Question

A nurse is preparing to administer sublingual nitroglycerin to a client who has chest pain. The client asks the nurse, " Why am I placing the medication under my tongue instead of swallowing it with some water?" Which off the following responses should the nurse make?

Answer 1

Medication placed under the tongue allows for faster absorption directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, and provides quick relief for conditions like angina.

Step-by-step explanation:

Placing the medication under the tongue, or taking it sublingually, allows for faster absorption because the area beneath the tongue is rich in blood vessels and can directly enter the bloodstream. This method bypasses the digestive system and the first-pass metabolism in the liver, ensuring that the drug can work more quickly to relieve chest pain. Sublingual administration is particularly useful in acute conditions like angina, where rapid onset of action is critical to alleviate symptoms and limit heart damage.