Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
The nurse is preparing to initiate an intravenous nitroglycerin drip on a client who has experienced an acute myocardial infarction. In the absence of an invasive (arterial) monitoring line, the nurse prepares to have which piece of equipment for use at the bedside to help assure the client's safety?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Nitroglycerin dilates arteries and veins (vasodilator), causing peripheral blood pooling, thus reducing preload, afterload, and myocardial workload. This action accounts for the primary side effect of nitroglycerin, which is hypotension. In the absence of an arterial monitoring line, the nurse should have a noninvasive blood pressure monitor for use at the bedside.