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?
Explanation & Rationale
C. Sublingual nitroglycerin is rapidly absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue, and its effects are usually felt within 1 to 5 minutes. Patients should experience relief from angina symptoms shortly after administration. A. While sublingual nitroglycerin can be taken every 5 minutes for a maximum of three doses for acute angina attacks, it should not be taken every 10 minutes. Taking it too frequently can lead to excessive vasodilation and potentially harmful side effects. B. Nitroglycerin primarily dilates blood vessels rather than affecting heart rate. While it may cause a transient decrease in blood pressure, it does not typically slow heart rate. D. Sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Food can delay absorption and decrease the effectiveness of the medication.