An 81-year-old male describes his chest pain as heaviness. What is the first intervention you should perform?

In the context of an 81-year-old male presenting with chest pain described as heaviness, the first intervention that should be performed is to administer aspirin. Aspirin is crucial in the management of suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which is a potential cause of chest pain in this patient demographic. It works as an antiplatelet agent, preventing the aggregation of platelets, which can help minimize the progression of a blood clot in the coronary arteries during a myocardial infarction.

Early administration of aspirin can significantly improve outcomes in patients experiencing chest pain by reducing the risk of further clot formation and facilitating better blood flow to the heart muscle. In many protocols for handling cases of chest pain, especially with concern for angina or myocardial infarction, giving aspirin is often prioritized.

While assessing vital signs, auscultating lung sounds, and determining pulse oximetry are important components of the overall assessment and management of a patient with chest pain, aspirin is the targeted intervention that can immediately affect the underlying pathophysiology of a heart attack. Immediate intervention is critical in such situations, and aspirin administration aligns with the principle of rapid response to potentially life-threatening conditions.