Final answer:
The medical assistant should inquire about direct skin contact with the nitroglycerin patch, which could explain the wife's symptoms. Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator and can cause dizziness and headaches if absorbed through the skin by someone not prescribed the medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical assistant should first ask the patient's wife if she has been in direct contact with the nitroglycerin patch herself. Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator used in the immediate treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), and it is absorbed through the skin. It is possible that the wife is experiencing side effects such as dizziness and headache because she has accidentally exposed herself to the medication while assisting her husband. The medical assistant should also ensure the patient's wife is in a safe position, in case she is at risk of fainting, and advise her to seek immediate medical attention if her symptoms are severe.
Nitroglycerin works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes the smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to vasodilation. Normally, it is administered sublingually for rapid absorption in cases of an MI. Transdermal patches release medication over a longer period, but if someone who is not prescribed the medication comes into contact with it, they could absorb a dose that leads to side effects.