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: When teaching a patient how to use sublingual nitroglycerin tablets, the nurse should include the instruction that if the chest pain is not relieved after one tablet, the patient should call 911 immediately. This is because persistent chest pain could indicate a more serious cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction, that requires prompt medical attention. It is important for the patient to seek emergency help if the chest pain is not relieved after taking one sublingual nitroglycerin tablet. Taking multiple doses without relief of symptoms can be dangerous and delay appropriate medical intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur after exposure to penicillin or other antibiotics. It is considered a serious adverse reaction because it can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face and throat, rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. Immediate medical attention is required if an individual experiences anaphylaxis after taking penicillin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Trimethoprim inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, not activates it, blocking folate synthesis in bacteria, so that's false. It's a weak base, a true statement, aiding its concentration in acidic environments like urine. It has good prostate penetration, effective in prostatitis, making that false. It distributes into CSF, useful in meningitis, so that's incorrect. It's teratogenic, not harmless in pregnancy. Its basic nature enhances its antibacterial efficacy, a key pharmacokinetic advantage in urinary tract infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Anticholinergic drugs are commonly used as premedication to general anesthesia to reduce secretions. These medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates secretions in the body. By inhibiting this action, anticholinergics help in reducing respiratory secretions, saliva, and other bodily fluids during anesthesia induction and maintenance. This can help prevent complications such as airway obstruction and aspiration during the surgical procedure. Examples of commonly used anticholinergic drugs for this purpose include atropine and glycopyrrolate.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Learning a representative (prototype) drug from each antibiotic class simplifies understanding by focusing on shared traits-mechanisms, effects, and side effects-reducing the burden of memorizing every drug. Mnemonics aid recall but don't teach concepts. Flow charts organize but lack depth. Categorizing is broad, while prototypes offer a practical, foundational approach, widely used in pharmacology education for mastery.