Evaluating the patient with chest pain: the value of a comprehensive history.
Chest pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms in healthcare settings and one of the most difficult diagnostic challenges. A comprehensive history is the cornerstone of evaluation and diagnosis and one of the most important skills in distinguishing among the many causes of chest pain. Because the differential diagnosis for chest pain ranges from conditions as minor as muscle strain to life-threatening conditions, such as an acute myocardial infarction or dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm, the advanced practice nurse must quickly and systematically assess the patient.
Heart and Vascular Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. jrl6g@virginia.edu
Juanita
J
Reigle
D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods*; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*