What instruction should a nurse provide to a client regarding the use of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets?

The instruction to wait 5 minutes between doses of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the medication. This wait time allows for the initial dose to take effect and helps gauge whether further doses are necessary while minimizing the risk of hypotension or other adverse effects that can arise from excessive doses.

When using sublingual nitroglycerin, if chest pain persists or recurs after the first dose, the client is generally advised to take an additional tablet after 5 minutes, and this process can be repeated up to three times within a 15-minute window. This protocol ensures that the patient can adequately manage angina while closely monitoring their symptoms.

The other choices would not be appropriate in this context. For instance, administering pills in quick succession or advising the client to take them with water may lead to decreased effectiveness, as the sublingual route relies on the rapid absorption of the medication directly into the bloodstream. Additionally, storing the tablets in a warm place could diminish their potency, as nitroglycerin should be kept in a cool, dark environment to maintain stability and effectiveness.