Author Question: The nurse is preparing to administer nitroglycerine via the intravenous route. What must the nurse ... (Read 73 times)

littleanan · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is preparing to administer nitroglycerine via the intravenous route. What must the nurse plan to do prior to administering this medication?

1. Use gloves to prevent self-administration.
2. Instruct the patient to avoid moving the arm in which the medication is infusing.
3. Cover the intravenous (IV) bottle to decrease light exposure.
4. Darken the room to decrease light exposure.

Question 2

The patient takes nitroglycerine (Nitrostat) for relief of occasional stable angina. The nurse would be most concerned about which statement made by the patient?

1. I'm getting married tomorrow; I hope my erectile dysfunction isn't a problem.
2. I'm going water skiing tomorrow; I hope my angina isn't a problem.
3. I really don't like those little pills. I've heard about patches: can I try them?
4. My angina has been a little more frequent. Do I need a painkiller too?

amandanbreshears · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: For intravenous (IV) administration, cover the intravenous (IV) bottle to reduce degradation of nitrates due to light exposure. Wearing gloves is indicated when the nurse is administering nitroglycerine paste or ointment to prevent self-administration. Darkening the room is not as effective as covering the intravenous (IV) bottle in decreasing light exposure. Also, the patient might not want the room darkened. There is no reason for the patient to avoid arm movement during intravenous (IV) administration of nitroglycerine.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: A patient with erectile dysfunction is likely to use sildenafil (Viagra). Concurrent use of sildenafil (Viagra) and nitroglycerine (Nitrostat) may cause life-threatening hypotension and cardiovascular collapse. An activity like waterskiing could precipitate angina, however this can be prevented by taking nitroglycerine (Nitrostat) prior to the activity (prophylactic use). Occurrences of stable angina can change somewhat in frequency; however an analgesic is not indicated. Patches can be substituted for pills in many cases; this is a reasonable question, but not the primary concern at this time.