What are nursing implications for nitroglycerin?
Nursing Implications:
- Check blood pressure and pulse before each administration of NTG–blood pressure can drop precipitously after a single dose.
- NTG is highly unstable and should be stored in light resistant container in cool environment (not the refrigerator).
What precautions are taken when administering nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving.
What should you assess before administering nitroglycerin?
Assess heart rate, ECG, and heart sounds, especially during exercise (See Appendices G, H). Report fast heart rate (tachycardia) or symptoms of other arrhythmias, including palpitations, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fainting, and fatigue/weakness.
How do you explain nitroglycerin to a patient?
Adults—1 tablet placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gum at the first sign of an angina attack. 1 tablet may be used every 5 minutes as needed, for up to 15 minutes. Do not take more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes. To prevent angina from exercise or stress, use 1 tablet 5 to 10 minutes before the activity.
How is nitroglycerin administered in nursing?
Place one tablet under the tongue. Inform the patient NOT to swallow or chew the tablet, but let it dissolve under the tongue. In addition, have the patient NOT eat or drink anything for 10-15 minutes after administration.
When should you give nitroglycerin?
What are contraindications for nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients that have reported allergic symptoms to the medication. [18] Known history of increased intracranial pressure, severe anemia, right-sided myocardial infarction, or hypersensitivity to nitroglycerin are contraindications to nitroglycerin therapy.
When should you use nitro spray?
How should this medicine be used? Nitroglycerin comes as a spray to use on or under the tongue. The spray is usually used as needed, either 5 to 10 minutes before activities that may cause attacks of angina or at the first sign of an attack.
What is the most common side effect of nitroglycerin?
Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, flushing, and burning/tingling under the tongue may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working.
What is the most common adverse effect of nitroglycerin for which the patient is monitored?
The more common side effects of nitroglycerin can include: headache. dizziness. weakness.
What instructions about the use of nitroglycerin should the nurse provide to a client with angina?
Please take 1 dose of nitroglycerin (1–2 sprays or a tablet) immediately at the onset of an angina attack. If the symptoms get a little better after the first dose but do not go away completely, a second dose may be taken (as advised by your physician) 5 minutes later.
What is the primary action of nitroglycerin?
The principal pharmacological action of nitroglycerin is relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Although venous effects predominate, nitroglycerin produces, in a dose-related manner, dilation of both arterial and venous beds.
What are the nursing implications of nitroglycerin administration?
Nursing Implications 1 Administer IV nitroglycerin with extreme caution to patients with hypotension or hypovolemia… 2 Monitor patient closely for change in levels of consciousness and for dysrhythmias. 3 Be aware that moisture on sublingual tissue is required for dissolution of sublingual tablet. 4 Assess for headaches. Approximately 50%…
What is nitroglycerin used for?
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilatory drug used primarily to provide relief from anginal chest pain. Nitroglycerin has been FDA approved since 2000 and was first sold by Pfizer under the brand name Nitrostat. It is currently FDA approved for the acute relief of an attack or acute prophylaxis of angina pectoris secondary to coronary artery disease.
What are signs of drug tolerance in nitroglycerin toxicity?
Report signs of drug tolerance during long-term use, as indicated by increased episodes of angina or CHF symptoms. This problem may be resolved by instituting nitrate-free periods; that is, the physician may recommend removing the nitroglycerin patch for several hours each day.
Can you be allergic to nitroglycerin spray?
If you have an allergy to nitroglycerin or any other part of nitroglycerin spray. If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. If you have any of these health problems: Anemia, raised pressure in the head (like with bleeding in the brain or head injury), or recent heart attack.