National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Practice Test

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Prepare for the NCCT Medical Assistant Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each accompanied by explanations. Ensure your readiness for the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the primary indication for the use of nitroglycerin in clinical practice?

Severe headaches
Chest pain
Diabetes management
Respiratory issues

The correct answer is: Chest pain

Nitroglycerin is primarily indicated for the management of chest pain, particularly in cases of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. This medication is effective because it acts as a vasodilator, relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. By dilating the coronary arteries, nitroglycerin alleviates the pain associated with reduced oxygen supply to the heart, thereby relieving angina symptoms. In contrast, severe headaches are not a primary indication for nitroglycerin, as other medications are typically preferred for headache management. Additionally, while nitroglycerin may have some effects on blood vessels that could theoretically influence respiratory issues, it is not a first-line treatment for such conditions. Lastly, nitroglycerin is not used in diabetes management, as the approaches for managing diabetes involve insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, rather than vasodilatory medications. Therefore, the primary indication for nitroglycerin remains its role in alleviating chest pain.