A patient arrives at the emergency department with crushing…
A patient arrives at the emergency department with crushing substernal chest pain that started 45 minutes ago while they were watching television. The pain is described as “pressure-like,” radiating to their left arm and jaw. They are diaphoretic, pale, and anxious. They have a past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Vital Signs on Admission: BP: 150/90 mmHg HR: 110 bpm, irregular RR: 32 breaths/min SpO2: 88% on room air Current Medications: Lisinopril 10 mg daily Metformin 500 mg BID Simvastatin 20 mg daily Diagnostic Findings: ST-segment elevation noted on ECG Troponin level pending The healthcare provider orders the following: Oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula Nitroglycerin sublingual, every 5 minutes PRN for chest pain Aspirin 325 mg, chewable Morphine sulfate 2 mg IV PRN for pain Metoprolol 5 mg IV Prepare for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) The nurse prepares to administer Metoprolol (lopressor) 5 mg IV. What is the priority assessment before giving this medication?