The Nurse Is Preparing to Give Sublingual Nitroglycerin to a Patient

The nurse is preparing to give sublingual nitroglycerin to a patient complaining of chest pain.The nurse instructs the patient not to swallow the medication.Why is this instruction important?

A) The effects of the medication will be nullified if swallowed.
B) Sublingual medications begin to dissolve when placed on the tongue.
C) The medication needs to be held against the cheek membranes until dissolved.
D) The patient may aspirate on the water used for these medications.