Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What assessment step is most important for a patient with chest pain and low blood pressure?

1. Administering pain relief

2. Performing a physical examination

3. Obtaining a 12 lead ECG

4. Measuring blood glucose levels

The correct answer is: Obtaining a 12 lead ECG

In a situation involving a patient with chest pain and low blood pressure, obtaining a 12-lead ECG is crucial because it helps identify any underlying cardiac conditions that may be causing the patient's symptoms. The ECG can reveal the presence of ischemia, infarction, arrhythmias, or other cardiac problems that directly relate to the patient's chest pain and hemodynamic status. Timely identification of these issues can guide appropriate interventions, including medication administration, potential cardiac catheterization, or other life-saving measures. While administering pain relief and performing a physical examination are important steps in the overall management of a patient experiencing chest pain, they do not provide immediate diagnostic information that will influence the acute treatment. Measuring blood glucose levels might be relevant in different contexts, but it is not a priority in this scenario where cardiac assessment is critical. Thus, the acquisition of a 12-lead ECG is essential for evaluating the cardiac status of the patient and making prompt, informed decisions regarding further care.