingling sensation is expected with this medication.