New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Before assisting a patient with their nitroglycerin, which information must the EMS provider check?

1. Physician's name

2. Color of the tablet

3. Prescription date

4. Expiration date

The correct answer is: Expiration date

When assisting a patient with their nitroglycerin, it is crucial to verify the expiration date of the medication. Nitroglycerin is sensitive to degradation over time; once past its expiration date, the medication may not be effective or could even be unsafe to use. Ensuring that the nitroglycerin is within its effective date reassures the EMS provider that the medication will work as intended if administered to the patient experiencing chest pain or other symptoms of a potential heart condition. While it is also important for providers to be aware of other factors such as the physician's name, color of the tablet, or prescription date, these do not directly pertain to the effectiveness and safety of the nitroglycerin in an emergency situation. Verification of the expiration date is the most critical step to ensure patient safety and to provide appropriate care in that context.