A client with pulmonary edema is receiving intravenous nitroglycerin. The spouse becomes upset and says "Nobody told me my spouse had a heart attack!" The best response by the nurse is to say "The nitroglycerin
A) can prevent a heart attack brought on by the stress to the heart."
B) helps get rid of extra fluid in the body."
C) helps the heart to not work so hard."
D) treats the chest pain that goes along with pulmonary edema."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin reduces preload, thereby reducing the heart's workload. It does not prevent a heart attack in the setting of pulmonary edema, it does not diurese the client, and it does not treat chest pain associated with pulmonary edema.

A Client with Pulmonary Edema Is Receiving Intravenous Nitroglycerin