A practical nurse on an airplane is asked to assist a passenger who is experiencing chest pain and is diaphoretic. What should be the first action?

A practical nurse on an airplane is asked to assist a passenger who is experiencing chest pain and is diaphoretic. What should be the first action?

• A. Take the man's vital signs with equipment provided by the airline.
• B. Tell airline staff the passenger may be having a heart attack.
• C. Administer oxygen via passenger mask.
• D. Ask the man if he has any history of heart disease.

Answer: (C)

Providing oxygen via the passenger mask is the immediate action because chest pain with diaphoresis suggests potential acute coronary syndrome, and ensuring adequate oxygen delivery helps protect the heart and other tissues while help is arranged. Supplying oxygen can reduce myocardial ischemia by increasing oxygen availability to stressed heart muscle, and on a plane the mask is readily accessible for quick relief. After applying oxygen, you should promptly alert flight staff and request emergency medical assistance, then proceed with monitoring the passenger’s vitals and level of consciousness. Asking about history of heart disease or taking vitals are important steps, but they don’t address the urgent need to improve oxygenation first.

Providing oxygen via the passenger mask is the immediate action because chest pain with diaphoresis suggests potential acute coronary syndrome, and ensuring adequate oxygen delivery helps protect the heart and other tissues while help is arranged. Supplying oxygen can reduce myocardial ischemia by increasing oxygen availability to stressed heart muscle, and on a plane the mask is readily accessible for quick relief. After applying oxygen, you should promptly alert flight staff and request emergency medical assistance, then proceed with monitoring the passenger’s vitals and level of consciousness. Asking about history of heart disease or taking vitals are important steps, but they don’t address the urgent need to improve oxygenation first.