DANB General Chairside Practice Test

In which situation is nitroglycerin typically placed under a patient's tongue?

1. Angina

2. Hypertension

3. Headaches

4. Diabetes

The correct answer is: Angina

Nitroglycerin is primarily used for the treatment of angina, which is chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart. Placing nitroglycerin under the tongue allows for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream, leading to quick relief of the pain. This route is effective because it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, providing faster onset of action compared to oral administration. In the context of the other options, while nitroglycerin has specific roles, it is not typically used for hypertension as a first-line treatment method but can be a part of management in controlled situations such as acute heart failure. For headaches, particularly migraines, medication like triptans is usually prescribed, while diabetes management involves insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents rather than nitroglycerin. Thus, the placement of nitroglycerin under the tongue is specifically associated with the immediate management of angina.