Final answer:
Sublingual Nitroglycerin is used for angina to dilate coronary arteries, reducing chest pain. Patients should be instructed on proper usage, potential side effects like dizziness, and to seek immediate medical attention if chest pain persists after taking the medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sublingual Nitroglycerin is a critical medication for the treatment of angina. It works by dilating coronary arteries, which improves blood flow and reduces chest pain. The medication should be taken at the onset of angina symptoms, and placed under the tongue for quick absorption. Patients should be instructed on the importance of sitting down before taking the medication to prevent falls due to potential rapid drops in blood pressure. They should also be made aware that they can take up to three doses, five minutes apart, but if pain persists after the first or second dose, they should seek immediate medical attention as it could indicate a myocardial infarction (MI). Long-term treatments may be necessary depending on the severity of the heart condition. It is important to inform the patient about the proper storage of nitroglycerin tablets, keeping them in their original glass container and away from moisture and sunlight. Additionally, patients should be educated on the potential side effects, such as headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness, which can occur due to the vasodilatory effects of the medication.