In preparation for discharge, the nurse teaches a patient with chronic stable angina how to use the prescribed short-acting and long-acting nitrates. Which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
a. "I will check my pulse rate before I take any nitroglycerin tablets."
b. "I will put the nitroglycerin patch on as soon as I get any chest pain."
c. "I will stop what I am doing and sit down before I put the nitroglycerin under my tongue."
d. "I will be sure to remove the nitroglycerin patch before taking any sublingual nitroglycerin."
ANS: C
The patient should sit down before taking the nitroglycerin to decrease cardiac workload and prevent orthostatic hypotension. Transdermal nitrates are used prophylactically rather than to treat acute pain and can be used concurrently with sublingual nitroglycerin. Although the nurse should check blood pressure before giving nitroglycerin, patients do not need to check the pulse rate before taking nitrates.
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