A 35-year-old man presents to the emergency department following an unrestrained head-on collision where his chest struck the steering wheel. During the initial assessment, the patient abruptly begins complaining of incredibly severe chest pain that feels like ripping in the anterior chest. He states, “I’m going to die, I know it!” The nurse alerts the provider immediately due to suspicion for which condition?

The patient presents to the emergency department complaining of severe gastrointestinal distress after meals that has persisted for 36 hours. He reports that these symptoms have occurred off and on for a few years now, but he is seeking care now because they are interrupting his ability to sleep. Which additional assessment indicates the poorest prognosis for this patient?  

The 24-year-old patient presents to the emergency department complaining of malaise and intractable sore throat with onset 24 hours previously. Upon assessment, the nurse notes swollen cervical lymph nodes and a temperature of 39.3°C. The patient denies nasal discharge or cough. Which question by the nurse is most important?