The immediate nursing action for a patient reporting chest pain is to assess ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to identify and address life-threatening conditions. This rapid primary survey includes: ensuring patent airway; assessing breathing (rate, effort, symmetry, oxygen saturation); checking circulation (pulse, blood pressure, skin color/temperature); and determining mental status. Simultaneously, the nurse should: administer oxygen if indicated; attach cardiac monitor; obtain vital signs; start IV access; and notify physician/rapid response team. Only after addressing immediate threats should more detailed assessment occur (pain characteristics, history, medications). Chest pain requires prompt evaluation for potentially fatal causes: myocardial infarction (MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitrates, Aspirin); pulmonary embolism; aortic dissection; tension pneumothorax; and esophageal rupture. Time is critical for myocardial salvage in STEMI (goal: door-to-balloon <90 minutes). Nurses must recognize atypical presentations (women, elderly, diabetics) and avoid delaying intervention for diagnostic certainty.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies