When administering sublingual nitroglycerin, what statement indicates the need for further teaching?

When administering sublingual nitroglycerin, what statement indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I will hold the tablet under my tongue until it dissolves
• B. I will swallow frequently until the tablet completely dissolves
• C. I should sit down while taking this medication
• D. I will take a second tablet if chest pain persists

Answer: (B)

The statement indicating the need for further teaching is related to the incorrect method of dissolving the sublingual nitroglycerin tablet. Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. It is essential that the patient allows the tablet to dissolve completely without swallowing it, as this allows for the medication to provide the necessary relief from angina symptoms effectively. The other statements reflect accurate knowledge and practices regarding the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin. Holding the tablet under the tongue until it dissolves is the correct method of administration. Sitting down while taking the medication is appropriate, as it can help manage potential side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness that may occur with the use of nitroglycerin. Additionally, understanding that a second tablet may be taken if the chest pain persists indicates awareness of the protocol for angina management, which often involves taking a second dose if there is no relief after a few minutes. Overall, the emphasis on how the tablet is taken and the inappropriate mention of swallowing it instead illustrates the need for further education on the proper use of the medication.

The statement indicating the need for further teaching is related to the incorrect method of dissolving the sublingual nitroglycerin tablet. Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. It is essential that the patient allows the tablet to dissolve completely without swallowing it, as this allows for the medication to provide the necessary relief from angina symptoms effectively.

The other statements reflect accurate knowledge and practices regarding the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin. Holding the tablet under the tongue until it dissolves is the correct method of administration. Sitting down while taking the medication is appropriate, as it can help manage potential side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness that may occur with the use of nitroglycerin. Additionally, understanding that a second tablet may be taken if the chest pain persists indicates awareness of the protocol for angina management, which often involves taking a second dose if there is no relief after a few minutes.

Overall, the emphasis on how the tablet is taken and the inappropriate mention of swallowing it instead illustrates the need for further education on the proper use of the medication.