ETHOS

I developed chest pains after a cough and I feel lightheaded.

Patient

Hi, thank you for taking my call. I'm hoping you could help me with some advice. I'm having some health concerns that I'm pretty worried about.

Triage Assistant

Where does it hurt?

Patient

It's mainly my chest that's bothering me right now.

Triage Assistant

Does the pain go anywhere else, like into your neck, jaw, arms, or back?

Patient

No, it's localized to my chest.

Triage Assistant

When did the chest pain begin?

Patient

The pain started earlier today.

Triage Assistant

Has the pain been constant since it started, or does it come and go? Does it get worse with exertion?

Patient

It's been pretty constant since it started, and it doesn't seem to get worse with exertion.

Triage Assistant

How long does each episode of pain last? Seconds, minutes, or hours?

Patient

The pain has been ongoing for a few hours now.

Triage Assistant

How would you rate the pain on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is mild and does not interfere with normal activities, and 10 is severe and makes it impossible to do any normal activities?

Patient

I'd say it's around a 6 or 7. It's pretty uncomfortable and definitely affecting my ability to focus on anything else.

Triage Assistant

Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease like angina, prior heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a strong family history of heart disease?

Patient

No, I don't have any history of heart problems or any of those risk factors as far as I know.

Triage Assistant

Do you have any history of lung disease, such as blood clots in the lung, asthma, or emphysema? Are you currently taking birth control pills?

Patient

No, I don't have any history of lung disease, and I'm not taking birth control pills.

Triage Assistant

Do you have any other symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever, or difficulty breathing?

Patient

Yes, I've been feeling lightheaded as well.

Triage Assistant

Given your symptoms, it is important to get medical attention immediately. You should go to the emergency department now. Thank you for calling, goodbye.

Dispositions

  • 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.