AAMA CMA Practice Question

Nitroglycerin tablets for angina are commonly administered sublingually (placed under the tongue) for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and liver, which allows for a quicker onset of action. Having the patient drink water before placing the tablet ensures that the mucous membranes are moist, facilitating faster dissolution and absorption of the medication. The incorrect options are less effective: chewing or swallowing cause the medication to pass through the digestive tract before absorption, which delays its effect, and placing it in the cheek pouch (buccal administration) is not the standard method for nitroglycerin in acute angina.