While there are a number reasons
for a chest pain to be experienced, it is always safe to assume that it is
cardiac in nature until proven otherwise to avoid potential life threatening
conditions (like AMI).
CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT should include:
<span>1. </span>Description
of the pain (sharp, dull, crushing, stabbing) and exact location of the pain.
The patient also should be interviewed if the pain radiate to other areas.
Pain associated
with AMI is usually described as "constrictin" or crushing in the
middle/upper substernal region that usually radiate to the anterior chest,
shoulders and arms.
<span>2. </span>Provoking
factors such as activity and position that
makes the pain worse.
Chest pain
caused by AMI tends to change with repositioning. Pain that improves with repositioning
may be caused by pericarditis, pleuritic and musculoskeletal issues.
<span>3. </span>Asking
the patient to rate the severity of pain from 0-10 ( 0 being absent and ten the
worst pain), and taking note of other accompanying symptoms.
AMI can also
present with accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis,
dizziness, hypotension.
<span>4. </span>Time
the duration of the pain. Angina typically lasts for 2-5 minutes (can last up
to 30 minutes).
Inform the physician of you
findings ( especially if significant for emergency care) so tests can be
ordered, carried out and medications can be ascertained.
