Which vital sign condition is a prerequisite for administering nitroglycerin in cardiac ischemia?

The prerequisite for administering nitroglycerin in cases of cardiac ischemia is that the heart rate must be between 60 and 159 beats per minute. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that requires the patient to have a stable heart rate to ensure adequate blood perfusion and to avoid potential adverse effects.

A heart rate below 60 could indicate bradycardia, which increases the risk of further complications when administering nitroglycerin, since it may lead to decreased coronary perfusion. A heart rate over 159 may suggest tachycardia, which can also complicate treatment.

Optimally, the heart rate condition, which falls within the range of 60 to 159, indicates that the patient's cardiovascular system is functioning within a reasonable limit, allowing nitroglycerin to effectively alleviate ischemia by reducing myocardial oxygen demand without the added risk associated with abnormal heart rates.

Blood pressure being below the normal range is not a prerequisite for administering nitroglycerin; in fact, nitroglycerin can further lower blood pressure, which is why careful assessment and monitoring are crucial. Therefore, the correct condition for nitroglycerin administration is a heart rate between 60 and 159, as it maximizes the drug