For chest pain, which intervention is indicated if appropriate?

• A. Give aspirin
• B. Administer nitroglycerin
• C. Administer glucose
• D. Administer naloxone

Answer: (A)

When chest pain suggests a possible heart attack, giving aspirin as soon as it’s appropriate is the most beneficial first intervention because aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, helping to prevent a clot from getting bigger and reducing mortality in acute coronary syndromes. It’s generally safe to give if there’s no allergy or other contraindication (such as active internal bleeding), and it can be done quickly without needing a prescription.

Nitroglycerin can help relieve chest pain by dilating vessels, but it isn’t universally appropriate for every patient with chest pain. Its use depends on factors like blood pressure remaining adequate, no recent use of erectile dysfunction medications or other contraindications, and the presence of a prescribed nitroglycerin regimen. Glucose is used when hypoglycemia is suspected, not for chest pain from a heart attack. Naloxone is for suspected opioid overdose and isn’t indicated for chest pain unless there’s a specific concern for overdose.