A nurse is providing education to a client who has asked what a transesophageal echocardiogram will determine. Which of the following statements should the nurse utilize to best answer the client?

Rationale:

A. Aspirin typically does not produce bradycardia. Its primary action is not on heart rate regulation.

B. Aspirin primarily reduces the risk of clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, but it does not directly decrease oxygen demand.

C. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, which helps prevent blood clot formation, especially in the context of cardiac events such as heart attacks.

D. Aspirin may have a mild effect on blood pressure, but its primary action in the context of cardiac events is related to its antiplatelet properties rather than blood pressure regulation.

Rationale:

A. Completing an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a priority in assessing a patient with chest pain to evaluate for signs of acute myocardial infarction or other cardiac abnormalities.

B. Obtaining a C-reactive protein level may be useful in certain situations to assess inflammation, but it is not a priority in the acute management of chest pain.

C. Administering an anti-hypertensive medication is not a priority unless the patient's blood pressure is significantly elevated and causing acute symptoms.

D. Completing an echocardiogram may be indicated later in the assessment process but is not typically performed immediately in the emergency room for evaluation of chest pain.