Which intervention should a nurse take first for a client with persistent chest pain despite nitroglycerin use?

In a situation where a client is experiencing persistent chest pain despite the use of nitroglycerin, the most critical intervention is to call for emergency medical assistance. Chest pain can be indicative of a serious condition, such as acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction, and the client may require immediate advanced care beyond what the nurse can provide.

Calling for emergency medical assistance ensures that the client will receive prompt evaluation and treatment, including potential interventions like medications, telemetry, or advanced life support as needed. It is essential for healthcare providers to be on standby in case the patient's condition deteriorates.

While assessing vital signs or notifying the healthcare provider are important steps, they should occur in conjunction with or after calling for emergency support when dealing with severe chest pain. Administering multiple doses of nitroglycerin may not be appropriate without further evaluation, as it could potentially worsen hypotension or other complications. Therefore, the priority is ensuring that emergency medical assistance is on the way to address the potential life-threatening situation.