Questions and Answers
What is nitroglycerin?
A smooth-muscle relaxant that is used to treat chest pain associated with acute coronary syndrome.
Which of the following are indications for nitroglycerin? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are contraindications for nitroglycerin? (Select all that apply)
What are some common side effects of nitroglycerin? (Select all that apply)
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What actions does nitroglycerin perform?
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The dosage for nitroglycerin is _____ mg.
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What is the recommended interval for repeating nitroglycerin doses?
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Study Notes
Nitroglycerin Overview
- Nitroglycerin is a smooth-muscle relaxant used for treating chest pain linked to acute coronary syndrome.
Indications for Administration
- Administer when the patient reports chest pain.
- Consider if the patient has a history of cardiac issues.
- Use if there is a valid prescription from the patient's physician.
- Ensure the patient's systolic blood pressure is above 100 mmHg.
- Obtain authorization from medical direction before administration.
Contraindications
- Do not administer if the system blood pressure is below 100 mmHg.
- Avoid use if the patient has a head injury.
- Do not give if the patient has reached the maximum prescribed dosage.
Side Effects
- Common side effects include hypotension and headache.
- Patients may experience changes in pulse rate, dizziness, or light-headedness.
Actions of Nitroglycerin
- Causes vasodilation, leading to widened blood vessels.
- Reduces the heart's workload, helping alleviate chest pain.
Dosage Information
- Standard dosage is 0.4 mg per dose.
- Can be repeated every three to five minutes if the patient does not achieve relief, systolic blood pressure remains above 100, and approval from medical direction has been obtained.
- For spray administration, typically one metered spray followed by a second in 15 minutes is prescribed.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the use of nitroglycerin for EMTs, covering crucial definitions and indications. Perfect for enhancing your knowledge about managing chest pain and understanding the administration of this important medication.