Final answer:
The treatment plan for nitroglycerin under the Cardiac Ischemia Medical Directive for a STEMI includes immediate treatments such as oxygen, aspirin, and nitroglycerin, as well as longer-term interventions like thrombolytic agents, angioplasty with stent placement, and bypass surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment plan for nitroglycerin under the Cardiac Ischemia Medical Directive for a STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) includes immediate treatment and longer-term interventions.
Immediate treatments for a STEMI include administering supplemental oxygen, aspirin to break up clots, and nitroglycerin administered sublingually (under the tongue) to facilitate its absorption. Nitroglycerin is believed to release nitric oxide, which is a known vasodilator, and relaxes the smooth muscle in the coronary vessels.
Longer-term treatments for a STEMI may include thrombolytic agents to dissolve the clot, anticoagulants, balloon angioplasty with stent placement to open blocked vessels, and bypass surgery to allow blood to pass around the blockage. In cases of extensive damage, coronary replacement with a donor heart or coronary assist device may be necessary.