Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

In treating a patient with chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin, which of the following should NOT be immediately considered?

1. Oxygen therapy

2. Surgical intervention

3. Stress testing

4. Thrombolytic therapy

The correct answer is: Stress testing

In the scenario involving a patient with chest pain that remains unrelieved by nitroglycerin, considering the immediate treatment options is crucial for effective patient management. Stress testing would not be an immediate consideration because it is typically performed in a controlled environment to evaluate cardiac function and is not an emergency intervention. It is generally reserved for patients whose condition is stabilized and who are undergoing risk stratification or are preparing for outpatient management. On the other hand, oxygen therapy may be necessary to ensure adequate oxygenation, especially if the patient is at risk for ischemia. Thrombolytic therapy could be considered if there is suspicion of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), as it helps dissolve clots that obstruct blood flow in coronary arteries. Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases of acute coronary syndrome when there are significant anatomical blockages that cannot be managed medically. Thus, stress testing does not address the immediate needs of a patient experiencing ongoing chest pain and should not be a priority compared to the other, more acute interventions.