A patient with heart disease is taking nitrates. Which of the following action of nitrates has the greatest impact on cardiac workload?

Explanation

• Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, cause dilation of the entire vascular system. Veins are most affected, leading to decreased preload. Arteries are affected less than veins and coronary arteries are now thought to be affected even less than the venous system.  

• Nitrates have no effect on the airway.

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