Pharmacology & Dosage Calculation
After teaching a 54-year-old patient with angina on how to take nitroglycerin sublingual PRN, which of the…
After teaching a 54-year-old patient with angina on how to take nitroglycerin sublingual PRN, which of the following statements reflects the patient's understanding?
Explanation
Core Concept: Patient education on the proper use of sublingual Nitroglycerin (NTG) for acute angina pectoris.
Clinical Presentation: Chest pain, pressure, or tightness radiating to the jaw or arm, typically triggered by exertion or stress.
Diagnosis: ECG, stress testing, and coronary angiography.
Management: *Acute:* NTG is a rapid-acting vasodilator used PRN (as needed). The correct understanding is: 'I have to take this medication once I need it only' (at the onset of chest pain). *Long-term:* If pain is not relieved after 3 doses (taken 5 minutes apart), the patient must call emergency services. Store NTG in a dark, cool place and replace every 6 months.