The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with angina. Which finding indicates a therapeutic effect of antianginal drug therapy?

A. Decreased activity tolerance: A reduction in activity tolerance would indicate worsening cardiovascular status rather than a therapeutic effect. Effective antianginal therapy should improve, not diminish, the client’s ability to perform physical activities without pain. B. Decreased nausea and vomiting: While some antianginal medications may reduce side effects such as nausea, this is not a primary therapeutic goal. The main purpose of antianginal therapy is to relieve myocardial ischemia and prevent angina episodes. C. Decreased occurrence of headaches: Headaches can occur as a side effect of certain antianginal drugs, like nitrates, but a decrease in headaches does not indicate improved angina control. Therapeutic effectiveness is measured by symptom relief, not by side effect reduction. D. Decreased episodes of chest pain: A reduction in the frequency, intensity, or duration of angina episodes reflects the desired therapeutic effect of antianginal drugs. This indicates improved myocardial oxygen delivery and better management of ischemic symptoms.