Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is the standard dosage of nitroglycerin for chest pain relief?

1. 0.2 mg

2. 0.4 mg

3. 0.6 mg

4. 1.0 mg

The correct answer is: 0.4 mg

The standard dosage of nitroglycerin for relief from chest pain, particularly in the context of angina or suspected myocardial infarction, is 0.4 mg. This dosage is typically administered sublingually, meaning it is placed under the tongue to allow for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart and improves blood flow to the heart muscle. The sublingual route is preferred because it enables quick onset of action, usually within a few minutes, which is crucial when managing acute chest pain. When evaluating other dosages, while they may have therapeutic effects, they either fall outside the standard practice or do not align with current protocols for the immediate management of chest pain in emergency situations. This understanding reinforces the importance of adhering to established medical guidelines for the administration of nitroglycerin.