Which action should be taken during an angina episode?

During an angina episode, administering 2 to 3 squirts of GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) under the tongue is the appropriate action because GTN acts as a vasodilator, helping to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart. This rapid-acting treatment is specifically designed to alleviate the chest pain associated with angina by reducing the workload on the heart and decreasing oxygen demand.

When GTN is administered sublingually, it quickly enters the bloodstream and can provide relief from anginal symptoms within minutes. This method is preferable during an angina attack, making it a critical action for alleviating pain and potential complications.

In contrast, other approaches lack immediate effectiveness or might not address the underlying issue as effectively. For example, giving aspirin can be beneficial for a heart attack as it helps thin the blood but is not the first line of treatment specifically for angina pain. Monitoring temperature is unrelated to managing angina episodes. Encouraging deep breathing and providing water does not directly address the cardiac issue at hand. Positioning the patient flat and applying heat could potentially worsen the situation by increasing the heart's workload or not alleviating the pain effectively.