Nurses' Notes
1420: The emergency nurse assesses a client who developed chest discomfort while carrying groceries. The client states that the pain increases when the upper chest is pressed and then decreases after pressure is released. Seconds later, the client describes abrupt severe pain that was maximal at onset and moved toward the back. The client appears frightened and remains still on the stretcher. The monitor shows heart rate 88 beats per minute and oxygen saturation 98% on room air remain steady. At 1424, the nurse obtains right arm blood pressure 186/94 mm Hg and left arm pressure 142/78 mm Hg. The client reports no recent fever, cough, or injury. The nurse notes that both lung fields remain clear while symmetric chest movement continues without distress. At 1427, the client develops new weakness of the left arm and difficulty speaking. The blood glucose is 112 mg/dL. The client reports that an antacid relieved similar gradual burning pain after a large meal without later symptoms. The skin is initially warm and dry. At 1431, the nurse finds blood pressure 84/52 mm Hg with cool mottled legs. A second intravenous line is prepared while the emergency team is activated. At 1434, the nurse confirms that the client identifies today's date, follows commands, and recalls recent events accurately. The nurse maintains continuous monitoring and avoids delaying definitive imaging and treatment.
Nurses' Notes
1420: The emergency nurse assesses a client who developed chest discomfort while carrying groceries. The client states that the pain increases when the upper chest is pressed and then decreases after pressure is released. Seconds later, the client describes abrupt severe pain that was maximal at onset and moved toward the back. The client appears frightened and remains still on the stretcher. The monitor shows heart rate 88 beats per minute and oxygen saturation 98% on room air remain steady. At 1424, the nurse obtains right arm blood pressure 186/94 mm Hg and left arm pressure 142/78 mm Hg. The client reports no recent fever, cough, or injury. The nurse notes that both lung fields remain clear while symmetric chest movement continues without distress. At 1427, the client develops new weakness of the left arm and difficulty speaking. The blood glucose is 112 mg/dL. The client reports that an antacid relieved similar gradual burning pain after a large meal without later symptoms. The skin is initially warm and dry. At 1431, the nurse finds blood pressure 84/52 mm Hg with cool mottled legs. A second intravenous line is prepared while the emergency team is activated. At 1434, the nurse confirms that the client identifies today's date, follows commands, and recalls recent events accurately. The nurse maintains continuous monitoring and avoids delaying definitive imaging and treatment.