Medical Emergencies · single question
A cardiovascular patient has chest pain that does NOT resolve with nitroglycerin. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
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Correct answer: D. Call emergency medical services (911) immediately
- A. Incorrect. Passive monitoring without calling EMS delays critical cardiac intervention.
- B. Incorrect. While a second NTG dose may be considered, if chest pain is UNRESPONSIVE to the first dose, the primary action is activating EMS — not waiting.
- C. Incorrect. Aspirin is an adjunct but is NOT the 'most important next step.' Getting emergency help is.
- D. Correct. Chest pain unresponsive to nitroglycerin suggests possible MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. While awaiting EMS: give aspirin if not contraindicated, keep patient comfortable, monitor vitals — but the MOST important step is activating emergency services.
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