NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamPharmacologyEasy
A 48-year-old male is experiencing acute onset chest pain. He has a prescribed nitroglycerin spray. Before assisting him with administration, the EMT should first inquire about:
- AHis recent use of erectile dysfunction medications.
- BHis usual baseline blood pressure.
- CHis history of asthma.
- DHis last meal.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. His recent use of erectile dysfunction medications.
Erectile dysfunction medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis), can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when combined with nitroglycerin. This is a critical contraindication that must be identified before administration.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Baseline blood pressure is important, but recent ED medication use is a more immediate and severe contraindication.
- C. Asthma is not a contraindication for nitroglycerin administration; it primarily affects the respiratory system.
- D. While diet can affect overall health, it is not a direct contraindication for immediate nitroglycerin administration.
Nitroglycerin Contraindications
Conditions or medications that make nitroglycerin administration unsafe due to potential severe adverse effects, primarily profound hypotension.
- Systolic BP below 90-100 mmHg
- Head injury
- Recent use of erectile dysfunction medications (PDE5 inhibitors)
Memory trick: No Nitro If Pressure's Low Or ED Pills Flow!