Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the appropriate dosage of Nitroglycerin (NTG) for a patient with angina?

1. 0.2 mg

2. 0.3 mg

3. 0.4 mg

4. 0.5 mg

The correct answer is: 0.4 mg

The appropriate dosage of Nitroglycerin for a patient experiencing angina is 0.4 mg. This dosage is commonly used because it is effective for rapid relief of angina symptoms by dilating blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart and increases blood flow to heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is often administered sublingually for quick absorption, particularly during an angina attack. Higher dosages may be used in specific medical circumstances or formulations but generally, for acute episodes of angina, 0.4 mg is the standard dose. Lower dosages may not be effective in relieving symptoms, while excessively high dosages can lead to significant side effects, such as severe hypotension. Therefore, the choice of 0.4 mg not only aligns with recommended clinical guidelines but also balances efficacy and safety for managing acute angina symptoms.