A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has stable angina pectoris. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of what to do when chest pain occurs?

The correct answer is choice b. “I will stop what I am doing and lie down.” Choice A rationale: Taking two 325 milligram aspirin tablets at the same time is not the recommended immediate action for chest pain. Aspirin can help in preventing blood clots, but it is not the first step in managing acute angina. Choice B rationale: Stopping activity and lying down is the correct initial response to chest pain. This helps reduce the heart’s workload and can alleviate the pain. Choice C rationale: Calling the provider after taking one dose of nitroglycerin is important, but it is not the first step. The client should first stop activity and lie down, then take nitroglycerin if prescribed. Choice D rationale: Holding the breath and bearing down (Valsalva maneuver) is not appropriate for managing chest pain and can actually increase the heart’s workload, potentially worsening the situation.