What is the recommended action for a nurse if a patient reports chest pain?

When a patient reports chest pain, the recommended action for a nurse is to assess vital signs and notify the physician. This is crucial because chest pain can be indicative of various serious conditions, including myocardial infarction, angina, or other cardiac issues. By assessing vital signs, the nurse can gather essential information on the patient's hemodynamic status and identify any immediate complications that may arise.

Notifying the physician is also vital as chest pain can warrant urgent medical intervention. This ensures that the patient receives timely evaluation and appropriate treatment. Quick and effective assessment leads to better patient outcomes and enables the healthcare team to initiate further diagnostic tests or interventions as necessary.

While administering pain medication, reassuring the patient, or positioning them supine may seem like supportive actions, these do not address the need for immediate assessment and evaluation of the patient's condition, which is critical in situations involving potential cardiac issues.