A client who has taken 2 sublingual nitroglycerin tablets for chest pain complains of a headache. What should the nurse say?

Sublingual nitroglycerin is commonly prescribed to relieve chest pain associated with angina. One of the well-documented side effects of nitroglycerin is a headache, which occurs due to its vasodilating effects. When nitroglycerin dilates blood vessels, it can lead to an increase in intracranial pressure and subsequently result in a headache.

By stating that this headache is an expected side effect and recommending acetaminophen as a potential relief, the nurse provides reassurance to the client. This acknowledgment helps the client understand that headaches can occur with this medication and are generally not indicative of a more serious problem. Taking acetaminophen is a reasonable and appropriate response to manage the discomfort caused by this expected side effect.

In contrast, suggesting that the headache is a serious concern could lead to unnecessary alarm in the patient. Recommending a stronger pain medication may not be appropriate, as it does not address the underlying cause of the headache. Finally, indicating that this reaction signifies the medication is not effective misrepresents the normal pharmacological response to nitroglycerin.