a client taking nitroglycerin nitrostat complains of a headache which conclusion is most appropriate by the nurse

ATI RN

Pharmacology ATI Proctored Exam 2023

1. A client taking nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) complains of a headache. Which conclusion is most appropriate by the nurse?

A. A headache indicates a serious allergic reaction to nitroglycerin.
B. The client will not have a headache if the nitroglycerin is taken with a high-fat meal.
C. Nitroglycerin does not cause a headache.
D. The most common side effect of nitroglycerin is a headache.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nitroglycerin is known to cause headaches as a common side effect due to its vasodilatory properties. It dilates blood vessels, which can lead to headaches. While a headache can indicate other serious conditions, the most common association with nitroglycerin use is a headache. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize this side effect and provide appropriate education and support to the client.

2. A client requests information on the use of Feverfew. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. It is used to treat skin infections.
B. It can decrease the frequency of migraine headaches.
C. It can lessen nasal congestion in the common cold.
D. It can relieve nausea of morning sickness during pregnancy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is B: Feverfew is commonly used to decrease the frequency of migraine headaches. However, it is important to note that it has not been proven to relieve an existing migraine headache. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as Feverfew is not typically used for treating skin infections, lessening nasal congestion in the common cold, or relieving nausea of morning sickness during pregnancy.

3. When teaching a client how to use nitroglycerin transdermal ointment for angina, which instruction should the nurse include?

A. Remove the prior dose before applying a new dose.
B. Rub the ointment directly into your skin until it is no longer visible.
C. Cover the applied ointment with a clean gauze pad.
D. Apply the ointment to the same skin area each time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to remove the prior dose before applying a new dose. This helps prevent toxicity by ensuring the client does not inadvertently apply an excessive amount of nitroglycerin.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer vancomycin 1 g by intermittent IV bolus. Available is vancomycin 1 g in 100 mL of dextrose 5% in water (D5W) to infuse over 45 min. The drop factor of the manual IV tubing is 10 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the healthcare professional adjust the manual IV infusion to deliver?

A. 22 gtt/min
B. 24 gtt/min
C. 20 gtt/min
D. 18 gtt/min

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To determine the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), you can use the formula: (Volume in mL x Drop factor) / Time in minutes = Flow rate in gtt/min. In this case, it would be (100 mL x 10 gtt/mL) / 45 min = 22 gtt/min. Therefore, the healthcare professional should adjust the manual IV infusion to deliver 22 gtt/min. Choice B, 24 gtt/min, is incorrect as it results from a miscalculation. Choices C and D, 20 gtt/min and 18 gtt/min respectively, are also incorrect calculations based on the given parameters.

5. What is the classification of Ondansetron?

A. Antihypertensive
B. Antiarrhythmic
C. Antiemetic
D. Antiulcer agent

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ondansetron is classified as an antiemetic. It is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery. Choice A, Antihypertensive, is incorrect as Ondansetron is not used to treat high blood pressure. Choice B, Antiarrhythmic, is incorrect as Ondansetron is not used to manage heart rhythm abnormalities. Choice D, Antiulcer agent, is incorrect as Ondansetron is not primarily indicated for treating ulcers.