In preparation for discharge, the nurse teaches a patient with ...

[fbq8i]

In preparation for discharge, the nurse teaches a patient with chronic stable angina how to use the prescribed short-acting and long-acting nitrates. Which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
 
  a. I will check my pulse rate before I take any nitroglycerin tablets.
  b. I will put the nitroglycerin patch on as soon as I get any chest pain.
  c. I will stop what I am doing and sit down before I put the nitroglycerin under my tongue.
  d. I will be sure to remove the nitroglycerin patch before taking any sublingual nitroglycerin.

Question 2

A patient is recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI) and develops chest pain on day 3 that increases when taking a deep breath and is relieved by leaning forward. Which action should the nurse take next?
 
  a. Assess the feet for pedal edema.
  b. Palpate the radial pulses bilaterally.
  c. Auscultate for a pericardial friction rub.
  d. Check the heart monitor for dysrhythmias.

[SamMuagrove]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The patient should sit down before taking the nitroglycerin to decrease cardiac workload and prevent orthostatic hypotension. Transdermal nitrates are used prophylactically rather than to treat acute pain and can be used concurrently with sublingual nitroglycerin. Although the nurse should check blood pressure before giving nitroglycerin, patients do not need to check the pulse rate before taking nitrates.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The patient's symptoms are consistent with the development of pericarditis, a possible complication of MI. The other assessments listed are not consistent with the description of the patient's symptoms.

[fbq8i]

Excellent

[komodo7]

Gracias!