A patient who just began taking nitroglycerin regularly for ...

[Sportsfan2111]

A patient who just began taking nitroglycerin regularly for antianginal effect complains to the health care provider of a pounding headache and flushing after taking a dose of the drug.
 
  Which of the following interpretations of these symptoms is most accurate?
  a. The symptoms indicate that the patient could possibly be allergic to the drug.
  b. The symptoms make the client ineligible for nitrate therapy, and another type of drug must be tried.
  c. The symptoms are a known adverse effect, which usually will disappear after several days of treatment.
  d. The symptoms can be reduced by prescribing low doses of morphine sulfate.

Question 2

The patient is scheduled to begin treatment with a calcium channel blocker. Before initiating treatment, the health care provider should plan to assess the patient's level of:
 
  a. Calcium
  b. Cardiac enzymes
  c. Potassium
  d. Creatinine

[Silverbeard98]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Approximately 50 of patients receiving nitrates for acute angina attacks experience flushing and a pounding headache after administration. The headache is probably caused by dilation of meningeal blood vessels.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Hypokalemia increases the risk of arrhythmias, and thus potassium levels should be corrected before these drugs are used.

[Sportsfan2111]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[cici]

Gracias!