Abstract

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a frequently used drug for patients with cardiovascular problems. In Australia, nurses may give GTN without direction from a medical officer if the health care facility has a treatment algorithm relevant to a patient complaint of chest pain. Adverse reactions and interactions may be serious or life threatening, and some nurses may be unaware of precautions needed to be taken in order to administer GTN safely to ensure best patient outcomes. Recent nursing, medical and pharmacological literature has been reviewed and is presented in this article for the benefit of nurses who may need to administer GTN in the course of their duties.The actions and interactions of GTN are explored as a guide for nurses to keep in mind when administering GTN to the patient in a cardiovascular emergency.