ANGINA PECTORIS Flashcards
What causes angina pectoris?
An imbalance of oxygen supply and oxygen
demand of the myocardium. So it could be
due to not enough oxygen or too high of a
demand on the heart to work.
Describe the pain of angina pectoris
Crushing substernal chest pain that may
radiate.
What drug treats angina pectoris?
Nitroglycerin
How do you tell if the client has angina or
an MI?
The pain of the two is very similar; the way
to tell the difference is if nitroglycerine and
rest relieve the pain, it’s angina. If
nitroglycerine and rest do not relieve the
pain, it’s probably an MI.
How many nitroglycerin tabs can you take
before you call the doctor?
One tablet. The patient should take three
tablets, but call the doctor after one.
How many minutes should lapse between
the nitroglycerin pills you take?
Five minutes, remember you can take up to
3 nitroglycerin tablets 5 minutes apart. If no
relief after the first one, call MD/Squad.
By what route do you take nitroglycerin?
Sublingual
What is the action of nitroglycerin?
Dilates coronary arteries to increase blood
supply and reduces preload (decreases
work load of the heart).
What are the top 2 side effects of
nitroglycerin?
Headache and hypotension
What bad thing could be occuring if a
patient does not get a headache with
nitroglycerin?
The nitroglycerin may be expired and
inactive. They need to buy a new bottle.
In what type of container should
nitroglycerin tablets be stored?
Dark, light proof container
Nitroglycerin (NTG) will (lower/raise) the
blood pressure?
Lower, teach get up slowly to prevent falls
What precaution must the nurse take when
administering topical nitroglycerin paste?
Wear gloves – nurse may get a dose of the
medicine
NTG is an anticoagulant. (T/F)
False
Everyone with angina needs bypass
surgery (T/F)
False
