A nurse should recognize which of these client reports is a side effect related to a prescribed nitrate medication?

A nurse should recognize which of these client reports is a side effect related to a prescribed nitrate medication?

• A. Headache
• B. Double vision
• C. Sweating
• D. Joint pains

Answer: (A)

Nitrates dilate veins and decrease both preload and systemic vascular resistance by releasing nitric oxide. That vasodilation can extend to cerebral vessels, commonly triggering a throbbing headache. This side effect is classic and frequently reported, especially after starting therapy or increasing the dose, so a client reporting a headache aligns with a known nitrate adverse effect. The other reports aren’t typical of nitrate action: double vision isn’t a common nitrate side effect, sweating can occur with many drugs but isn’t characteristic of nitrates, and joint pains don’t relate to nitrate pharmacology. If a headache occurs, it’s important to monitor blood pressure and patient safety, and address the discomfort as appropriate while continuing therapy unless contraindicated.

Nitrates dilate veins and decrease both preload and systemic vascular resistance by releasing nitric oxide. That vasodilation can extend to cerebral vessels, commonly triggering a throbbing headache. This side effect is classic and frequently reported, especially after starting therapy or increasing the dose, so a client reporting a headache aligns with a known nitrate adverse effect. The other reports aren’t typical of nitrate action: double vision isn’t a common nitrate side effect, sweating can occur with many drugs but isn’t characteristic of nitrates, and joint pains don’t relate to nitrate pharmacology. If a headache occurs, it’s important to monitor blood pressure and patient safety, and address the discomfort as appropriate while continuing therapy unless contraindicated.