Question

You are preparing to teach an 85-year-old woman about the actions and side effects of nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina. What aspects of teaching would you emphasize given the patient’s age?

Answer 1

Teaching an elderly patient about nitroglycerin should include how to take it, monitoring for side effects, and adherence to any additional treatments for coronary artery disease. Highlighting signs of unstable angina or MI and when to seek urgent care is also essential.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching an 85-year-old woman about nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina, several aspects should be emphasized:

• The importance of taking nitroglycerin correctly, which usually involves placing the tablet under the tongue for quick absorption during an angina attack, to ensure its effectiveness.
• Understanding potential side effects such as headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness, which are particularly important to look out for in elderly patients who may be at higher risk for falls and other complications.
• The possible need for lifestyle changes and adherence to other medication regimens like aspirin, statins, or beta-blockers that may be prescribed in conjunction with nitroglycerin for comprehensive coronary artery disease management.

Educating on the early signs of unstable angina or myocardial infarction (MI) for which immediate medical attention is necessary is also critical.