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What should be the nurse's first action for a client with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?

  • A. Administer nitroglycerin
  • B. Monitor cardiac rhythm
  • C. Assess the ECG
  • D. Assist with positioning
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. This is the nurse's first action for a client with a suspected MI because nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. This can help reduce chest pain and prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Administering nitroglycerin promptly is crucial in managing an MI. Monitoring cardiac rhythm (B) and assessing the ECG (C) are important steps, but administering nitroglycerin takes precedence in addressing the client's immediate symptoms. Assisting with positioning (D) is not as urgent or directly related to managing an MI compared to administering nitroglycerin.