A patient with angina pectoris complains of chest pain at rest and needs to take three nitroglycerin (NTG)pills to relieve the pain.Of what should the nurse assess this as a major symptom?

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Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain at rest or with minimal exertion and is not relieved by NTG medication. This is a serious symptom and requires immediate medical attention. Stable angina is chest pain that is only triggered by exertion and is relieved by rest or medication. Full-blown acute myocardial infarction (MI) would present with more severe and persistent chest pain, ECG changes, and elevated cardiac enzymes. Pulmonary embolus may cause chest pain, but it is usually accompanied by shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms.

A Patient with Angina Pectoris Complains of Chest Pain at Rest