If a patient had an angina attack which two drugs can be administered and what dose?

• A. Aspirin 300 mg and Oxygen
• B. Nifedipine and Oxygen
• C. Adrenaline 0.5 mg and Oxygen
• D. GTN metered dose 0.4 mg and Oxygen

Answer: (D)

Managing an angina attack is about rapidly relieving chest pain and keeping the patient well-oxygenated. The fastest-acting relief comes from a nitrate that dilates blood vessels, reducing the heart’s workload and increasing blood flow to the heart. A metered-dose glyceryl trinitrate spray delivers 0.4 mg per puff and is given under the tongue. If pain persists after about five minutes, another dose can be given, up to three doses in total. Providing oxygen helps ensure adequate oxygen in the blood, especially if the patient is short of breath or shows signs of hypoxia. These two steps address both the cause of the pain and the patient’s oxygen needs in a dental emergency. Other options aren’t as suitable for immediate relief: aspirin is helpful in suspected heart attack but doesn’t quickly relieve angina symptoms, nifedipine isn’t a rescue treatment for an acute attack, and adrenaline would tend to worsen angina by increasing heart rate and oxygen demand.