In which patient condition would the use of nitrates be absolutely contraindicated?

The use of nitrates is absolutely contraindicated in the case of cerebral hemorrhage due to their vasodilatory effects, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure. Nitrates cause dilatation of blood vessels, which can further exacerbate bleeding in areas where a hemorrhage has already occurred. This could increase the risk of complications such as worsening the patient's condition.

In contrast, chronic cough, acute renal failure, and stable angina do not present the same immediate danger concerning nitrate administration. While care must be taken in these other conditions, they do not present a direct contraindication as severe as that posed by cerebral hemorrhage.