What must be assessed before administering Nitro to a patient?

Before administering nitroglycerin, it is essential to assess both the patient's pain scale and blood pressure. The pain scale selection allows the responder to determine the severity of the patient's condition, particularly in cases of chest pain, which is often associated with cardiac issues. Evaluating blood pressure is equally crucial because nitroglycerin acts by dilating blood vessels, which can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. If the blood pressure is already low, administering nitroglycerin could cause hypotension, leading to further complications. Thus, ensuring both aspects are assessed helps to provide safe and effective patient care.