What is a common side effect of nitroglycerin that clients should be made aware of?

A common side effect of nitroglycerin that clients should be informed about is hypotension. Nitroglycerin works as a vasodilator, which means it relaxes and widens blood vessels to improve blood flow. While this mechanism can effectively decrease heart workload and alleviate angina, it can also lead to a drop in blood pressure, particularly upon standing or after an increase in dosage. Clients must be aware of this potential effect, as it can result in symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting if they stand up too quickly or exert themselves. This understanding helps patients manage their activity levels and take precautions, such as rising slowly from sitting or lying positions.

The other options, while they can be associated with various medical conditions or treatments, do not typically relate to nitroglycerin use. Increased blood glucose levels, weight gain, and dehydration are not recognized side effects of nitroglycerin, making hypotension the primary concern for clients receiving this medication.