JBL EMT Practice Exam

What is the first step to be taken for a patient presenting with crushing chest pain and diaphoresis?

1. Administer aspirin immediately

2. Administer nitroglycerin tablets

3. Check the patient's blood pressure

4. Evaluate the adequacy of respirations

The correct answer is: Administer aspirin immediately

Administering aspirin immediately is the correct first step for a patient presenting with crushing chest pain and diaphoresis because it can help to reduce the formation of blood clots in the arteries and potentially lessen the severity of a heart attack. Aspirin works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is crucial in the early management of suspected myocardial infarction. Options B, C, and D are not the first steps to be taken when dealing with a patient presenting with crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. Nitroglycerin tablets are typically administered after aspirin, as they help to dilate coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart. Checking the patient's blood pressure and evaluating the adequacy of respirations are important assessments but are not the immediate first step in this situation.