In this video, you’ll learn the side effects of Nitroglycerine as well as it’s mechanism of action. It will help you understand the critical thinking and WHY behind the side effects, and how Nitroglycerine actually works inside your body.
That way on your nursing school exams, you will be able to critically think and work thorough those NCLEX style questions.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Nitroglycerin is converted to nitric oxide which then is converted to a protein that causes smooth muscle relaxation, causing vasodilation. It dilates coronary arteries increasing blood flow to the heart. This increases the blood flow to the ischemic areas which relieves the pain associated with angina pectoris. So by increasing the blood flow to the heart it relieves symptoms and pain associated with angina pectoris from ischemia. It also helps to increase cardiac output and reduces blood pressure from vasodilation.
SIDE EFFECTS
Hypotension
When the smooth muscles relax it causes vasodilation, so the vessels get wider, this reduces the pressure in the vessels. Reduced pressure in the blood vessels equals lower blood pressure.
Dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and syncope
These happen because of hypotension from the smooth muscle relaxation which causes vasodilation.
Tachycardia
Since there is vasodilation which causes hypotension, the heart tries to compensate and increase the heart rate to hopefully increase the blood pressure and compensate.
GI upset
This can happen because of the sudden vasodilation which can cause dizziness and hypotension.
Now we know more about how Nitroglycerine works inside the body, and the critical thinking about why it would cause those side effects.
If you want a deep dive into all the other medications you need to learn in nursing school, don’t miss the medication database we have for you inside the NursingSOS Membership Community.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:52 Trade Names, Generic Names, Classes, and Indications
1:38 Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Effect
2:26 Side Effects
2:59 Nursing Assessment
3:16 Contraindications
3:29 Patient Education and Nursing Considerations
4:55 MEDICATION DATABASE
