What is the priority action of a nurse when caring for a patient with chest pain?

When caring for a patient with chest pain, the priority action is to perform an initial assessment and ensure the patient has a patent airway. This is essential because chest pain can be a symptom of a life-threatening condition, such as a myocardial infarction or other cardiovascular emergencies, where airway compromise can worsen the situation.

By conducting an initial assessment, the nurse can quickly determine the severity and potential causes of the chest pain, as well as other vital signs that can indicate the patient’s stability. Ensuring a patent airway is crucial; if the patient is experiencing significant distress or respiratory problems due to their symptoms, securing the airway can be life-saving.

Once airway considerations and the initial assessment are addressed, further steps, such as notifying the physician, assisting the patient into a comfortable position, and administering medication, can be taken based on the findings from the assessment and the patient’s needs. However, the priority remains to ensure that the patient can breathe and that their immediate risks are managed effectively.