What action should the nurse perform first when a client arrives with chest discomfort?

The most appropriate first action for the nurse when a client presents with chest discomfort is to obtain the client's description of the chest discomfort. This step is crucial because understanding the nature, duration, intensity, and characteristics of the chest pain can provide essential information for assessing the severity and potential cause of the symptoms. Accurately gathering this information helps in forming a differential diagnosis and determining the urgency of interventions needed.

Additionally, collecting the client's history, including any associated symptoms, can be pivotal in distinguishing between conditions such as angina, myocardial infarction, or gastrointestinal issues. This initial assessment also includes asking about the client’s medical history, risk factors, and any previous episodes, which are vital for effective clinical decision-making.

While administering oxygen therapy, providing pain relief medication, and remaining calm are important actions that may follow, they should be performed based on the information gathered from the client’s description of their condition. Prioritizing the assessment over immediate interventions ensures that the healthcare provider can tailor the response to the specific needs of the patient effectively.