If a patient experiences flushing, headache, and dizziness, what may they be experiencing?

If a patient experiences flushing, headache, and dizziness, what may they be experiencing?

• A. Nitroglycerin overdose
• B. Allergic reaction
• C. Anxiety attack
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (A)

In this scenario, the symptoms of flushing, headache, and dizziness can be indicative of nitroglycerin overdose. Nitroglycerin is commonly used to relieve chest pain (angina) by dilating blood vessels. When taken, it can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure, which may result in flushing due to increased blood flow, as well as headache caused by vasodilation and diminished blood flow to the brain. Dizziness may occur as a result of reduced cerebral perfusion from the sudden drop in blood pressure. In contrast, while allergic reactions can lead to flushing and potentially headaches, they often come with additional symptoms such as hives, itching, or swelling, which are not mentioned here. Anxiety attacks can cause dizziness and a feeling of flushing due to hyperventilation, but they typically wouldn't explain the headache in the same specific way as nitroglycerin would. Dehydration primarily leads to symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, or lethargy and does not specifically link to flushing or headache in the context given. Thus, the symptoms presented align closely with an overdose of nitroglycerin.

In this scenario, the symptoms of flushing, headache, and dizziness can be indicative of nitroglycerin overdose. Nitroglycerin is commonly used to relieve chest pain (angina) by dilating blood vessels. When taken, it can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure, which may result in flushing due to increased blood flow, as well as headache caused by vasodilation and diminished blood flow to the brain. Dizziness may occur as a result of reduced cerebral perfusion from the sudden drop in blood pressure.

In contrast, while allergic reactions can lead to flushing and potentially headaches, they often come with additional symptoms such as hives, itching, or swelling, which are not mentioned here. Anxiety attacks can cause dizziness and a feeling of flushing due to hyperventilation, but they typically wouldn't explain the headache in the same specific way as nitroglycerin would. Dehydration primarily leads to symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, or lethargy and does not specifically link to flushing or headache in the context given. Thus, the symptoms presented align closely with an overdose of nitroglycerin.