Which of the following clinical manifestations would make the nurse suspect the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI)?

Choice A rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary, but assessing the client's condition comes first to provide relevant information.

Choice B rationale

Assessing the client's vital signs and telemetry monitor is the first step to determine the cause of chest pain and ensure it is not due to a life-threatening issue such as myocardial infarction.

Choice C rationale

Encouraging the client to take deep breaths can be helpful but is not the first priority. It addresses pain related to breathing but not the underlying cause.

Choice D rationale

Administering pain medication is important, but only after determining the cause of the chest pain and ruling out serious complications.

Choice A rationale

Checking the blood pressure is not the priority action in this case. The symptoms described may suggest compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale

The correct action is to notify the health care provider immediately as this may indicate compartment syndrome, a serious complication that can occur after fractures and can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.

Choice C rationale

Assessing the incision for redness is not appropriate in this scenario as the symptoms suggest a more severe underlying issue such as compartment syndrome, which requires urgent attention.

Choice D rationale

Repositioning the leg may provide temporary relief but does not address the potential underlying issue of compartment syndrome. The priority is to notify the health care provider.