Question

A 58-year-old man presents with chest pain to a remote nursing station in northern Canada where there is no on-site physician and limited diagnostics. The nurse obtains an ECG showing ST elevation in the inferior leads. The nearest hospital with thrombolytics or PCI is several hours away by air, with transport being arranged. According to emergency cardiac care principles in rural settings, what is the nurse's priority role?

Accepted Answer

Begin aspirin, oxygen if needed, basic monitoring, communicate ECG findings urgently to the receiving physician, and prepare for rapid transfer

Answer

Wait for the physician at the referral hospital to assess the patient before any treatment

Answer

Attempt to administer thrombolytics without consulting a physician

Answer

Discharge the patient because definitive care is distant

Answer

Provide only pain relief and reassure the patient

Practice question