How many times can the 0.4 mg SL nitroglycerin dose be repeated?

How many times can the 0.4 mg SL nitroglycerin dose be repeated?

• A. 4 times
• B. 1 time
• C. 3 times
• D. 2 times

Answer: (C)

Sublingual nitroglycerin is given in small, repeatable doses with a safety cap. The standard EMS protocol allows a 0.4 mg SL dose every 5 minutes for a total of three doses, as long as the patient’s systolic blood pressure remains above the protocol threshold and there are no contraindications (such as recent use of ED medications). If after three doses the chest pain persists, continue monitoring and arrange transport. So, the maximum number of doses in total is three.

Sublingual nitroglycerin is given in small, repeatable doses with a safety cap. The standard EMS protocol allows a 0.4 mg SL dose every 5 minutes for a total of three doses, as long as the patient’s systolic blood pressure remains above the protocol threshold and there are no contraindications (such as recent use of ED medications). If after three doses the chest pain persists, continue monitoring and arrange transport. So, the maximum number of doses in total is three.