A patient with a history of angina is prescribed nitroglycerin tablets to manage acute chest pain. During an episode, the patient becomes very anxious and requests medication. How should the medical assistant instruct the patient to take the nitroglycerin tablet for the fastest relief?
Tell the patient to swallow the tablet with a full glass of water for immediate relief.
Advise the patient to place the tablet under their tongue without swallowing and wait for it to dissolve completely.
Instruct the patient to chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing for quick absorption.
Recommend placing the tablet in the cheek pouch (buccal administration) and wait for it to absorb.