Question
Aside from calling EMS/9-1-1 and having the person rest, what should you do if you suspect that a person is having a heart attack?
a) Have the person put his or her legs above the level of the heart
b) Check for changes in sensation, especially on the person's left side
c) Have the person chew acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets
d) Give the person something bulky to hold against his or her chest
a) Have the person put his or her legs above the level of the heart
b) Check for changes in sensation, especially on the person's left side
c) Have the person chew acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets
d) Give the person something bulky to hold against his or her chest
Answers
GPT-4o mini
If you suspect that a person is having a heart attack, the most appropriate action aside from calling EMS/9-1-1 and having the person rest is:
**c) Have the person chew acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets.**
Chewing ASA (aspirin) can help to thin the blood and may impede further clotting, potentially mitigating the severity of a heart attack. However, ensure the person has no allergies to aspirin and is not contraindicated from taking it.
For the other options:
- a) Elevating the legs is not recommended for someone having a heart attack.
- b) Checking for changes in sensation is not a standard procedure for suspected heart attacks.
- d) Giving something bulky to hold against the chest is not advised and can cause unnecessary stress.
Always follow up with professional medical help as soon as possible.
**c) Have the person chew acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets.**
Chewing ASA (aspirin) can help to thin the blood and may impede further clotting, potentially mitigating the severity of a heart attack. However, ensure the person has no allergies to aspirin and is not contraindicated from taking it.
For the other options:
- a) Elevating the legs is not recommended for someone having a heart attack.
- b) Checking for changes in sensation is not a standard procedure for suspected heart attacks.
- d) Giving something bulky to hold against the chest is not advised and can cause unnecessary stress.
Always follow up with professional medical help as soon as possible.