A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has stable angina pectoris. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of what to do when chest pain occurs?
A.
“I will call the provider after taking one dose of nitroglycerin.”
B.
“I will hold my breath and bear down.”
C.
“I will stop what I am doing and lie down.”
D.
“I will take two 325 milligram aspirin tablets at the same time.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C: “I will stop what I am doing and lie down.”
Explanation
Angina pectoris, often referred to simply as angina, is a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. This pain is typically triggered by physical exertion, stress, or other factors that increase the heart’s oxygen demand. When dealing with stable angina, patients are usually provided with a set of strategies to manage their symptoms and prevent the progression of coronary artery disease.
Management of Chest Pain
- Stopping Activity and Resting: When a patient experiences chest pain from stable angina, the primary recommendation is to stop the activity that triggered the pain and rest. Lying down can help reduce the heart’s workload and oxygen demand, which may alleviate the pain. By resting, the body requires less oxygen, which can help relieve the ischemia (reduced blood flow) that is causing the pain.
- Medication Use: Nitroglycerin is a common medication prescribed to angina patients. If a patient experiences chest pain, they are generally advised to take one dose of nitroglycerin and wait for a few minutes to see if the pain resolves. If the pain persists or worsens, they should seek medical help promptly. It’s essential to call the provider if the pain does not subside after the prescribed dosage, but this is not the first step.
- Avoiding Bearing Down: Bearing down or holding one’s breath can increase intra-abdominal pressure and may inadvertently increase the heart’s workload. This action is not recommended for managing angina symptoms.
- Aspirin Usage: While aspirin can be beneficial in preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of heart attacks, it is not the immediate first-line treatment for acute angina symptoms. The typical aspirin dose for stable angina might be different from the one used during an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Taking two 325 milligram aspirin tablets at once without medical advice can also be inappropriate and potentially harmful.
In summary, the correct action for managing chest pain from stable angina is to stop activity and rest, as indicated in option C. This approach helps in reducing the heart’s oxygen demand and can provide relief from angina symptoms.