Question

Shortly after assisting a 60-year-old woman with her second nitroglycerin treatment, she tells you that she is lightheaded and feels as if she is going to faint. Her symptoms are MOST likely due to__________.

1) An allergic reaction to the nitroglycerin
2) A decrease in blood pressure
3) A heart attack
4) Anxiety or panic attack

Answer 1

The symptoms are most likely due to a decrease in blood pressure caused by taking nitroglycerin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described, lightheadedness and feeling as if one is going to faint, are most likely due to a decrease in blood pressure. This can occur as a side effect of taking nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used to treat conditions like angina, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. It is important for the woman to sit or lie down and seek medical attention if her symptoms persist or worsen.