Prior to administering nitroglycerin, what should be obtained from the patient?

Before administering nitroglycerin, it is crucial to obtain vital signs to check for hypotension. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, which lowers blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. If a patient is already experiencing hypotension, the administration of nitroglycerin may further decrease their blood pressure, potentially leading to adverse effects such as fainting or worsening of their cardiovascular status.

Monitoring vital signs, particularly blood pressure, helps healthcare providers assess the patient's hemodynamic stability and determine whether it is safe to proceed with the administration of nitroglycerin. This step is especially important in patients who may be at risk for low blood pressure due to conditions such as heart failure, dehydration, or concurrent use of other blood pressure-lowering medications.

Inquiring about allergies to salicylates or auscultating breath sounds does not directly relate to the immediate effects of nitroglycerin. While both of these assessments are important aspects of patient care, they do not address the critical need to ensure that the patient can tolerate the effects of nitroglycerin safely. Elevating the patient's lower extremities may be useful in certain situations but is not a prerequisite step before administering this medication.