A patient with chest pain tells you that he feels the same as when he had a heart attack two years ago. He is diaphoretic, nauseated, vomiting, and has a pulse of 84, respirations of 16, and a blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg. He is allergic to aspirin. He asks you to assist him in taking one of his nitroglycerin pills. Which one of the assessment findings that follows represents a contraindication to the nitroglycerin?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg is a contraindication to nitroglycerin administration as it can further decrease blood pressure and cause hypotension. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator and can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous in low blood pressure situations. The allergy to aspirin is not relevant to nitroglycerin administration. Nausea and vomiting and heart rate below 100 are not contraindications to nitroglycerin administration.

A Patient with Chest Pain Tells You That He Feels