Which action is appropriate to prepare for potential coronary intervention when ACS is suspected?

Which action is appropriate to prepare for potential coronary intervention when ACS is suspected?

• A. Place defib pads
• B. Activate the cath lab and prepare the bed
• C. Call the patient’s family for consent
• D. Discontinue monitoring immediately

Answer: (B)

In suspected ACS, moving quickly to restore blood flow is the priority because every minute of delay increases heart muscle damage. Activating the cath lab and preparing the bed directly sets up the interventional team and equipment for immediate PCI if it's needed, minimizing door-to-balloon time and improving outcomes. Other steps, like placing defibrillator pads or seeking family consent, can be appropriate in certain contexts, but they do not advance readiness for emergent intervention as effectively as getting the cath lab ready. Continuous monitoring should remain, and consent is generally presumed in true emergencies, so delaying to obtain it is not appropriate.

In suspected ACS, moving quickly to restore blood flow is the priority because every minute of delay increases heart muscle damage. Activating the cath lab and preparing the bed directly sets up the interventional team and equipment for immediate PCI if it's needed, minimizing door-to-balloon time and improving outcomes. Other steps, like placing defibrillator pads or seeking family consent, can be appropriate in certain contexts, but they do not advance readiness for emergent intervention as effectively as getting the cath lab ready. Continuous monitoring should remain, and consent is generally presumed in true emergencies, so delaying to obtain it is not appropriate.