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GTN counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCardiovascular TherapeuticsGTN counsellingGPhC CRA

A 64-year-old man collects his first glyceryl trinitrate spray for exertional angina. He takes amlodipine and atorvastatin and asks what to do if chest pain starts while walking. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — use one or two sprays while resting, and call 999 if pain persists after repeated doses as directed

GTN is used for acute angina symptoms while the patient stops activity and rests. If pain persists despite repeated doses according to counselling instructions, emergency help is needed because acute coronary syndrome is possible. The spray is used sublingually, not swallowed. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil can interact dangerously with nitrates and should be avoided around nitrate use.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS: Angina