# A client with chest pain has a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. Which assessment question is most important before administration?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397314&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Interactions  
> category: PPT

## Question

A client with chest pain has a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. Which assessment question is most important before administration?

## Option

1. Have you eaten a meal in the last hour?
2. Do you prefer the tablet or spray form?
3. Have you taken sildenafil or a similar medication recently? **✔ Correct answer**
4. Do you have a family history of hypertension?

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

Nitroglycerin with a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor can cause severe hypotension. The nurse should assess for recent sildenafil or similar medication before giving nitroglycerin. Food preference and family history do not address the immediate medication safety risk.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Nitroglycerin contraindication check.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Nitroglycerin contraindication check, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Nitroglycerin** — A nitrate used to relieve anginal chest pain by vasodilation.
- **PDE-5 Inhibitor** — A medication class for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension that can dangerously interact with nitrates.
- **Hypotension** — Abnormally low blood pressure that can impair perfusion.

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