You are caring for a 62-year-old female with chest pain and shortness of breath. She is alert and oriented with an open airway. Her breathing is adequate and radial pulse strong. Her skin is warm and dry. Which one of the following should you do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Obtaining her heart rate and blood pressure will help assess the severity of her chest pain and shortness of breath and provide important information for treatment decisions. It is important to gather this vital sign information before administering any medication or transporting the patient. A secondary assessment can be performed after initial vital signs are obtained. Assisting the patient in taking nitroglycerin should be done only if it has been prescribed and after vital signs have been obtained. Transporting the patient immediately is not necessary as she is alert and oriented and her breathing and pulse are normal.

You Are Caring for a 62-Year-Old Female with Chest Pain