2.1 General nursing observations and clinical assessment

An accurate and rapid assessment is required when a patient is presenting with chest pain or cardiac symptoms. This assessment should follow the ABCDE- principles (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure / environment).

Additionally a full clinical history should be obtained including a 12 lead ECG, physical examination, blood tests for cardiac enzymes and a risk profile of the patient. (Roebuck and Farrer, 2005)