Interprofessional>Referral Decision Practice Test

A 58-year-old man walks to the pharmacy counter holding his chest. He reports a 30-minute history of severe, crushing chest pressure that radiates to his left arm and jaw. He is sweaty, nauseated, and slightly short of breath. He tried two antacid tablets at home without relief. His history includes hypertension and high cholesterol; he takes lisinopril and atorvastatin but no aspirin. He denies recent illness or trauma. He asks if he should buy a stronger antacid or something for gas because the pain "feels heavy" and he is getting worried. He is pale and appears uncomfortable while speaking in short sentences. He has not taken any pain medication today and is alone in the store.

A 58-year-old man walks into the pharmacy with 20 minutes of crushing chest pressure radiating to his left arm, accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, and diaphoresis. He looks pale and clammy and is visibly distressed. He took an antacid at home without relief. Past history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia treated with amlodipine and atorvastatin. His blood pressure is 158/92 mm Hg and pulse is 102 beats/min. He asks if he can take something over the counter for the pain so he can drive home and rest. He denies similar symptoms in the past and reports no recent illness. The pharmacy has a private counseling room and staff available to assist.