A client in the emergency department complains of squeezing substernal pain that radiates to the left shoulder and jaw. He also complains of nausea, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. What should the nurse do?

A client in the emergency department complains of squeezing substernal pain that radiates to the left shoulder and jaw. He also complains of nausea, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. What should the nurse do?

A client in the emergency department complains of squeezing substernal pain that radiates to the left shoulder and jaw. He also complains of nausea, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. What should the nurse do?


a) Administer oxygen, attach a cardiac monitor, take vital signs, and administer sublingual nitroglycerin.

b) Gain I.V. access, give sublingual nitroglycerin, and alert the cardiac catheterization team.

c) Complete the client's registration information, perform an electrocardiogram, gain I.V. access, and take vital signs.

d) Alert the cardiac catheterization team, administer oxygen, attach a cardiac monitor, and notify the physician.



Answer: Administer oxygen, attach a cardiac monitor, take vital signs, and administer sublingual nitroglycerin.