A patient is receiving IV nitroglycerin after an acute myocardial infarction. Which of the following is an indication that the nitroglycerin is working?

Explanation

• The desired effect of nitroglycerin is relief of chest pain by dilating the coronary arteries. 

• Nitroglycerin mainly dilates systemic veins and arteries, reducing systemic oxygen demands and increasing blood flow to the heart. 

• Incorrect: Headache is a common side effect due to the dilation of veins and arteries in the brain, but is not the intended therapeutic effect and does not indicate the medication is working. 

• Incorrect: Nitroglycerin should lower blood pressure, not elevate it. 

• Incorrect: Diarrhea is not a side effect associated with nitroglycerin.

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