When teaching a patient who has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches, the nurse tells the patient that these patches are most appropriately used for which situation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are most appropriately used to prevent the occurrence of angina. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. By using nitroglycerin patches regularly, the patient can help prevent episodes of angina, which is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Nitroglycerin patches are not used to prevent low blood pressure, relieve shortness of breath, or control heart rate during exercise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sex differences affect drug metabolism (e.g., liver enzymes, body fat), leading to varied side effects, a normal pharmacodynamic variation, reassuring the client they're not at fault. Checking the drug delays a clear answer. Generic vs. brand typically doesn't alter side effects-bioequivalence is required. Uncertainty muddies education. Sex-based differences offer a concise, accurate explanation, normalizing their experience and enhancing understanding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis (UC) presents with bloody stools and mucosal inflammation, as seen on sigmoidoscopy. Sulfasalazine is correct-it combines 5-ASA (anti-inflammatory) and sulfapyridine (antibacterial), reducing inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in UC. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant, lacking antibacterial action. Cyclosporine is immunosuppressive, not antibacterial. Mesalamine is anti-inflammatory only. Olsalazine (E) is similar to mesalamine. Sulfasalazine's dual action targets UC's inflammatory and microbial components, making it uniquely suited among the options for this chronic condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Digoxin belongs to the class of drugs known as cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides are a group of compounds derived from plants and some animals that have the ability to increase the contractility of the heart muscle. Digoxin is commonly used to treat conditions such as congestive heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. It works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels and subsequently improving the heart's pumping ability.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Gentamicin is associated with nephrotoxicity, particularly when administered in high doses or for prolonged periods.