An emergency response team brings a 54-year-old male to the resuscitation bay after he experienced sudden, crushing central chest pain while working in his garden. The pain radiates to his jaw and is accompanied by profuse sweating. En route to the hospital, the transport personnel administered 325 mg of chewable aspirin and one dose of sublingual nitroglycerin. Shortly after receiving the nitroglycerin, the patient developed profound lightheadedness.
Currently, his blood pressure is 78/48 mmHg, and his pulse is 52/min. His respiratory rate is 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 96% on room air.
Physical examination reveals clear lung fields bilaterally. The jugular veins are markedly distended while the patient is positioned at a 45-degree angle.
A 12-lead electrocardiogram demonstrates 3-mm ST-segment elevations in leads II, III, and aVF, as well as ST-segment depressions in leads I and aVL.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step to manage this patient's hemodynamic instability?
- AIntravenous furosemide administration
- BRepeated administration of sublingual nitroglycerin
- CTransfer to the radiology department for a contrast-enhanced chest scan
- Isotonic intravenous fluid bolusCevap
- EEndotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation