Question

While en route to the​ hospital, your​ 67-year-old male chest pain patient breaks out in a sweat and becomes very pale. He clutches his chest. You should​ next:

Answer 1

In case a 67-year-old male experiencing chest pain becomes pale and sweaty, indicating a potential heart attack, immediate medical interventions such as notifying the hospital, monitoring vitals, aiding in breathing, providing aspirin, administering oxygen, preparing for CPR and AED, and reassuring the patient are crucial.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a 67-year-old male chest pain patient becomes very pale, breaks out in a sweat, and clutches his chest, it is possible that he is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. Immediate action should be taken as this is a life-threatening emergency.

As a first responder, you should:

1. Immediately notify the hospital to prepare for an acute emergency, if you haven't done so already.
2. Initiate or continue monitoring the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation.
3. Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position, usually semi-reclined unless contraindicated, to aid in breathing and comfort.
4. Provide aspirin, if not contraindicated and within the scope of practice, as it might help prevent further blood clotting in the heart.
5. Administer supplemental oxygen if the patient is hypoxic or as per your protocols.
6. Prepare for possible cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in case of cardiac arrest.
7. Reassure the patient and keep him calm while continuously monitoring his condition during transfer to the hospital.

Assessment and interventions should be in accordance with the latest emergency cardiac care guidelines.