Question

The nurse has given a client information about the use of nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. The client has a prescription for PRN use if chest pain occurs. Which client statement indicates an understanding of this medication?

1. "It's best to keep this medication in a shirt pocket close to the body."
2. "I need to discard unused tablets 6 to 9 months after the bottle is opened."
3. "I will avoid using the medication until the chest pain actually begins and gets worse."
4. "I can take aspirin for any headache that occurs when I first start taking the nitroglycerin."

Answer 1

Answer: Option C

Step-by-step explanation:

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are very volatile in nature and it evaporates from the tablet if strict precautions are not taken.

The tablets are usually kept in small amber bottles which is tightly capped and kept in refrigerators.

This is so because they loose their potential effect after 6-9 months once the bottle is opened. The patients using it is properly instructed how and when to use and discard the tablets.

So, the unused tablets need to be discarded in between 6 to 9 months once the bottle is open for use.