During a dental appointment, a patient with known angina experiences moderate chest pain that does not meet criteria for emergency. The MOST appropriate immediate action is:

Correct answer: C. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually

• A. Aspirin is given for suspected MI after nitroglycerin fails — not the first-line response to anginal chest pain.
• B. Continuing the procedure ignores a medical emergency — any chest pain in a cardiac patient requires stopping treatment immediately.
• C. Correct. For a known angina patient experiencing chest pain (consistent with their angina pattern, not severe, no radiation or additional symptoms of MI), the immediate response is: stop the procedure, have the patient rest, administer sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG). If the first dose does not relieve pain in 5 minutes, give a second dose; up to 3 doses. If no relief after 3 doses, call 911.
• D. Calling 911 immediately is appropriate ONLY after 3 doses of nitroglycerin without relief (suggesting MI) — not for the first episode of anginal pain.