Question

Headache (The nurse should expect the client to have headaches as a common adverse effect of taking sublingual nitroglycerin because it causes vasodilation.)

a) indicative of improved cardiovascular function
b) a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin
c) to minimize blood pressure
d) as a desired therapeutic effect

Answer 1

Headaches are a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin due to the vasodilation and temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is asking whether headaches are indicative of improved cardiovascular function, a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin, an attempt to minimize blood pressure, or a desired therapeutic effect of nitroglycerin use. Headaches associated with sublingual nitroglycerin are not indicative of improved cardiovascular function, nor are they an intentional attempt to minimize blood pressure or a desired therapeutic effect. Instead, headaches are a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin due to the vasodilation it causes. Nitroglycerin prompts the release of nitric oxide (NO), leading to the dilation of blood vessels and subsequently increased blood flow to the heart. However, this vasodilation can also cause decreased blood pressure, which may result in headaches due to the temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain.