Question

The client with angina should be taught to take nitroglycerine sublingually with the onset of the first signs of chest pain. Which instructions should be included with your teaching plan? A. Take one tablet every 10 minutes until the pain subsides. B. If a burning sensation of the tongue occurs, stop the medication immediately. C. Keep the medication in the brown bottle to preserve the strength of the medication. D. Refill the supply of nitroglycerine every three months.

Short answer

A. Take one tablet every 10 minutes until the pain subsides. B. If a burning sensation of the tongue occurs, stop the medication immediately. C. Keep the medication in the brown bottle to preserve the strength of the medication. D. Refill the supply of nitroglycerine every three months. Answer: C. Keep the medication in the brown bottle to preserve the strength of the medication.

Step-by-step solution

Option A

Take one tablet every 10 minutes until the pain subsides. This option may not be entirely accurate. Generally, the recommendation is to take one tablet every 5 minutes, not 10 minutes, and if the pain does not subside after three tablets (i.e., 15 minutes), seek medical attention.

Option B

If a burning sensation of the tongue occurs, stop the medication immediately. The burning sensation under the tongue is a common side effect of nitroglycerine but is not a reason to stop the medication. It is not harmful and often indicates that the medication is working.

Option C

Keep the medication in the brown bottle to preserve the strength of the medication. This option is correct because light and moisture can break down nitroglycerine. The brown bottle helps protect the medication from exposure to light. It is also essential to keep the bottle tightly closed to prevent moisture from affecting the medication.

Option D

Refill the supply of nitroglycerine every three months. Although it's important to ensure a fresh and effective supply of nitroglycerine, the specific time frame of three months might not apply to every case. Expiration dates on the medication should be followed, and if the medication expires before the three months, it should be replaced. So, based on the analysis, the appropriate answer is: C. Keep the medication in the brown bottle to preserve the strength of the medication.

Key concepts

Angina Management Education

Angina is a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. It is crucial to educate patients on recognizing the signs and taking prompt action. Key points include:

• Understanding triggers that may cause angina attacks, such as physical exertion or stress.
• Resting immediately at the onset of symptoms to prevent worsening of the condition.
• Contacting medical help if pain persists or is particularly severe.

By grasping these basics, patients can effectively manage angina and reduce the potential for more serious heart conditions.

Nitroglycerine Administration

Administering nitroglycerine correctly is vital for providing quick relief during angina attacks. Here’s how to do it right:

• Place a nitroglycerine tablet under the tongue at the first sign of chest pain.
• Wait for 5 minutes to see if the pain subsides. If not, take another tablet, but do not exceed three tablets in 15 minutes.
• If the pain continues despite the medication, seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of a more serious issue.
• Note any side effects, such as headache or dizziness, which are common and typically harmless.

Using nitroglycerine properly helps in effectively managing angina symptoms and preventing complications.

Pharmacology Study

Pharmacology involves understanding how drugs like nitroglycerine work. This medication is used for its rapid vasodilatory effect, which helps improve blood flow to the heart. Some interesting pharmacological characteristics include:

• Nitroglycerine works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, ensuring better oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
• The sublingual administration route allows for quick absorption, providing swift relief from chest pain.
• Side effects such as tingling under the tongue or headaches indicate that the drug is active.

A solid knowledge of pharmacology can enhance patient outcomes by ensuring drugs are used safely and effectively.

Patient Education Strategies

Educating patients effectively about their medications and conditions can significantly improve treatment compliance and outcomes. Strategies to ensure successful communication include:

• Using simple language and avoiding medical jargon to ensure clarity.
• Incorporating visuals or demonstrations, such as showing how to take nitroglycerine.
• Encouraging questions and discussions to address any patient concerns or misunderstandings.
• Reinforcing key points through written instructions or educational pamphlets.

These strategies can empower patients, allowing them to take active roles in managing their health conditions.