The nurse is preparing to give sublingual nitroglycerin to a patient complaining of chest pain.The nurse instructs the patient not to swallow the medication.Why is this instruction important?
A)The effects of the medication will be nullified if swallowed.
B)Sublingual drugs begin to dissolve when placed on the tongue.
C)The medication needs to be held against the cheek membranes until dissolved.
D)The patient may aspirate on the water used for these medications.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If swallowed,the drug is destroyed by gastric juices or is detoxified so rapidly by the liver that therapeutic blood levels are not attained.Orally disintegrating formulations begin to dissolve when placed on the tongue.Sublingually administered medications are placed under the tongue and are allowed to dissolve completely.Water is not needed with these medications.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Give Sublingual Nitroglycerin to a Patient