What should the nurse instruct regarding the use of sublingual nitroglycerin?

The correct answer emphasizes that a burning sensation is a normal response when using sublingual nitroglycerin. This sensation occurs because the medication works by dilating blood vessels, and the sublingual route allows it to enter the bloodstream rapidly, leading to potential irritation of the mucosal tissue under the tongue. Patients should be made aware of this sensation so that they do not confuse it with an adverse reaction or a sign of a problem.

Instructing patients accurately about the expected effects of their medications helps enhance adherence and fosters a better understanding of treatment. It prepares them for the characteristics of the medication's action, which is fundamental for ensuring effectiveness and for recognizing normal physiological responses.

In regard to the other options, swallowing the tablet would hinder its effectiveness, as nitrates are designed to be absorbed quickly through the mucosa in the mouth. Storing the medication in a dry, cool place is recommended to ensure stability and effectiveness; warmth and moisture can degrade the medication. Lastly, while side effects do exist, nausea is not the most common or defining one associated with sublingual nitroglycerin when compared to the expected burning sensation.