This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: The nurse administers sublingual nitroglycerine, a vasodilator, to a patient diagnosed with angina. ... (Read 76 times)

cnetterville

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 547
The nurse administers sublingual nitroglycerine, a vasodilator, to a patient diagnosed with angina. When the patient's chest pain is not relieved, the nurse prepares to give another nitroglycerine tablet.
 
  What is the nurse's priority action prior to administering the next dose of medication?
  a. Notify the physician.
  b. Elevate the head of the bed.
  c. Measure the patient's blood pressure.
  d. Place the patient on a cardiorespiratory monitor.

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for an elderly patient diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and a nursing diagnosis of Decreased Cardiac Output secondary to ineffective left ventricular function.
 
  What outcome would the nurse plan for this patient to measure improvement in cardiac output?
  a. Brisk capillary refill in feet bilaterally.
  b. Heart rate within expected range
  c. Breath sounds clear with no shortness of breath
  d. Regular pulse rhythm



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

orangecrush

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 350
Answer to Question 1

C
It is most important at this time for the nurse to measure the patient's blood pressure because vasodilating medications can result in a significant drop in blood pressure. There would be no reason to notify the physician unless the patient does not respond by the third dose of nitroglycerine. Elevating the head of the bed would be contraindicated, especially if the patient develops hypotension from vasodilation. Although placing the patient on a monitor is indicated, this is not related to administering the patient's medication.

Answer to Question 2

C
Left-sided failure causes blood to back up into the lungs and can result in pulmonary edema; therefore, clear breath sounds with no shortness of breath would be an effective outcome. When the right ventricle is compromised by heart failure, venous return is slowed and peripheral edema results; however, this patient has left-sided failure. Medications to treat heart failure are meant to alter heart rate, so this would not be the best indicator of improvement in the patient's condition. A patient with heart failure may have a regular rhythm even before treatment, so this is not the best choice for an indication of improved cardiac output.





 

Did you know?

In most climates, 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is recommended for adults. The best indicator for adequate fluid intake is frequent, clear urination.

Did you know?

Adult head lice are gray, about ? inch long, and often have a tiny dot on their backs. A female can lay between 50 and 150 eggs within the several weeks that she is alive. They feed on human blood.

Did you know?

Chronic marijuana use can damage the white blood cells and reduce the immune system's ability to respond to disease by as much as 40%. Without a strong immune system, the body is vulnerable to all kinds of degenerative and infectious diseases.

Did you know?

As the western states of America were settled, pioneers often had to drink rancid water from ponds and other sources. This often resulted in chronic diarrhea, causing many cases of dehydration and death that could have been avoided if clean water had been available.

Did you know?

Street names for barbiturates include reds, red devils, yellow jackets, blue heavens, Christmas trees, and rainbows. They are commonly referred to as downers.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library