In addition to administering 100% oxygen, what should you do for a patient with a history of cardiac issues who presents with chest pain?

In the context of treating a patient with a history of cardiac issues who is presenting with chest pain, it is crucial to assess their medication history, particularly with certain medications like Viagra (sildenafil). Nitroglycerin, which is often administered to alleviate chest pain associated with angina or myocardial infarction, can cause severe hypotension if administered to patients who have taken phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as Viagra within the past 24 hours.

Understanding this interaction is vital for patient safety. Therefore, asking the patient about recent use of Viagra is a necessary step in the assessment and management process before considering nitroglycerin administration. This precaution helps prevent serious complications and ensures the treatment you provide is both effective and safe.

In this scenario, the other choices either overlook the importance of patient history regarding medications or fail to address the need for careful assessment before administering nitroglycerin. For instance, while calling medical control or obtaining physician approval might be part of safe practice, it does not replace the necessity of directly asking the patient about their recent use of Viagra. Similarly, simply placing the patient in a supine position may not adequately address the potential risks associated with administering nitroglycerin without this critical information.