What should be monitored when administering nitroglycerin tablets?

When administering nitroglycerin tablets, monitoring changes in the patient is crucial because this medication is primarily used to relieve angina (chest pain) by dilating blood vessels. Therefore, observing the patient for any improvements or adverse reactions is important. This could include assessing for relief of chest pain, monitoring blood pressure, and watching for any side effects like dizziness or headache, which are common with nitroglycerin use.

Recognizing how the patient responds to the medication helps in determining if further medical intervention is needed or if additional doses are appropriate. Effective monitoring ensures that any negative changes are identified and addressed swiftly, contributing to patient safety and comfort.