Chapter 23: Antianginal Drugs

Multiple Choice

1. When the nurse is administering topical nitroglycerin ointment, which technique is correct?

a. Apply the ointment on the skin on the forearm.

b. Apply the ointment only in the case of a mild angina episode.

c. Remove the old ointment before new ointment is applied.

d. Massage the ointment gently into the skin, and then cover the area with plastic wrap.

ANS: C

The old ointment should be removed before a new dose is applied. The ointment should be applied to clean, dry, hairless skin of the upper arms or body, not below the elbows or below the knees. The ointment is not massaged or spread on the skin, and it is not indicated for the treatment of acute angina.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care a. The solution will be slightly colored green or blue. b. The intravenous form is given by bolus injection. c. It can be given in infusions with other medications. d. Non-polyvinylchloride (non-PVC) plastic intravenous bags and tubing must be used.

2. The nurse is giving intravenous nitroglycerin to a patient who has just been admitted because of an acute myocardial infarction. Which statement is true regarding the administration of the intravenous form of this medication?

ANS: D

The non-PVC infusion kits are used to avoid absorption and/or uptake of the nitrate by the intravenous tubing and bag and/or decomposition of the nitrate. The medication is given by infusion via an infusion pump and not with other medications. It is not given by bolus injection. If the parenteral solution is discolored blue or green, it should be discarded.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care a. Take up to 5 doses at 15-minute intervals for an angina attack. b. If the tablet does not dissolve quickly, chew the tablet for maximal effect. c. If the chest pain is not relieved after one tablet, call 911 immediately. d. Wait 1 minute between doses of sublingual tablets, up to 3 doses.

3. A patient has been diagnosed with angina and will be given a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. When teaching the patient how to use sublingual nitroglycerin, the nurse will include which instruction?

ANS: C

According to current guidelines, if the chest pain or discomfort is not relieved in 5 minutes, after 1 dose, the patient (or family member) must call 911 immediately. The patient may take one more tablet while awaiting emergency care and may take a third tablet 5 minutes later, but no more than a total of three tablets. The sublingual dose is placed under the tongue, and the patient needs to avoid swallowing until the tablet has dissolved.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care a. Classic b. Variant c. Unstable d. Prinzmetal’s

4. A 74-year-old professional golfer has chest pain that occurs toward the end of his golfing games. He says the pain usually goes away after one or two sublingual nitroglycerin tablets and rest. What type of angina is he experiencing?

ANS: A

Classic, or chronic stable, angina is triggered by either exertion or stress and usually subsides within 15 minutes with either rest or drug therapy.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Assessment

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation a. Blood pressure of 88/62 mm Hg b. Apical pulse rate of 110 beats/min c. History of renal disease d. History of a myocardial infarction 2 years ago

5. A patient arrives in the emergency department with severe chest pain. The patient reports that the pain has been occurring off and on for a week now. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for cautious use of nitrates and nitrites?

ANS: A

Hypotension is a possible contraindication to the use of nitrates because the medications may cause the blood pressure to decrease. The other options are incorrect.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Analyzing (Analysis)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Assessment

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential a. Chew the tablet for faster release of the medication. b. To increase the effect of the drug, take it with grapefruit juice. c. If the adverse effects of chest pain, fainting, or dyspnea occur, discontinue the medication immediately. d. A high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids will help prevent the constipation that may occur.

6. A calcium channel blocker (CCB) is prescribed for a patient, and the nurse provides instructions to the patient about the medication. Which instruction is correct?

ANS: D

Constipation is a common effect of CCBs, and a high-fiber diet and plenty of fluids will help to prevent it. Grapefruit juice decreases the metabolism of CCBs. Extended-release tablets must never be chewed or crushed. These medications should never be discontinued abruptly because of the risk for rebound hypertension.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies a. “Rotate application sites with each dose.” b. “Use only the chest area for application sites.” c. “Temporarily remove the patch if you go swimming.” d. “Apply the patch to the same site each time.”

7. When applying transdermal nitroglycerin patches, which instruction by the nurse is correct?

ANS: A

Application sites for transdermal nitroglycerin patches need to be rotated. Apply the transdermal patch to any nonhairy area of the body; the old patch should first be removed. The patch may be worn while swimming, but if it does come off, it should be replaced after the old site is cleansed.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies a. “Watch for unusual weight loss.” b. “Monitor your pulse for increased heart rate.” c. “Use the hot tub and sauna at the gym as long as time is limited to 15 minutes.” d. “Monitor your blood glucose levels for possible hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.”

8. A patient has been taking a beta blocker for 4 weeks as part of his antianginal therapy. He also has type II diabetes and hyperthyroidism. When discussing possible adverse effects, the nurse will include which information?

ANS: D

Beta blockers can cause both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. They may also cause weight gain if heart failure is developing, and decreased pulse rate. The use of hot tubs and saunas is not recommended because of the possibility of hypotensive episodes.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Safety and Infection Control a. Omit a dose once a week. b. Leave the patch on for 2 days at a time. c. Cut the patch in half for 1 week until the tolerance subsides. d. Remove the patch at bedtime, and then apply a new one in the morning.

9. What action is often recommended to help reduce tolerance to transdermal nitroglycerin therapy?

ANS: D

To prevent tolerance, remove the transdermal patch at night for 8 hours, and apply a new patch in the morning. Transdermal patches must never be cut or left on for 2 days, and doses must not be omitted.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies a. Nervousness b. Hypertension c. Bradycardia d. Dry cough

10. While assessing a patient who is taking a beta blocker for angina, the nurse knows to monitor for which adverse effect?

ANS: C

Adverse effects of beta blockers include bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, lethargy, impotence, and several other effects, but not dry cough or nervousness.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies a. To prevent low blood pressure b. To relieve shortness of breath c. To prevent the occurrence of angina d. To keep the heart rate from rising too high during exercise

11. When teaching a patient who has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches, the nurse tells the patient that these patches are most appropriately used for which situation?

ANS: C

Transdermal dosage formulations of nitroglycerin are used for the long-term prophylactic management (prevention) of angina pectoris. Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are not appropriate for the relief of shortness of breath, to prevent palpitations, or to control the heart rate during exercise.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Multiple Response

1. The nurse is providing education about the use of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. She asks the patient, “What would you do if you experienced chest pain while mowing your yard? You have your bottle of sublingual nitroglycerin with you.” Which actions by the patient are appropriate in this situation? (Select all that apply.)

a. Stop the activity, and lie down or sit down.

b. Call 911 immediately.

c. Call 911 if the pain is not relieved after taking one sublingual tablet.

d. Call 911 if the pain is not relieved after taking three sublingual tablets in 15 minutes.

e. Place a tablet under the tongue.

f. Place a tablet in the space between the gum and cheek.

g. Take another sublingual tablet if chest pain is not relieved after 5 minutes, up to three total.

ANS: A, C, E, G

With sublingual forms, the medication is taken at the first sign of chest pain, not delayed until the pain is severe. The patient needs to sit down or lie down and take one sublingual tablet. According to current guidelines, if the chest pain or discomfort is not relieved in 5 minutes, after 1 dose, the patient (or family member) must call 911 immediately. The patient can take one more tablet while awaiting emergency care and may take a third tablet 5 minutes later, but no more than a total of three tablets. These guidelines reflect the fact that angina pain that does not respond to nitroglycerin may indicate a myocardial infarction. The sublingual dose is placed under the tongue, and the patient needs to avoid swallowing until the tablet has dissolved. Placing a tablet between the gum and cheek is the buccal route.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Analyzing (Analysis)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies a. Type 2 diabetes mellitus b. Prolonged QT interval on the electrocardiogram c. Heart failure d. Closed-angle glaucoma e. Decreased liver function

2. A patient with a history of angina will be started on ranolazine (Ranexa). The nurse is reviewing the patient’s history and will note potential contraindications to this drug therapy if which condition is present? (Select all that apply.)

ANS: B, E

Ranolazine is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing QT prolongation or hepatic impairment. The other options are not contraindications.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Assessment

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Completion

1. A patient will be receiving metoprolol (Lopressor) 5 mg IV push for angina. The medication is available in a strength of 1 mg/mL. Identify how much medication will the nurse draw up for each dose. _______

ANS: 5 mL

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies