Final answer:
The top priority when a postoperative ICU patient reports new chest pain is to assess airway and breathing, then notify the healthcare provider and obtain an ECG. Pain medication may be given after airway and cardiac causes are addressed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a postoperative patient in the ICU reports new chest pain, the highest priority is to assess airway and breathing as this could indicate a life-threatening condition such as a pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction. Immediate assessment is crucial to determine if the patient's oxygenation and ventilation are adequate.
After securing the airway and breathing, the next step should be to notify the healthcare provider of the patient's status so that appropriate diagnostic tests, like obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG), can be ordered. An ECG is vital in ruling out cardiac causes of the chest pain.
If the patient's vital signs are stable, and after alerting the healthcare team, the nurse may administer pain medication as prescribed, but not before ensuring the patient has a secure airway and that the pain is not due to a cardiac event.
It's essential to follow the chain of survival and hospital protocols to effectively manage a patient's acute symptoms in a postoperative setting.