What should a nurse do first for a patient experiencing angina?

What should a nurse do first for a patient experiencing angina?

• A. Sit down and rest
• B. Administer a full dose of morphine
• C. Have patient stand up
• D. Administer a second nitroglycerin dose immediately

Answer: (A)

The key idea is reducing the heart’s workload to relieve ischemia. When angina occurs, the heart needs less oxygen and energy, so the quickest way to help is to have the patient stop activity, sit down, and rest. Rest lowers heart rate and contractility, reducing myocardial oxygen demand and often easing chest pain quickly. Other actions can worsen the situation or be used only after initial relief. Standing up would raise oxygen demand and preload, potentially making the pain worse. Morphine is typically reserved for severe or refractory pain after nitrates are given, and giving a second nitroglycerin dose immediately isn’t appropriate until the first dose has been tried and vitals are checked. After the patient rests, you’d typically administer nitroglycerin as prescribed and monitor, with additional steps (like calling for help) if pain continues.

The key idea is reducing the heart’s workload to relieve ischemia. When angina occurs, the heart needs less oxygen and energy, so the quickest way to help is to have the patient stop activity, sit down, and rest. Rest lowers heart rate and contractility, reducing myocardial oxygen demand and often easing chest pain quickly.

Other actions can worsen the situation or be used only after initial relief. Standing up would raise oxygen demand and preload, potentially making the pain worse. Morphine is typically reserved for severe or refractory pain after nitrates are given, and giving a second nitroglycerin dose immediately isn’t appropriate until the first dose has been tried and vitals are checked. After the patient rests, you’d typically administer nitroglycerin as prescribed and monitor, with additional steps (like calling for help) if pain continues.