Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

When is nitroglycerin not advised to be administered?

1. If the systolic blood pressure is less than 90

2. If the systolic blood pressure is less than 100

3. If the heart rate is below 60

4. If the diastolic blood pressure is above 60

The correct answer is: If the systolic blood pressure is less than 100

Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used to relieve chest pain associated with angina or other cardiac conditions. Its primary function is to dilate blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. Administering nitroglycerin when the systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mmHg is typically cautioned against because it can lead to further hypotension, which may be dangerous for the patient. In medical practice, a systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg is often considered insufficient to safely accommodate the vasodilation effects of nitroglycerin. At this level, there is an increased risk of adverse effects such as fainting or shock, particularly in patients who may already be experiencing compromised circulation or those who have a history of cardiovascular issues. The other options pertain to different considerations. For instance, a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg poses an even greater risk than the threshold of 100 mmHg, making it a critical cutoff. A heart rate below 60 beats per minute might indicate bradycardia, which requires caution but is not an absolute contraindication for nitroglycerin. Lastly, the concern with diastolic blood pressure above 60 does not directly impact the decision to administer nitroglycer