What instruction should a nurse give a client about taking sublingual nitroglycerin during chest pain?

The correct guidance for a client taking sublingual nitroglycerin during episodes of chest pain is to wait 5 minutes between doses. This instruction is crucial because nitroglycerin is a fast-acting medication that is absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes under the tongue. If chest pain persists after the first dose, the patient should be advised to wait five minutes before taking another dose. This waiting period allows time to assess whether the initial dose was effective in relieving the pain.

If the symptoms continue, repeating the dose according to the recommended interval ensures that the client does not take an excessive amount of medication, which could lead to adverse effects, including hypotension. This guideline is established to ensure safety while providing the most effective treatment during acute angina episodes.