ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 23 Questions
Question 1 of 5
When the nurse is administering topical nitroglycerin ointment, which technique is correct?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Removing old nitroglycerin ointment before applying a new dose ensures proper dosing and prevents accumulation. The ointment should be applied to the upper arms or body, not massaged, and is used for prophylaxis, not acute angina treatment.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is giving intravenous nitroglycerin to a patient who has just been admitted because of an acute myocardial infarction. Which statement is true regarding the administration of the intravenous form of this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Non-PVC bags and tubing are required for IV nitroglycerin to prevent drug absorption or decomposition. The solution should be clear, not colored, and is given via infusion, not bolus, and not mixed with other medications.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has been diagnosed with angina and will be given a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. When teaching the patient how to use sublingual nitroglycerin, the nurse will include which instruction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Current guidelines advise calling 911 if chest pain persists 5 minutes after one sublingual nitroglycerin tablet, as it may indicate a myocardial infarction. Additional tablets can be taken every 5 minutes up to three total, and tablets should dissolve under the tongue, not be chewed.
Question 4 of 5
A 74-year-old professional golfer has chest pain that occurs toward the end of his golfing games. He says the pain usually goes away after one or two sublingual nitroglycerin tablets and rest. What type of angina is he experiencing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Classic (chronic stable) angina is triggered by exertion or stress, like golfing, and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Variant and Prinzmetal angina involve vasospasm, and unstable angina is unpredictable and not necessarily exertion-related.
Question 5 of 5
A patient arrives in the emergency department with severe chest pain. The patient reports that the pain has been occurring off and on for a week now. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for cautious use of nitrates and nitrites?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nitrates can cause hypotension, so a blood pressure of 88/62 mm Hg indicates cautious use due to the risk of further lowering blood pressure. Pulse rate, renal disease, and past myocardial infarction are not contraindications.