The nurse has just completed discharge teaching about sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) tablets to a client with stable angina. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

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11ecbb05_cc63_8eb4_b433_fd4d51ec0b0b_MD0009_00 NTG is a vasodilator used to treat stable angina. It is a sublingual tablet or spray that is placed under the client's tongue. It usually relieves pain in about 3 minutes and lasts 30-40 minutes. The recommended dose is 1 tablet or 1 spray taken sublingually for angina every 5 minutes for a maximum of 3 doses (Option B). If symptoms are unchanged or worse 5 minutes after the first dose, emergency medical services (EMS) should be contacted (Option A). Previously, clients were taught to call EMS after the third dose was taken, but newer studies suggest that this leads to a significant delay in treatment. The NTG should be easily accessible at all times. Tablets are packaged in a light-resistant bottle with a metal cap. They should be stored away from light and heat sources, including body heat, to protect from degradation. Clients should be instructed to keep the tablets in the original container. Once opened, the tablets lose potency and should be replaced every 6 months. The car is not a good place to store NTG due to heat (Option D). (Option C) Waking up at night with chest pain can signify that angina is occurring at rest and is no longer considered stable angina. This should be reported to the health care provider. Educational objective: Education about sublingual NTG should include placing the tablet or spray under the tongue; repeating the dose every 5 minutes, with up to 3 total doses if angina is not relieved; notifying EMS if the first dose does not improve the symptoms; keeping the tablets in the original container away from light and heat; and replacing the bottle every 6 months once opened.

The Nurse Has Just Completed Discharge Teaching About Sublingual Nitroglycerin