A nurse is assisting with the care of a client in the emergency department and reports severe radiating chest pain and shortness of breath. The client appears restless, frightened, and slightly cyanotic. The provider prescribes oxygen by nasal cannula at 4 L/min stat, cardiac enzyme levels, IV fluids, and a 12-lead ECG. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain a blood sample.
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.
Insert the IV catheter.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obtain a blood sample. Although obtaining a blood sample is essential for cardiac enzyme levels, it is not the highest priority. Addressing oxygenation takes precedence to relieve hypoxia.
B. Initiate oxygen therapy. Oxygen is the first priority to improve oxygenation in a client showing signs of hypoxia (cyanosis, dyspnea), which can prevent further ischemic damage to the heart.
C. Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG. While obtaining an ECG is essential for diagnosing myocardial ischemia, ensuring oxygenation is more critical in this moment.
D. Insert the IV catheter. An IV line is necessary to administer fluids and medications, but oxygenation should be prioritized first to stabilize the client.
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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Smoking: Smoking is a modifiable risk factor as quitting smoking reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
B. Hypertension: High blood pressure can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication, making it a modifiable risk factor.
C. Hypercholesterolemia: High cholesterol levels can be controlled through diet, exercise, and medications, making it modifiable.
D. Obesity: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor, as weight loss through diet and exercise can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
E. Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition is non-modifiable, meaning individuals cannot change their inherited risk for atherosclerosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Advise the client to come into the office. The client needs immediate emergency intervention, not a routine office visit.
B. Advise the client to take an antacid. Chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin may indicate myocardial infarction; an antacid would not help.
C. Instruct the client to call 911. Persistent chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin warrants emergency attention due to potential heart attack.
D. Tell the client to take another nitroglycerin tablet in 15 min. The protocol allows taking an additional dose in 5 minutes, but emergency services should be called for unrelieved chest pain.