Shadowing Practice: Nitrates: Nursing Pharmacology - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
1
What?
2
you Nitrates are medications that come under the umbrella of a larger group called vasodilators, which dilate the walls of blood vessels.
3
Nitrates are primarily used to treat angina pectoris, which is pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle as well as hypertension and heart failure.
4
More recently, they've also been approved for the topical treatment of anal fissures.
5
Enjoying our Osmosis videos?
6
Unlock your full potential with an Osmosis subscription.
7
Get unlimited access to every Osmosis feature and resource with a free 7 -day trial.
8
The most commonly used nitrates include nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate.
9
Out of these, nitroglycerin has a rapid and short -lasting action, so when treating acute anginal pain or hypertension,
10
it's typically given through rapidly absorbable routes, like sublingual, oral spray, or intravenously, to bypass the first -pass metabolism in the liver,
11
which would slow its absorption.
12
For long -term prevention, though, routes of administration can include transdermal patches, topical ointments, or extended -release oral capsules.
13
Nitroglycerin can also be administered rectally for the treatment of anal fissures.
14
On the other hand, isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate have a longer duration of action and are typically administered orally as tablets,
15
or sustained release capsules which makes them useful for the long -term prevention of angina pectoris
16
or to treat clients with heart failure.
17
Once absorbed into the blood, nitrates quickly get converted into their active form,
18
called nitric oxide, Nitric oxide diffuses to the smooth muscle cells of both veins and arteries, causing wall relaxation and vasodilation.
19
The result of venous vasodilation is peripheral blood pooling, which in turn decreases the return of venous blood to the heart.
20
This way, nitrates predominantly reduce preload, which is the pressure that stretches the heart as it fills with blood from venous return.
21
At the same time, arterial vasodilation lowers the systemic vascular resistance, which will also reduce the afterload,
22
or the pressure that the heart must work against to eject the blood.
23
Ultimately, by reducing preload and afterload, nitrates reduce the amount of work the heart has to do, eventually decreasing the heart's oxygen consumption.
24
Nitrates also have a minor effect on the dilation of the coronary arteries, which helps increase oxygen delivery to heart tissue.
25
Common side effects of nitrates include headache, dizziness, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.
26
Another important side effect of nitrates is orthostatic hypotension, where the blood pressure falls significantly when the client stands up too quickly.
27
As a result, these clients could experience lightheadedness or syncope due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
28
In addition, clients may experience reflex tachycardia,
29
which is caused by the sympathetic system triggering an increase in heart rate in response to the hypotension caused by nitrates, in order to maintain tissue perfusion.
30
Now, clients who continuously use nitrates soon develop tolerance to these side effects.
31
Unfortunately, clients may also develop tolerance to the therapeutic effects of nitrates, especially with uninterrupted use.
32
Clients can prevent this by avoiding using nitrates for several hours each day.
33
Finally, nitrates are contraindicated in individuals with hypotension, hypovolemia, severe anemia, and cardiomyopathy.
34
Nitrates should be used carefully during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as in clients with increased intracranial pressure or cerebral hemorrhage,
35
renal or hepatic disease, and syncope.
36
As far as drug interactions go, nitrates should never be combined with other substances that cause vasodilation,
37
such as alcohol, Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction including sildenafil,
38
tadalafil, or vardenafil or antihypertensive agents like beta blockers or calcium channel blockers.
39
If taken together, their effects add up and may lead to a steep fall in blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, and even death.
40
Now, before administering a nitrate,
41
complete a baseline assessment, including frequency and severity of angina pain and vital signs especially blood pressure.
42
Review their health history for angina risk factors, such as hypertension.
43
Next, check your client's latest laboratory report including CBC, hepatic and renal function, as well as their lipid profile.
44
Then be sure they understand how angina happens, and explain how the medication helps reduce or prevent angina by improving blood flow to the heart.
45
Lastly, after administering the nitrate, remain with your client and continuously monitor their vital signs, especially blood pressure.
46
Continue to assess for worsening symptoms, such as chest pain and side effects, and for the desired therapeutic response.
47
Ok, when teaching your client about sublingual nitroglycerin, explain that nitrates are sensitive to light,
48
moisture and heat, so advise them to store their nitroglycerin pills in their original container at room temperature
49
but also remind them to carry a small number of their pills with them at all times.
50
Teach them that taking a sip of water before putting their pill under their tongue will help it dissolve
51
and get into their system faster.
52
In addition, let them know that it's normal for them to feel a slight burning
53
or tingling under their tongue while the medication dissolves.
54
Be sure to remind your client to not swallow the medication
55
and instruct them to avoid eating or drinking anything for 15 minutes after administration to ensure the medication is fully absorbed.
56
Let them know about common side effects they may experience, such as headache, which can be managed with acetaminophen,
57
and orthostatic hypotension, which can increase the risk of falls.
58
So teach your client to make position changes slowly, especially if they feel lightheaded.
59
Lastly, stress the importance of avoiding other substances that can excessively lower blood pressure, such as alcohol and medications used for erectile dysfunction.
60
If your client experiences angina with activity, remind them to take the nitroglycerin prior to precipitating activities or situations,
61
such as playing sports or mowing the lawn.
62
If they're taking the nitrate for acute angina, instruct them to call emergency services if the pain does not resolve within five minutes after one dose.
63
While awaiting emergency care to arrive, let them know that they may take a second and third dose five minutes apart.
64
Now, if your client is prescribed transdermal nitroglycerin patches, instruct them to apply a new patch each day on a hairless part of their body.
65
To prevent the development of nitrate tolerance, stress the importance of incorporating about 12 hours of nitrate free time every 24 hours, usually during the night.
66
For example, if your client has angina with activity, instruct them to apply their patch at 8 a .m and then remove it at 8 p .m.
67
Finally, remind your client to take their medication as directed, and warn them that stopping abruptly could result in vasospasm.
68
Alright, as a quick recap, nitrates are medications mainly used to treat angina pectoris, hypertension, and heart failure.
69
Once administered, nitrates are quickly converted into their active form, nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and ultimately reduces preload and afterload.
70
while improving blood flow through the coronary arteries.
71
Clients who are prescribed nitrates should be advised about side effects, including headache, dizziness, flushing, nausea,
72
orthostatic hypotension, and reflex tachycardia.
73
Nitrates should be avoided in clients with problems such as hypotension and hypovolemia, and they should never be combined with other substances that cause vasodilation,
74
such as alcohol or medications for erectile dysfunction.
75
Finally, continuous administration of nitrates can lead to tolerance, and clients can prevent this by avoiding using nitrates for several hours each day.
76
Helping current and future clinicians focus, learn, retain, and thrive.
77
Learn more.
📺 Same Channel
C13
Pneumothorax - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology
University StudentsWorking Adults
C11
Asthma
University StudentsWorking Adults
C13
Clinical Cuts: B-Cell Activation, Differentiation, & Contraction
IELTS PrepTOEFL PrepCambridge Exam Prep
C12
Myasthenia gravis
University StudentsWorking Adults
C1Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
University StudentsWorking Adults
C11
Bell palsy
University StudentsWorking Adults
C18
Emotional and mental health needs
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C17
Introduction to the immune system
IELTS PrepTOEFL PrepUniversity Students
C1Tuberculosis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology
IELTS PrepTOEFL PrepUniversity Students
✨ Recommend Video
C12
743 sentences
Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Test 50 NCLEX Questions and Answers with Rationales 2026
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C11
90 sentences
Basics of prescription filling
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B21
121 sentences
This Vitamin Prevents Age Spots (Most People Don't Get Enough)
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C12
72 sentences
Blood Flow Through the Heart (Made Easy in 5 Minutes!)
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C12
187 sentences
Why Your Knee Hurts (And What To Do About It!)
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B23
30 sentences
What Are Biosimilars? How Amgen Is Providing More Treatment Options
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C12
26 sentences
Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) and Hand Hygiene - Fundamentals of Nursing | @LevelUpRN
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C12
90 sentences
(English) Acute high grade MCA stenosis PTA and Stenting
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C11
35 sentences
Natural Gas 101
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C11
4 sentences
Ambr®️ 250 High Throughput Perfusion Product Tutorial - Learn with Sartorius
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C11
61 sentences
How to Present a Patient: Inpatient Bedside Teaching Rounds (Group 12)
Business EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
Why practice speaking with this video?
Practicing speaking using the video "Nitrates: Nursing Pharmacology" is an excellent opportunity to enhance your medical English vocabulary and comprehension. By immersing yourself in the specific terminology associated with nitrates and their therapeutic uses, you will not only increase your confidence but also build a robust foundation in pharmacology-related conversations. Engaging in shadow speech via this video allows you to mimic the speaker’s pacing, intonation, and articulation. This technique not only improves your pronunciation but also helps in acquiring an authentic accent.
Grammar & Expressions in Context
Throughout the video, several key expressions and grammatical structures are prevalent that can be beneficial for English learners looking to enhance their speaking skills:
- Passive Voice: The phrase "nitrates are medications that come under the umbrella of a larger group" illustrates how to convey information in a passive manner. Using the passive voice can be effective when the focus is on the action rather than the subject.
- Conditional Sentences: The structure "if taken together, their effects add up" teaches the use of conditional sentences to express cause-and-effect relationships, a vital component in medical discussions.
- Present Continuous Tense: The use of “clients may experience” shows how to describe ongoing actions or situations, which is useful when discussing patient conditions or responses to treatment.
- Imperative Forms: Directives such as "advise them to store their nitroglycerin pills" exemplify how to give clear instructions, a critical skill in both medical settings and daily conversations.
Common Pronunciation Traps
English learners may encounter specific pronunciation challenges in this video. Here are a few tricky words to practice:
- Nitrates: Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable 'ni-' as in 'NI-trates.'
- Angina: This word can be difficult; make sure to pronounce it as 'an-JY-nuh,' focusing on the second syllable.
- Caspid: In the context of pharmacology, this word may come up; ensure clear articulation by practicing 'CAP-sid.'
Using the shadowing technique and resources like this video on shadowspeaks, learners can enhance their english speaking practice effectively, which will enable them to communicate more fluently in healthcare settings. Aim to integrate these vocabulary words and expressions into your daily practice to solidify your learning and boost your confidence in medical conversations.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| “Used to” used to + verb — a past habit or state that is no longer true | used to treat |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | been approved · be administered · is caused |
| Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thing | pectoris, which is · capsules which makes · preload, which is |
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.