A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about sublingual nitroglycerin with a client who has angina. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the instructions?

Choice A rationale: The statement about taking the medication with food is incorrect. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be taken with food. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Choice B rationale: The statement that the medication can slow the heart rate is incorrect. Nitroglycerin does not slow the heart rate. In fact, it can cause a reflex tachycardia, where the heart rate increases. Choice C rationale: The statement that the effects of the medication should be felt within 5 minutes is correct. This indicates an understanding of the instructions. Choice D rationale: Taking the medication every 10 minutes until the pain goes away is incorrect. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in 1 to 5 minutes. However, if the pain is not relieved, a second tablet can be taken 5 minutes after the first tablet. If the pain continues for another 5 minutes, a third tablet may be used. Taking the medication every 10 minutes could lead to an overdose.