Adult Medical Surgical ATI Related

Review Adult Medical Surgical ATI related questions and content

A client with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is prescribed nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) for chest pain. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

  • A. Take the medication with food.
  • B. Swallow the tablet whole.
  • C. Take the medication at bedtime.
  • D. Place the tablet under your tongue.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Place the tablet under your tongue. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve chest pain in patients with MI. Placing the tablet under the tongue allows for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, providing quick relief. Taking it with food (A) may delay absorption. Swallowing the tablet whole (B) would result in slower absorption through the GI tract. Taking it at bedtime (C) is not necessary for immediate relief of chest pain.