Final Answer:
The patient tells you that he was recently discharged from the hospital and takes numerous medications for his heart and blood pressure. You should: d) Request a list of his medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this scenario, the patient's complaint of chest pain and nausea raises concerns about a potential cardiac issue, considering his age and medical history. However, the patient's current vital signs, including a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg, a pulse of 104 beats/min, and respirations of 16 breaths/min, do not definitively confirm a heart attack. Administering aspirin and nitroglycerin (option a) may be appropriate in a suspected cardiac event, but gathering more information is crucial.
The patient's recent hospital discharge and the fact that he takes numerous medications for his heart and blood pressure highlight the importance of understanding his medication regimen. Requesting a list of his medications (option d) is essential to assess potential interactions, side effects, or missed doses that could contribute to his current symptoms. This step allows for a more informed decision-making process and ensures a comprehensive approach to the patient's care.
Assuming a heart attack without obtaining a detailed medication history (option b) might lead to inappropriate interventions or overlooking crucial information. Focusing on the recent hospital discharge (option c) is important, but obtaining a medication list takes precedence as it directly addresses the potential causes of the patient's symptoms and guides subsequent actions for optimal care.