What is the best route for a patient who has a prescription for nitroglycerin to treat angina?

The best route for administering nitroglycerin to treat angina is sublingual. This method allows for rapid absorption of the medication directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes under the tongue, leading to quick relief of angina symptoms. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels, which increases blood flow and decreases the heart's workload. The sublingual route is particularly effective because it bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolism, providing faster effects, which is critical during an angina attack.

Other routes, such as intramuscular or topical, are not ideal for acute angina treatment. Intramuscular administration may lead to a slower onset of action, while topical forms, although useful for chronic management of angina, do not provide the immediate relief needed during an angina episode. An oral route, while also available, is slower than the sublingual route, as it requires digestion and hepatic metabolism before the medication takes effect. Thus, sublingual nitroglycerin is the preferred choice for quick relief in acute situations.