The nurse is providing instruction regarding nitroglycerin for ...

[clippers!]

The nurse is providing instruction regarding nitroglycerin for angina to the client who will be discharged. The nurse should explain that the medication should be taken at the first indication of pain because:
 
  1. Pain will cause tissue damage.
  2. Pain indicates decreased blood flow to the heart.
  3. Pain in the legs could indicate overactivity.
  4. Nitroglycerin constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.

Question 2

A client is recovering from a revascularization procedure. What should the nurse instruct this client?
 
  1. Get up only to use the bathroom.
  2. Keep the head of the bed at 45 degrees.
  3. Keep the pressure dressing in place over the arterial access site.
  4. Plan on discharge in 2 hours.

[kjohnson]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. Pain does not cause tissue damage. Pain is a sign that tissue damage might be occurring.
2. Pain indicates that blood flow to the heart has been compromised, and nitroglycerin will dilate the coronary arteries to restore flow to the muscle.
3. Pain in the legs does not affect chest pain.
4. Nitroglycerin dilates vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

1. The client may not get out of bed, but must remain flat with the affected leg extended for a certain prescribed period of time.
2. The head of the bed may be elevated to 30 degrees maximum.
3. The client is taught to leave the pressure dressing in place for the prescribed period of time.
4. The client can expect discharge at 6-8 hours after the angioplasty at the earliest.