Which is a contraindication to nitroglycerin administration?

Which is a contraindication to nitroglycerin administration?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Hypertension
• C. Recent caffeine use
• D. Allergic to aspirin

Answer: (A)

Nitroglycerin works by dilating veins and reducing preload, which lowers blood pressure. Because of this effect, giving nitroglycerin to someone who is already hypotensive can cause a dangerous further drop in blood pressure and reduce perfusion to vital organs. That’s why hypotension is a contraindication. Hypertension isn’t a contraindication; nitroglycerin can be used to help relieve chest pain and may help lower elevated blood pressure if needed. Recent caffeine use isn’t a contraindication either, since caffeine doesn’t directly prevent nitroglycerin use in standard protocols. Allergic to aspirin doesn’t relate to nitroglycerin safety, since it’s a separate medication with a different allergy risk.

Nitroglycerin works by dilating veins and reducing preload, which lowers blood pressure. Because of this effect, giving nitroglycerin to someone who is already hypotensive can cause a dangerous further drop in blood pressure and reduce perfusion to vital organs. That’s why hypotension is a contraindication.

Hypertension isn’t a contraindication; nitroglycerin can be used to help relieve chest pain and may help lower elevated blood pressure if needed. Recent caffeine use isn’t a contraindication either, since caffeine doesn’t directly prevent nitroglycerin use in standard protocols. Allergic to aspirin doesn’t relate to nitroglycerin safety, since it’s a separate medication with a different allergy risk.