A nurse is reviewing a client's new prescription for nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL every 3 to 5 min PRN for chest pain. The nurse should instruct the client to do which of the following?

A. Place the medication under the tongue. Sublingual (SL) nitroglycerin is designed to dissolve quickly under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal system and allows for fast relief of chest pain due to angina. B. Take the medication with food. Nitroglycerin SL should not be taken with food, as food is not necessary and may delay the absorption if it interferes with proper placement under the tongue. C. Chew the medication thoroughly. Chewing SL nitroglycerin is inappropriate. It disrupts the sublingual delivery system, reducing effectiveness and delaying absorption. D. Drink 8 oz of water with the medication. Drinking water with SL nitroglycerin is not recommended because swallowing the tablet reduces its effectiveness. The tablet must dissolve under the tongue without being washed down.