Before administering nitroglycerin, which condition must be ruled out?

Before administering nitroglycerin, it is essential to rule out right ventricular infarction. Nitroglycerin works as a vasodilator, decreasing preload and reducing the workload on the heart. In the case of a right ventricular infarction, the heart's capacity to pump effectively is compromised due to reduced filling pressures. By using nitroglycerin in this scenario, you could further decrease the preload, potentially leading to a significant drop in cardiac output and blood pressure, which may jeopardize the patient's stability.

Right ventricular infarction typically occurs in conjunction with inferior wall MI and can be identified through clinical assessment and ECG changes. Recognizing and addressing this condition is critical to ensuring patient safety when considering nitroglycerin administration.

While the other conditions listed could be relevant to a patient's overall health and presentation, they do not carry the same immediate risk as a right ventricular infarction when using nitroglycerin, which is why ruling that condition out is a priority before administration.