Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a potential side effect of nitroglycerin administration?

1. Hypertension

2. Bradycardia

3. Headache

4. Hypokalemia

The correct answer is: Headache

Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used to treat angina and heart-related conditions by dilating blood vessels, which helps to reduce the heart's workload and improve blood flow. One of the well-known side effects of nitroglycerin is the occurrence of headaches. This happens because the vasodilation effect not only increases blood flow to the heart but can also lead to increased intracranial pressure and distension of cerebral blood vessels, which elicits a headache. Headaches can vary in intensity and can be bothersome to patients, but they are often considered a common and expected response, especially during the initial use or with higher doses of nitroglycerin. Understanding this side effect is critical for paramedics, as it allows for better management of patient expectations and provides an opportunity to assess the medication's effectiveness and tolerance. The other options represent different conditions and effects that do not correlate with nitroglycerin's pharmacological profile in this context.