The patient is brought to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset crushing substernal chest pain. He is pale, diaphoretic, and can only speak in short sentences. His vital signs are notable for a heart rate of 118 bpm, respiratory rate of 22, and a blood pressure of 94/52 mmHg. Upon assessment, peripheral pulses are palpable but weak; lungs are clear; mild jugular venous distention is noted. The emergency medical services administered aspirin on arrival to the scene. The nurse anticipates performing which intervention first?

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Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram study. The patient is exhibiting signs of a myocardial infarction; a 12-lead electrocardiogram is performed first to determine further management. The patient is hypotensive; sublingual nitroglycerin places the patient at risk for circulatory collapse. The patient has mild jugular venous distention; an IV fluid infusion at 200 mL/h may be too rapid for the heart to handle; this could lead to heart failure. Although the patient will likely require a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), more testing needs to be performed to diagnose the condition.

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