What should an EMT anticipate during reassessment of a patient after administering nitroglycerin?

During the reassessment of a patient after administering nitroglycerin, one of the primary expected effects is a decrease in blood pressure. Nitroglycerin functions as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, which can lead to a drop in systemic vascular resistance. As the blood vessels dilate, blood flow is increased to the heart and other organs, but this can also result in a reduced blood pressure, especially if the patient was already experiencing cardiovascular issues.

Monitoring blood pressure is a crucial part of the EMT's reassessment after nitroglycerin administration. A significant drop in blood pressure could indicate that the drug's effect is more pronounced than anticipated or that the patient is particularly sensitive to it due to their medical condition. Recognizing this drop promptly enables the EMT to take appropriate actions, including checking for signs of inadequate perfusion or adjusting treatment as necessary.

While changes in anxiety levels or oxygen saturation may occur in the patient as they respond to relief from chest pain due to improved blood flow, these are not the primary direct effects of the medication itself. A burning sensation in the chest is not a typical response associated with nitroglycerin administration; instead, patients may experience a headache or flushing due to vasodilation