Question

While using this patch I will be careful when rising from a chair (Nitroglycerin can cause orthostatic hypotension, which can result in dizziness. The client should change positions slowly to reduce the risk for injury.)

a) to prevent falls and injuries
b) as a form of exercise
c) for optimal medication absorption
d) to reduce nausea and vomiting

Answer 1

Nitroglycerin patches can cause dizziness due to orthostatic hypotension, and to prevent falls and injuries, it's important for patients to change positions slowly when rising from a chair.

Step-by-step explanation:

When using a nitroglycerin patch, one should be careful when rising from a chair to prevent falls and injuries. Nitroglycerin can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down. This condition can result in dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting. To reduce this risk, it is essential to change positions slowly, allowing the cardiovascular system time to adjust and maintain blood flow to the brain despite gravity's pull on the blood towards the legs.

Orthostatic hypotension can occur if blood volume is too low or if the sympathetic reflex that normally adjusts blood pressure when changing position is not effective. Medications like nitroglycerin, which is used for lowering blood pressure and treating conditions such as angina and cardiac arrhythmias, can exacerbate the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, mitigating risks by rising carefully from sitting positions is crucial for patient safety.