Question

A client with coronary artery disease was discharged home with a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) to treat angina. Which statement by the client indicates that further teaching is required?
a. "I may experience flushing but will continue to take the medication as prescribed."
b. "I should lie down before taking the medication."
c. "I should not swallow the tablet."
d. "I will wait to call 911 if I don't experience relief after the third tablet."

Answer 1

Answer: d. "I will wait to call 911 if I don't experience relief after the third tablet."

Explanation:

Coronary artery disease is a disease caused by the blockage of the coronary arteries. This is the basis of atherosclerosis. It causes the hardening and clogging of the blood vessels due to the deposition of the fatty substances like cholesterol.  

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets generally used to treat the events of chest pain or angina in the patients suffering from coronary artery disease. The pain can be lethal for the patient.

If the patient is not able to bear the pain after a single consumption of tablet then he/she should call 911 for help. As the pain could lead to heart stroke.

According to the given situation, the client must call 911 if the pain is unbearable even after taking a single tablet and should not wait for long.