What can happen if gloves are not worn while administering nitroglycerin?

When administering nitroglycerin, wearing gloves is crucial for both the healthcare provider and the patient. Nitroglycerin can be absorbed through the skin, and if gloves are not used, the provider may inadvertently expose themselves to the medication, which could lead to systemic effects such as headache and dizziness. These symptoms are common side effects of nitroglycerin, as it works by dilating blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure and causing vasodilation.

While nausea and abdominal pain, high blood pressure, and visual impairment are possible impacts related to other scenarios or medications, they are not directly relevant to the consequences of not wearing gloves when administering nitroglycerin. The primary risk in this situation revolves around the contact with the medication itself and the associated reactions from unintended absorption. Thus, the effect of headache and dizziness underscores the importance of proper safety protocols in administering medications like nitroglycerin.