Nokea
A calcium channel blocker is prescribed for a patient, and the nurse provides instructions to the patient about the medication. Which instruction is correct?
- A. Chew the tablet for faster release of the medication.
- B. To increase the effect of the drug, take it with grapefruit juice.
- C. If the adverse effects of chest pain, fainting, or dyspnea occur, discontinue the medication immediately.
- D. A high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids will help prevent the constipation that may occur.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can cause constipation, which can be mitigated by a high-fiber diet and fluids. Chewing tablets, taking with grapefruit juice (which increases drug levels), or abrupt discontinuation are incorrect and unsafe.
You may also like to solve these questions
When applying transdermal nitroglycerin patches, which instruction by the nurse is correct?
- A. Rotate application sites with each dose.
- B. Use only the chest area for application sites.
- C. Temporarily remove the patch if you go swimming.
- D. Apply the patch to the same site each time.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rotating application sites for transdermal nitroglycerin patches prevents skin irritation. The patch can be applied to any nonhairy area, not just the chest, and can remain on during swimming, but should be replaced if it comes off.
While assessing a patient who is taking a beta blocker for angina, the nurse knows to monitor for which adverse effect?
- A. Nervousness
- B. Hypertension
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Dry cough
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Beta blockers commonly cause bradycardia due to their effect on slowing heart rate. They do not typically cause nervousness, hypertension, or dry cough (which is more associated with ACE inhibitors).
When the nurse is administering topical nitroglycerin ointment, which technique is correct?
- A. Apply the ointment on the skin on the forearm.
- B. Apply the ointment only in the case of a mild angina episode.
- C. Remove the old ointment before new ointment is applied.
- D. Massage the ointment gently into the skin, and then cover the area with plastic wrap.
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.
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?
- A. Take up to 5 doses at 15-minute intervals for an angina attack.
- B. If the tablet does not dissolve quickly, chew the tablet for maximal effect.
- C. If the chest pain is not relieved after one tablet, call 911 immediately.
- D. Wait 1 minute between doses of sublingual tablets, up to 3 doses.
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.
A patient has been taking a beta blocker for 4 weeks as part of his antianginal therapy. He also has type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. When discussing possible adverse effects, the nurse will include which information?
- A. Watch for unusual weight loss.
- B. Monitor your pulse for increased heart rate.
- C. Use the hot tub and sauna at the gym as long as time is limited to 15 minutes.
- D. Monitor your blood glucose levels for possible hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Beta blockers can cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in diabetic patients, necessitating blood glucose monitoring. They may cause weight gain, not loss, and typically reduce heart rate. Hot tubs and saunas increase hypotension risk.