What instructional information is critical when teaching about nitroglycerin use?

When teaching about nitroglycerin use, it is critical to highlight the importance of lying down to prevent dizziness after taking the medication. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, which means it works by relaxing blood vessels, leading to decreased blood pressure. This can cause patients to experience dizziness or lightheadedness, especially upon standing. By advising patients to lie down, educators can help ensure that they minimize the risk of falls or injury that can occur due to sudden drops in blood pressure.

This information promotes safety and helps patients manage their reactions to the medication effectively. The other options do not provide the same level of immediate and practical safety advice regarding the use of nitroglycerin. For instance, swallowing the tablet does not align with standard administration practices, as nitroglycerin is typically placed under the tongue to allow for rapid absorption. Storing nitroglycerin in a refrigerator is unnecessary, as it should be kept in a cool, dry place but not necessarily refrigerated. While expecting dizziness as a side effect is valid, it does not provide actionable advice to mitigate the potential impact of that side effect. Therefore, emphasizing the need to lie down after taking nitroglycerin offers a clear and essential instruction for patient safety.