What should a nurse prioritize when caring for a patient with chest pain?

When caring for a patient experiencing chest pain, the primary focus should be on assessing vital signs and obtaining an ECG. This approach is critical because chest pain can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other cardiac issues. By assessing vital signs, the nurse can monitor the patient's hemodynamic stability, which is crucial in determining the severity of the situation.

Obtaining an ECG is equally important, as it allows for the evaluation of the heart's electrical activity and can help identify any abnormalities, such as arrhythmias, ischemia, or signs of a heart attack. This immediate assessment helps guide further interventions and treatment, ensuring that any life-threatening conditions are addressed swiftly and appropriately.

While providing reassurance, administering pain relief, and taking a detailed history are also important components of patient care, they are secondary to the immediate need for vital sign assessment and ECG monitoring in the case of potential cardiac compromise.