Question

You have completed the health history and extraoral and intraoral examination on this client when he grabs his chest and complains of a "squeezing, crushing" pain in his chest. He says it feels like there is a heavy weight on his chest. What is the proper action to take?

Answer 1

Immediate action should be to call for emergency medical assistance and provide comfort to the client experiencing symptoms of angina or a heart attack, and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client grabs their chest and complains of squeezing, crushing pain in their chest during a health history and extraoral and intraoral examination, the proper action to take is to immediately call for emergency medical assistance. This situation is consistent with the symptoms of angina or a possible heart attack, wherein the heart is not receiving enough blood flow, causing the chest pain and heavy weight sensation. The pain can also be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea, which may spread to other parts of the body such as arms, neck, and jaw.

While waiting for emergency services, assess the patient's vital signs if possible, provide comfort, and have them sit in a position that eases their pain, typically upright. Do not leave the patient alone, and prepare to perform CPR if the patient becomes unresponsive. Remember to stay calm and provide reassurances to the patient to help keep them calm as well.