You are treating a middle-aged man with chest discomfort. He has a history of three previous heart attacks and takes nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain. You have standing orders to administer aspirin to patients with suspected cardiac-related chest pain or discomfort. While your partner is preparing to give oxygen to the patient, you should:
A. contact medical control, apprise him or her of the patient's chief complaint and vital signs, and request permission to give him aspirin.
B. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given.
C. assist the patient in taking one of his prescribed nitroglycerin, assess his vital signs, and give him aspirin if he is still experiencing chest discomfort.
D. ensure that the patient's systolic blood pressure is at least 100 mm Hg since aspirin dilates the blood vessels and can cause a drop in blood pressure
Answer: B