Dr Donald reviews the ECG that Iona performed and gives Hamish 300 mg of Aspirin to chew and 2 puffs of GTN spray sublingually. The pain resolves within 2 minutes. (Patients presenting with acute chest pain need to be assessed urgently and have a diagnostic Electrocardiogram (ECG) performed as quickly as possible to determine the correct treatment.)
Questions
- S(ite): Q. Where is your chest pain Hamish?
A: In the centre of my chest. - O(nset): Q. When did the chest pain start?
A: It started this morning in the house and was there when I was walking to the surgery. - C(haracter): Q. What does the chest pain feel like?
A: It feels like a tightness across my chest. - R(adiation): Q. Does the pain go anywhere else?
A: It can go down my left arm but not every time. - A(ssociated Factors): Q. Do you feel anything else besides the chest pain?
A: I feel sick and sweaty at times. - T(ime): Q. How long does the pain last, Hamish and does it ever come on at rest?
A: It usually goes away when I stop walking, about 10-15 mins and yes it has done in the last couple of days. - E(xacerbating): Q. Is there anything that makes the pain worse or better?
A: If I take an indigestion tablet, it may ease the pain but not always. - S(everity): Q. How bad is your pain Hamish, with 1 being little or no pain and 10 being the worst pain you’ve ever felt?
A: It’s about 7 this morning but can be less depending on what I am doing.
Pulse point
Rapid assessment and accurate diagnosis lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes
For further information on the clinical assessment of your patient for ACS see.
Page last reviewed: 08 Jun 2020
