If a patient is suspected to have chest pain or respiratory distress, what is one thing you should ask them to do?

When a patient is experiencing chest pain or respiratory distress, asking them to take a deep breath and report any changes is crucial for assessment. This technique serves multiple purposes: it helps evaluate the effectiveness of their breathing and can indicate whether their symptoms are exacerbated or eased through the action of inhaling deeply. Observing their response to deep breathing can provide valuable information about the nature of their condition.

Taking a deep breath allows the responder to assess the patient's ability to breathe and can highlight any restrictive feelings in the chest or triggers for pain. Moreover, if the patient notices changes in their symptoms while performing this action, it can help inform further actions or decision-making in treatment.

This approach is particularly significant because it promotes communication between the patient and the responder, ensuring that signs and symptoms are better understood. It's a non-invasive method to gather important clinical information that can guide further assessment and intervention.