A 55-year-old female complains of pressure in her upper abdomen with a history of hypertension. What should you administer?

In this scenario, the patient is a 55-year-old female experiencing pressure in her upper abdomen, and she has a history of hypertension. Given these details, the most appropriate action is to administer aspirin.

Aspirin plays a crucial role in the management of potential cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack). Although the patient is presenting with abdominal pressure, this symptom could be indicative of cardiac issues, particularly in a woman with risk factors like age and hypertension. Administering aspirin helps to thin the blood and can prevent further clotting, which is particularly important if she is experiencing cardiac ischemia.

While providing oxygen may be beneficial for patients with suspected cardiac conditions, the primary intervention here is to address the potential cardiac event by giving aspirin. Oxygen is usually administered in cases of respiratory distress or significant hypoxia, which may not be the case here without further signs of distress.

Using antacids is not appropriate as it treats gastrointestinal issues rather than addressing potential cardiac problems. The choice of oxygen delivery system also does not prioritize the urgent need to intervene pharmacologically for a possible cardiac event.

By administering aspirin, you are effectively acting on the potential for a more serious underlying condition that could be causing her abdominal pressure, especially given her history.