The nurse is caring for the client admitted with severe chest pain. After checking the vital signs, the nurse's next action should be to: A. Prepare to administer oxygen by mask B. Administer morphine C. Prepare the defibrillator D. Take a complete history

Key points to consider for each option: A. Prepare to administer oxygen by mask: Ensuring proper oxygenation is essential in all patients, especially those with chest pain. B. Administer morphine: Relieving pain and anxiety is important in patients with severe chest pain, but administering morphine should be done after considering other vital aspects of care. C. Prepare the defibrillator: Some patients with severe chest pain may be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. However, this should be considered after stabilizing the patient and addressing other immediate concerns. D. Take a complete history: Obtaining a thorough patient history is vital, but it should not be prioritized over addressing the patient's immediate condition and pain management.

After examining each option, we can prioritize them as follows: 1. Address immediate life-threatening concerns. 2. Assist the patient with proper oxygenation. 3. Alleviate pain and anxiety. 4. Obtain a complete history for long-term care planning.

Considering the prioritization above, the most appropriate next action for the nurse after checking the client's vital signs would be: A. Prepare to administer oxygen by mask (option A) as it addresses proper oxygenation for the patient, which takes precedence over pain relief and obtaining a complete history.