A patient with chest pain is prescribed nitroglycerin. After taking the medication the patient reports no more chest pain, but is experiencing a headache. Which medication from the choices below would the nurse anticipate the doctor to order for this new symptom?

A. Morphine: Morphine is an opioid analgesic used for severe pain, including unrelieved angina, but it is not indicated for managing nitroglycerin-induced headaches. Using morphine for a headache would be inappropriate and excessive. B. Codeine: Codeine is a mild opioid used for pain or cough suppression. It is not recommended for nitroglycerin-induced headaches, as the headache is typically mild and self-limiting. Non-opioid analgesics are preferred. C. Metoprolol: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to reduce myocardial oxygen demand in angina. It does not relieve nitroglycerin-induced headache and is not indicated for this side effect. D. Acetaminophen: Nitroglycerin often causes vasodilation–related headaches. Acetaminophen is a safe and effective first-line analgesic for mild to moderate headaches. It relieves the headache without interfering with nitroglycerin’s anti-anginal effect.