Question

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of nitroglycerin?

A. Systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mmHg
B. Pain that persists past a previous dose
C. Taking a previous dose within thirty minutes
D. Use of PDE inhibitor 72 hours before

Answer 1

The contraindication for the use of nitroglycerin is the use of a PDE inhibitor within the past 72 hours. Combining these two can lead to severe hypotension and other serious cardiovascular complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which of the following is a contraindication for the use of nitroglycerin: A. Systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mmHg, B. Pain that persists past a previous dose, C. Taking a previous dose within thirty minutes, D. Use of PDE inhibitor 72 hours before. The correct answer is D. Use of PDE inhibitor 72 hours before. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to treat conditions like angina. PDE inhibitors, such as sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra), can also lead to vasodilation. When PDE inhibitors are taken together with nitroglycerin, there is a significant risk of severe hypotension because both medications dilate blood vessels, which can lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels and other serious cardiovascular events. Therefore, it's advised not to take nitroglycerin if the patient has used a PDE inhibitor like sildenafil within the last 72 hours.