What is a potential side effect of administering Nitroglycerin?

The correct answer is hypotension, which refers to abnormally low blood pressure. Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used to treat conditions like angina and heart failure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which in turn decreases the workload on the heart and improves blood flow. While this effect is beneficial for reducing cardiac strain, one of the consequences of vasodilation is the potential for lowering blood pressure significantly.

When blood vessels expand, there is less resistance for the heart to overcome, leading to a drop in blood pressure. This can be particularly concerning in patients who are already hypotensive or who have conditions that may predispose them to low blood pressure. It's important for providers to monitor the patient's blood pressure after administering nitroglycerin closely, as significant hypotension can lead to dizziness, fainting, or more serious complications.

The other options do not accurately reflect typical complications associated with nitroglycerin use. Although an increased heart rate might occur in response to other conditions, nitroglycerin primarily causes vasodilation and is more associated with hypotension. Increased blood volume is not a typical side effect of nitroglycerin since it does not increase fluid retention. Bradycardia can occur in other contexts but is not a direct