Question

A patient has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches. The nurse teaches the patient that these patches are most appropriately used for which reason?

a. To relieve exertional angina
b. To prevent palpitations
c. To prevent the occurrence of angina
d. To stop an episode of angina

Answer 1

Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are most appropriately used to prevent the occurrence of angina and relieve exertional angina.

Step-by-step explanation:

Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are most appropriately used to prevent the occurrence of angina.

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. By applying a nitroglycerin patch, the medication is slowly and continuously absorbed through the skin and works to dilate the coronary arteries, which improves blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps to prevent episodes of angina.

For patients with stable angina, the patches can also be used to relieve exertional angina, meaning they can be used during physical activity to prevent chest pain.