Question

A client has been diagnosed with angina and prescribed nitroglycerin. What aspect of the client's health history should prompt the nurse to monitor the client particularly closely after administration of the drug?

A)Orthostatic hypotension
B)Depression and use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
C)Reynaud's syndrome
D)Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Answer 1

A client with angina prescribed nitroglycerin should be closely monitored for orthostatic hypotension after drug administration, due to nitroglycerin's vasodilating effects that could exacerbate this condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client has been diagnosed with angina and prescribed nitroglycerin, the aspect of the client's health history that should prompt the nurse to monitor the client particularly closely after administration of the drug is A) Orthostatic hypotension. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can further lower blood pressure and potentiate the effects of orthostatic hypotension. This condition can occur due to low blood volume or ineffective sympathetic reflexes, often as a result of medications that affect fluid balance, such as vasodilators themselves or diuretics. Close monitoring is necessary to ensure that the client does not experience an excessive drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to dizziness, falls, or even shock.