See where you stand — ~8 min
20 questions · no account needed · you'll see each answer as you go.
A 42-year-old patient reports chest discomfort. The primary assessment shows a patent airway, adequate breathing, and a strong radial pulse. During the secondary assessment, the patient reports pain that is reproducible when the chest wall is palpated. The lungs are clear, heart sounds are normal, and the abdomen is soft. The initial vital signs are BP 128/82 mmHg, P 88/min, and R 16/min. During transport, the EMT reassesses the patient every 5 minutes. At the third reassessment, the skin is cool and clammy, the blood pressure remains 126/80 mmHg, and the pulse has increased to 108/min. What is the most appropriate interpretation of this change?