Which of the following patients should receive nitroglycerin?

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Nitroglycerin is primarily indicated for patients experiencing chest pain suspected to be due to myocardial ischemia, which is often caused by coronary artery disease. The medication works by dilating blood vessels, which helps to reduce the heart's workload and improve blood flow to the myocardium. In patients with angina or acute coronary syndrome, nitroglycerin can relieve pain and improve oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, making it a critical component of treatment.

In contrast, using nitroglycerin in other clinical scenarios, such as hypotensive crisis, bradycardia, or patients taking NSAIDs, poses significant risks and is generally not appropriate. Hypotensive patients may have already compromised cardiovascular function, and administering a vasodilator like nitroglycerin could further decrease blood pressure and potentially lead to shock. Patients with bradycardia may also experience adverse effects due to decreased blood flow, and those taking NSAIDs do not typically require nitroglycerin for pain management or other cardiovascular indications. Thus, the selection of nitroglycerin is most appropriate in the context of chest pain linked to myocardial ischemia.

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