How will the nurse administer a nitroglycerin sublingual tablet to the patient?

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect because swallowing the tablet with water would lead to slower absorption and a delayed onset of action. Nitroglycerin is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa, and swallowing it would route it through the digestive system, where it would be absorbed more slowly and less effectively.

Swallowing the tablet could also increase the risk of side effects, such as headache and flushing, due to the larger amount of the drug that would be absorbed systemically.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect because crushing the tablet and dissolving it in water would also delay its absorption. This method would require the tablet to dissolve in the water before it could be absorbed through the oral mucosa, which would slow down the onset of action.

Crushing the tablet could also damage the medication and make it less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Incorrect because placing the tablet in the patient's mouth next to the cheek would not allow for optimal absorption. The oral mucosa under the tongue is more permeable than the cheek, so placing the tablet under the tongue allows for faster and more efficient absorption.

Placing the tablet in the cheek could also increase the risk of the patient accidentally swallowing it.

Choice D rationale:

Correct because placing the tablet under the patient's tongue allows for rapid absorption and a quick onset of action. The sublingual route is the preferred method of administration for nitroglycerin because it allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

This method also allows for the patient to easily remove the tablet if they experience any side effects.