Patient
Hi, I'm hoping you can help me with a medical issue I've been having. It's been worrying me quite a bit.
Triage Assistant
Sure, where does it hurt?
Patient
It's on my chest.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain go anywhere else? (e.g., into neck, jaw, arms, back)
Patient
No, it's just localized to my chest.
Triage Assistant
When did the chest pain begin? (Minutes, hours, or days)
Patient
It started a couple of days ago.
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 has been pretty constant since it started. It's not related to exertion, though.
Triage Assistant
How long does the pain last each time? (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours)
Patient
It doesn't really come and go; it's just persistently there.
Triage Assistant
How would you rate the pain on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is mild (doesn't interfere with normal activities), 4-7 is moderate (interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep), and 8-10 is severe (excruciating pain, unable to do any normal activities)?
Patient
I'd say it's around a 6. It's definitely interfering with my normal activities.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease? (e.g., angina, prior heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoker, or strong family history of heart disease)
Patient
No, I don't have any history of heart problems or related risk factors. This seems unrelated to my heart.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of lung disease? (e.g., blood clots in lung, asthma, emphysema, birth control pills)
Patient
No, I don't have any lung disease or related issues either.
Triage Assistant
What do you think is causing the chest pain?
Patient
I spilled some hot coffee on my chest, and now there's a blister that's starting to look infected. That seems to be the source of the pain.
Triage Assistant
Thank you for providing that information. Given that your chest pain is related to what appears to be an infected blister from a burn, I recommend seeing a healthcare provider today. If the blister looks infected, it is important to get a proper evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications. In the meantime, keep the area clean and do not pop the blister. Applying a clean, dry dressing can help protect it. Please make arrangements to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. 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)
Go to Office Now
See in Office Today
See in Office Today or Tomorrow
See in Office Within 3 Days
Home Care
Triage result should be Go to Office Now.
Incomplete first aid advice given.
Some assessment questions asked.