Question

A 58-year-old man complains of chest pain and nausea. He is conscious and alert; his blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, his pulse is 104 beats/min, and his respirations are 16 breaths/min. The patient tells you that he was recently discharged from the hospital and takes numerous medications for his heart and blood pressure. You should:

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms suggest a possible acute myocardial infarction and, given his history of heart conditions, necessitate immediate medical evaluation, monitoring of his vitals, and transport to the hospital.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 58-year-old man presenting with chest pain and nausea and who has a history of heart conditions needs immediate medical evaluation. Considering his cardiovascular history and current symptoms, it is important not to ignore potential warning signs of a critical condition such as an acute myocardial infarction (acute MI) or heart attack. Chest pain can be a symptom of angina or a more severe condition like a heart attack, and underlying issues like hypertension can increase risks.

Initial steps would likely include providing comfort, continuing to monitor his vital signs, ensuring that he remains calm, and preparing for immediate transport to the hospital for advanced clinical focus. The patient's medication history should be collected if possible, to provide to hospital staff upon arrival. Immediate attention to this patient is crucial; time-sensitive interventions might be necessary.