During suspected cardiac origin pain, which action may you assist with?

• A. Initiating an IV bolus
• B. Initiating defibrillation
• C. Administering morphine IV
• D. Placement of 12-lead EKG leads

Answer: (D)

In chest pain of suspected cardiac origin, getting an ECG to diagnose ischemia or infarction is the priority. A 12-lead ECG provides a broad view of the heart’s electrical activity, revealing ST-segment changes, new arrhythmias, or other signs of acute coronary syndrome. Placing the ECG leads is a quick, noninvasive action you can assist with right away, and the resulting tracing directly guides urgent decisions like activating the cath lab or initiating targeted therapies.

Defibrillation is only used if there is a pulseless rhythm or a shockable rhythm, not for just chest pain. Administering morphine IV isn’t routinely indicated for suspected ACS due to potential risks and lack of consistent benefit. Initiating an IV bolus may be appropriate in certain situations but isn’t the diagnostic action that most rapidly informs treatment in suspected cardiac-origin pain.