Question

The nurse is teaching a patient about how to take a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet. Which statement by the patient best demonstrates understanding of the teaching?

a. "I will hold the tablet next to my skin."
b. "I will put the tablet inside my cheek."
c. "I will put the tablet under my tongue."
d. "I will place the tablet in the lower lid of my eye."

Answer 1

Answer: The correct statement is c. “I will put the tablet under my tongue.”

Explanation: This means that the patient understands that they should place the tablet under their tongue and allow it to dissolve without swallowing. This will help ensure that the medication is absorbed quickly and effectively into their bloodstream.

Nitroglycerin is a medication used to treat angina (chest pain) and heart failure. Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets are placed under the tongue or in the buccal pouch at the first sign of an acute anginal attack. The tablet should be allowed to dissolve without swallowing. The sublingual route of administration is preferred because it provides rapid onset of action.

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