Question

A client with a history of cocaine addiction is admitted to the coronary care unit for evaluation of substernal chest pain. The electrocardiogram (ECG) shows a 1-mm ST-segment elevation in the anteroseptal leads and T-wave inversion in leads V3 to V5. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

A. Lidocaine.
B. Procainamide.
C. Nitroglycerin.
D. Epinephrine.

Answer 1

The nurse should prepare to administer nitroglycerin to the client with a history of cocaine addiction and specific ECG findings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication that the nurse should prepare to administer to the client with a history of cocaine addiction who is experiencing substernal chest pain with specific ECG findings is Nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is commonly used to treat chest pain or angina by relaxing and widening blood vessels, thus improving blood flow to the heart. It is effective in relieving pain associated with myocardial infarction (MI) as well. The ECG findings of a 1-mm ST-segment elevation in the anteroseptal leads and T-wave inversion in leads V3 to V5 indicate potential myocardial ischemia or infarction, which can be addressed with nitroglycerin.