Final answer:
The therapeutic effect of nitroglycerin for angina is indicated by the client reporting a decrease in chest pressure. Nitroglycerin is a medication that relaxes and widens blood vessels, which improves blood flow to the heart muscle and reduces angina symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is monitoring a client who is taking prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, the finding that would indicate the medication has a therapeutic effect is the client reporting a decrease in chest pressure. Nitroglycerin is used for the treatment of angina pectoris which is chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. Angina occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get as much blood as it needs. This usually happens because one or more of the heart's arteries is narrowed or blocked, also known as coronary artery disease. Nitroglycerine helps by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow to the heart muscle.
An expected side effect of nitroglycerin is a headache due to the vasodilation effect it has; however, the relief from chest pressure or pain is the primary indicator of its therapeutic effect. An increased heart rate could be a sign of a reflex tachycardia, a compensatory response to the drop in blood pressure that can occur with nitroglycerin use, and not necessarily an indication of therapeutic effect. A blood pressure of 150/80 mmHg could be considered high, and while nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure, the primary therapeutic goal is the relief of angina symptoms.