Final answer:
The Nitroglycerin patch delivers the medication through transdermal absorption, releasing nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate and improves blood flow to the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transderm Nitroglycerin patch that Mrs. White is wearing delivers nitroglycerin to her body through transdermal absorption. Nitroglycerin, chemically known as glyceryl trinitrate, is an ester formed from glycerol and nitric acid and has been used since the 1880s to relieve chest pain associated with heart disease. This medication acts by releasing nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator, which in turn relaxes the smooth muscle in the walls of the coronary vessels. This vasodilation enables blood vessels to expand, thereby restoring improved blood flow to the heart.
Although its complete mechanism is not fully understood, nitroglycerin's effectiveness in treating conditions like myocardial infarction (MI) is undeniable. Immediate treatments for MI involve aspirin to break up clots and supplemental oxygen, alongside nitroglycerin, usually administered sublingually for quick absorption. However, in Mrs. White's case, the medication is delivered through a patch, which provides a steady, controlled release of the drug over time, allowing for prolonged vasodilation and symptom relief. This method of delivery is non-invasive and helps maintain consistent therapeutic levels of the medication in the bloodstream.