When administering nitroglycerin spray to a patient with angina, where should the nozzle be pointed?

When administering nitroglycerin spray to a patient with angina, it is essential that the nozzle be pointed at the underside of the tongue. This method allows for the medication to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes found there. The sublingual route is preferred for nitroglycerin because it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and helps achieve a rapid therapeutic effect, which is critical during an angina attack.

Pointing the nozzle at other areas, such as the mouth, nose, or chest, would not facilitate the effective absorption of the medication. Specifically, spraying it into the mouth could result in swallowing the medication rather than allowing it to dissolve under the tongue, which delays the onset of action. Spraying it at the nose is ineffective as nitroglycerin is not designed for nasal absorption, and directing it at the chest does not allow for direct delivery to the bloodstream. Therefore, aiming the spray under the tongue ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness in relieving angina symptoms.