Evolve HESI Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Nursing Exam Success!

The priority nursing action for a patient experiencing chest pain is to perform an assessment and obtain vital signs. This step is crucial because it allows the nurse to gather important information about the patient’s current state, which can help in determining the underlying cause of the chest pain. Assessing vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, provides immediate insights into the patient’s hemodynamic status and can indicate whether they are experiencing a serious condition, such as a myocardial infarction.

By prioritizing assessment, the nurse can quickly identify any critical changes in the patient’s condition, such as hypotension or arrhythmias, which could require urgent intervention. This foundational knowledge is essential before any further actions, including notifying the physician or administering medications, since effective treatment depends on understanding the specific characteristics of the chest pain and the patient's overall clinical picture.