Final answer:
The first medication typically administered to a patient experiencing chest pain with difficulty breathing, suggesting a heart attack, is aspirin to reduce clot formation, alongside supplemental oxygen if hypoxic.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient experiences chest pain with difficulty breathing, it is crucial to quickly identify and treat the underlying cause. If the symptoms suggest a myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, certain immediate treatments are essential. These include administering supplemental oxygen, aspirin to help break up blood clots, and nitroglycerine sublingually to improve blood flow by vasodilation. The first medication to administer can vary based on the suspected cause, but in the case of a heart attack, aspirin is typically given first to reduce clot formation and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Oxygen is also administered if the patient is hypoxic. It is important to note that professional medical evaluation is necessary to determine the exact cause of the chest pain and shortness of breath, as conditions like severe asthma would warrant a different initial treatment, such as albuterol.