Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of administering nitroglycerin in an acute care setting?

1. To reduce cholesterol levels

2. To improve ejection fraction

3. To relieve angina symptoms

4. To prevent myocardial infarction

The correct answer is: To relieve angina symptoms

Administering nitroglycerin in an acute care setting primarily serves to relieve angina symptoms. Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that works by relaxing the smooth muscles of blood vessels, leading to dilation of both veins and arteries. This dilation reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart (preload) and decreases the resistance the heart must pump against (afterload). By decreasing the workload of the heart and improving blood flow to the myocardium, nitroglycerin effectively alleviates the chest pain associated with angina, which is often caused by insufficient blood flow due to coronary artery disease. This action makes nitroglycerin a critical component in the management of acute angina attacks, enhancing patient comfort and allowing for further therapeutic interventions if necessary. While some medications might aim to reduce cholesterol levels or improve ejection fraction, these do not directly target the immediate relief of angina symptoms as nitroglycerin does. Additionally, while preventing myocardial infarction is a long-term goal in treating cardiovascular disease, nitroglycerin is not primarily used for this purpose in acute settings. Its rapid onset of action to relieve angina makes it particularly valuable in urgent care scenarios.