CASE STUDY

The home health care nurse is visiting Mr. Simpson, a 62-year-old man with a significant history of angina pectoris. During the visit, the nurse assesses Mr. Simpson’s current status, including his vital signs, activity level, and dietary intake. Mr. Simpson’s medications include nitroglycerin sublingual as needed for chest pain, metoprolol and Cardizem.

What are the rationales for the ordered medications?

Mr. Simpson continues to smoke despite his disease process. How does smoking increase Mr. Simpson’s chances of angina episodes?

The nurse reviews the correct procedure for taking nitroglycerin for chest pain, and includes what information?

The nurse uses the PQRST acronym to assess for symptoms of angina. What is the nurse assessing?