New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

How should an EMS provider assist a patient taking a nitroglycerin pill?

1. Instruct the patient to chew the pill

2. Ensure the patient places it under their tongue

3. Inject the medication subcutaneously

4. Offer the patient water before taking the pill

The correct answer is: Ensure the patient places it under their tongue

When assisting a patient who is taking a nitroglycerin pill, it is crucial to instruct the patient to place the medication under their tongue. This method allows for rapid absorption of the medication into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, bypassing the digestive system. Nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain (angina) by dilating blood vessels, and the sublingual route is specifically designed for quick action, typically resulting in relief within a few minutes. Other methods such as chewing the pill or injecting it subcutaneously would not provide the intended rapid effect and could lead to complications or decreased efficacy. Offering the patient water before taking the pill is unnecessary and could potentially dilute the medication or delay its absorption. Thus, placing the nitroglycerin under the tongue is the correct and most effective way to assist the patient.