A mother has called 911 because her 6-year-old son told her he had chest pain. On scene, the mother informs you that her son suffers from a congenital heart defect called aortic coarctation. The boy admits to chest pain and appears distressed. His airway is patent, breathing adequate, and radial pulse present and regular. Vital signs are pulse 108, respirations 24, blood pressure 148/92, and SpO₂ 98%. Your next action would be to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's history and current presentation, it would be best to contact medical command for advisement. Aortic coarctation is a serious congenital heart defect that can cause narrowing of the aorta, leading to high blood pressure and potentially life-threatening complications. The chest pain reported by the patient could indicate a cardiac event or worsening of their condition. Contacting medical command would allow for consultation with a physician and potentially expedite transport to the nearest appropriate facility for treatment. Administering aspirin or nitroglycerin may not be appropriate in this case and high-concentration oxygen is not indicated based on the patient's normal SpO₂ level.

A Mother Has Called 911 Because Her 6-Year-Old Son Told