Question

You are treating a 63-year-old male with the following vital signs: P 140 BPM and irregular, RR 28, BP 90/50 mmHg. He is complaining of chest pain. Given this information, why would NTG be contraindicated?

A)Hypertension
B)Bradycardia
C)Hypotension
D)Tachycardia

Answer 1

NTG is contraindicated in the 63-year-old male patient's case because he is experiencing hypotension, and administration of NTG could further lower his already low blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

You are treating a 63-year-old male with vital signs indicating a pulse (P) of 140 beats per minute (BPM) and irregular, a respiratory rate (RR) of 28 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure (BP) of 90/50 mmHg, who is also complaining of chest pain. Given this information, the reason why nitroglycerin (NTG) would be contraindicated is because the patient is experiencing hypotension (C). Nitroglycerin is a medication that can further lower blood pressure, which is already dangerously low in this scenario, risking critical organ perfusion. Moreover, his elevated heart rate, termed tachycardia, and chest pain could be indicative of an acute cardiac event, where maintaining adequate blood pressure is crucial for coronary artery perfusion.