R.K. has no further episodes of chest pain, and she is discharged ...

[Yolanda]

R.K. has no further episodes of chest pain, and she is discharged to home the next day. She is to see a cardiologist this week and set up an appointment for outpatient testing. As you present the discharge instructions, you review the proper technique for
 
  Which statement by R.K. indicates that further teaching is needed?
  a. At the first sign of chest discomfort, I will stop what I'm doing and sit down.
  b. I will place one nitroglycerin tablet under my tongue.
  c. If the chest pain does not stop, I can take another tablet in 5 minutes.
  d. My husband will need to call 911 if the chest pain does not stop after three nitroglycerin
  tablets.

Question 2

R.K.'s husband is upset. He tells you they have been married for 62 years and he doesn't know what he would do without his wife. One way to help people deal with their anxieties is to help them focus on concrete issues.
 
  What information would be useful to get from him? What other health care professional
  might be able to help with some of these issues?

[mistyjohnson]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: d
Current guidelines state that if chest discomfort or pain is unimproved or worsening 5 minutes
after one nitroglycerin dose has been taken, then the patient or family member needs to access the
emergency medical system (EMS) immediately.

Answer to Question 2

 Support systems: Do they have any relatives or resources, such as a church, that can help them
with things such as meals, shopping, and housekeeping?
 What is their economic status? Can they afford any long-term help or medications she might need?
 A social worker might be able to help them access community resources and make appropriate
referrals.
 Spiritual support: Do they have a minister to call, or would Mr. K. like to have the hospital chaplain
visit him?

[Yolanda]

Gracias!

[atrochim]

TYSM