A patient taking which medication should not have nitropaste applied to facilitate venous access?

• A. Sedatives
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Steroids
• D. Antihistamines

Answer: (C)

Applying nitropaste, which is a topical nitroglycerin formulation, is used primarily to facilitate venous access by causing venodilation and increasing blood flow to the area. However, it is important to consider the patient's current medication regimen when using this treatment.

Patients taking steroids may have underlying conditions such as hypertension or can retain fluid, which can affect the vasculature. Additionally, steroids may influence the body's response to medications like nitroglycerin. The use of nitropaste can lead to excessive vasodilation, resulting in potential adverse effects such as hypotension or other cardiovascular complications, especially in individuals whose vascular response is altered by steroid use.

In the context of this question, other medications like sedatives, antibiotics, and antihistamines do not have the same potential interactions or contraindications with nitroglycerin. Thus, the caution around the application of nitropaste is particularly warranted in patients taking steroids, making this the correct choice.