Final answer:
Prior to assisting with nitroglycerin, an EMT should confirm the patient's identity and prescription details, check vital signs, and ensure the patient is seated or lying down to mitigate any potential side effects such as a drop in blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin, the EMT should verify the patient's identity, confirm the prescription and its proper dosage, assess the patient's vital signs, enquire about the last dose taken and any other medications being used, and ensure the patient is sitting or lying down to prevent falls due to possible drops in blood pressure.
Nitroglycerin is used primarily for the immediate treatment of angina pectoris in people with coronary artery disease and in acute management of myocardial infarction. The medication works by releasing nitric oxide which acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the smooth muscles and dilating the coronary vessels to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. It's essential that EMTs follow these preparatory steps diligently to ensure patient safety and the efficacy of the treatment.