A 53-year-old male patient has been admitted for evaluation of chest pain.He has been diagnosed with angina and prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin tablets.What important instructions for using this medication should the nurse give the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sublingual nitroglycerin may cause hypotension.Therefore,the patient should sit or lie down when taking a dose and should move slowly to avoid injury from falling or fainting.One tablet should be taken every 5 minutes,up to 3 tablets in 15 minutes.This drug should never be chewed.If chest pain is not relieved after the first tablet and within 5 minutes,call 911 to activate emergency medical services.

A 53-Year-Old Male Patient Has Been Admitted for Evaluation of Chest