Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

How should a patient be advised to manage symptoms of angina at home?

1. Take an additional dose of prescribed nitroglycerin if symptoms persist

2. Engage in vigorous exercise to overcome pain

3. Immediately call emergency services at the onset of symptoms

4. Limit fluid intake to avoid worsening symptoms

The correct answer is: Take an additional dose of prescribed nitroglycerin if symptoms persist

Advising a patient to take an additional dose of prescribed nitroglycerin if symptoms persist is correct because nitroglycerin is a medication specifically designed to relieve angina symptoms by dilating blood vessels. This action improves blood flow to the heart muscle, alleviating the pain associated with angina. It is vital for patients to be educated about the proper use of nitroglycerin, including the recommended dosage and the fact that they should wait a specific time period between doses, usually 5 minutes, and seek medical attention if the pain does not subside after three doses. This advice is crucial in managing angina at home, ensuring the patient knows how to respond effectively to their symptoms. In contrast, engaging in vigorous exercise is not advisable during an angina episode, as it may increase oxygen demand and exacerbate the pain. Calling emergency services immediately at the onset of symptoms may not be necessary unless the angina is unrelieved by medication or there are signs of a heart attack, such as severe discomfort, sweating, or nausea. Limiting fluid intake is generally not related to managing angina and is more pertinent in cases of heart failure or fluid retention issues. Therefore, the focus should be on proper medication management and understanding when to