A patient of mine who was admitted for chest pain with no previous history of heart disease had an abnormal stress test. The cardiologist and I both urged him to get a cardiac cath due to the highly suspicious nature of his chest pain along with the abnormal stress test. The patient was reluctant and declined. He agreed to cardiology follow up. I completed the paperwork for discharge. Upon discharge, the patient complained about substernal chest pain but was convinced it was heartburn. Theresa was concerned and got another EKG which showed new ST elevation. She quickly alerted me and the STEMI protocol was initiated. After cardiac consultation, the patient agreed to the cardiac cath and ended up getting 2 stents for significant blockages.
I would like to commend the efforts of this outstanding nurse who I am lucky to have working with me on the 3W obs units. I personally thanked her for her hard work and acknowledged the fact that she directly saved this patient's life.