Question

The physician has prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets as needed for a client with angina. The nurse should tell the client to take the medication:

After engaging in strenuous activity
Every four hours to prevent chest pain
As soon as he notices signs of chest pain
At bedtime to prevent nocturnal angina

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client to take nitroglycerin sublingual tablets as soon as signs of chest pain are noticed. Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator to alleviate the chest pain caused by an angina attack.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician has prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets for a client with angina. The nurse should advise the client to take the medication as soon as he notices signs of chest pain. Nitroglycerin is known to act as a vasodilator, producing nitric oxide and endothelium-derived releasing factor, which relaxes the smooth muscle in the coronary vessels, thus quickly relieving chest pain associated with angina.

Immediate use during an angina episode helps to restore adequate blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle, mitigating the ischemic condition. It is not intended to be taken after strenuous activity, at regular intervals to prevent chest pain, or specifically at bedtime; it is a reactive treatment for ongoing symptoms.