Patient
Hi, I'm experiencing some discomfort, and I was hoping to get some advice from a medical professional.
Triage Assistant
Where does it hurt?
Patient
Well, the discomfort is mostly in my chest, but it sometimes extends to my left shoulder as well.
Triage Assistant
When did the chest pain begin?
Patient
It's been happening sporadically for the past few days.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain go anywhere else, such as into your neck, jaw, arms, or back?
Patient
No, it mainly stays in my chest and sometimes goes to my left shoulder.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain come and go, or has it been constant since it started? Does it get worse with exertion?
Patient
The pain comes and goes; it's not constant. I haven't noticed if it gets worse with exertion, though.
Triage Assistant
How long does each episode of pain last? (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours)
Patient
Each episode usually lasts a few minutes.
Triage Assistant
How severe is the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is mild and 10 is excruciating? Here’s a quick guide: - MILD (1-3): Doesn’t interfere with normal activities - MODERATE (4-7): Interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep - SEVERE (8-10): Excruciating pain, unable to do any normal activities
Patient
I'd say the pain is around a 5 or 6. It’s uncomfortable and interrupts what I'm doing, but it's not unbearable.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a strong family history of heart disease?
Patient
I don't have a history of heart problems, and as far as I know, my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal. I don't smoke, and there's no strong family history of heart disease.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of lung disease, such as blood clots in the lung, asthma, emphysema, or are you on birth control pills?
Patient
No, I don't have any history of lung disease or blood clots, and I'm not on birth control pills.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any other symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever, difficulty breathing, or cough?
Patient
No other symptoms, just the chest pain that sometimes goes to my left shoulder.
Triage Assistant
Given your symptoms and the absence of significant risk factors, I still recommend you seek immediate medical attention to rule out any serious conditions. Please go to the Emergency Department now. Thank you for calling, goodbye.
Call EMS 911 Now
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED Now
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Callback by PCP Within 1 Hour
See in Office Today
Home Care
Triage result was accurate.
Incomplete first aid advice given.
Some assessment questions asked.