Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What position should a patient be in during the administration of nitroglycerin?

1. Sitting or standing

2. Supine or sitting

3. Prone

4. Any comfortable position

The correct answer is: Supine or sitting

When administering nitroglycerin, positioning the patient as either supine or sitting is crucial for both safety and efficacy. Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator, which means it dilates blood vessels to help relieve chest pain associated with angina or heart attacks. This vasodilation can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness or fainting. Placing the patient in a supine or sitting position helps to minimize the risk of falls or injuries that can occur if blood pressure decreases suddenly. In a supine position, the patient is flat on their back, which allows for easier management of potential complications should they occur. The sitting position is also beneficial as it can help the patient feel more comfortable while still being alert and monitoring their condition. Other positions, such as prone or any random comfortable position, may not provide the same level of safety and monitoring. The prone position, where the patient lies face down, could complicate vital assessments and interventions in case of adverse reactions. Similarly, a non-specific comfortable position, while seemingly beneficial, lacks the structured approach needed to effectively monitor the patient's response to the medication and address any potential side effects immediately.