This question explores Nursing and addresses practical considerations related to: What is the priority action for a nurse when a patient reports chest pain?

When a patient reports chest pain, the priority action for a nurse is to assess the patient's vital signs and initiate a focused cardiovascular assessment to determine the severity and potential cause of the pain. This is crucial for identifying any life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction. Example Nursing Steps: Step 1 – Assess the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Step 2 – Administer oxygen if needed, ensure the patient is in a comfortable position, and prepare for potential administration of medications like nitroglycerin. Step 3 – Monitor the patient's response, document findings, and communicate with the healthcare provider for further evaluation and orders. ADDITIONAL COMMENT: - Assessing chest pain involves checking for associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, diaphoresis, and nausea. - Prioritize interventions based on the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and pain severity. - Consider potential causes of chest pain, including cardiac and non-cardiac origins. - Ensure timely communication with the healthcare team to facilitate prompt treatment. - Documentation should include the patient's description of the pain, assessment findings, interventions, and the patient's response. ✅

What is the priority action for a nurse when a patient reports chest pain?

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What is the priority action for a nurse when a patient reports chest pain?

Asked on Feb 09, 2026

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When a patient reports chest pain, the priority action for a nurse is to assess the patient's vital signs and initiate a focused cardiovascular assessment to determine the severity and potential cause of the pain. This is crucial for identifying any life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction.

Example Nursing Steps:

Step 1 – Assess the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
Step 2 – Administer oxygen if needed, ensure the patient is in a comfortable position, and prepare for potential administration of medications like nitroglycerin.
Step 3 – Monitor the patient's response, document findings, and communicate with the healthcare provider for further evaluation and orders.

Additional Comment:

Assessing chest pain involves checking for associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, diaphoresis, and nausea.
Prioritize interventions based on the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and pain severity.
Consider potential causes of chest pain, including cardiac and non-cardiac origins.
Ensure timely communication with the healthcare team to facilitate prompt treatment.
Documentation should include the patient's description of the pain, assessment findings, interventions, and the patient's response.

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What is the priority action for a nurse when a patient reports chest pain?

Asked on Feb 09, 2026

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