Question

A patient with a possible STEMI has ongoing chest discomfort. What is a contraindication to nitrate administration?

A. Systolic pressure greater than 180 mm/Hg
B. Heart rate less than 90/min
C. Use of phosphodiesterase inhibitor within the previous 24 hours
D. Anterior wall myocardial infarction

Answer 1

C. Use of phosphodiesterase inhibitor within the previous 24 hours. A contraindication to nitrate administration in a patient with ongoing chest discomfort is the use of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor within the previous 24 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

A contraindication to nitrate administration in a patient with ongoing chest discomfort is the use of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor within the previous 24 hours. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), can interact with nitrates and cause severe hypotension. Therefore, nitrate administration should be avoided in patients who have taken a phosphodiesterase inhibitor recently.