What initial action should the nurse take when a client presents with chest pain and black, tarry stools?

The most appropriate initial action for the nurse when a client presents with chest pain and black, tarry stools is to perform an ECG and check for occult blood. This choice emphasizes the need for immediate assessment of potentially life-threatening conditions.

Chest pain can indicate a range of serious issues, particularly cardiac events, and when combined with black, tarry stools (which suggest gastrointestinal bleeding), this presentation can signify a critical situation that requires prompt attention. An ECG is essential for evaluating the heart's electrical activity and identifying any abnormalities that could indicate a myocardial infarction or other cardiac problems. Checking for occult blood in the stools helps determine the severity of gastrointestinal bleeding and can guide further interventions.

Focusing on this initial evaluation allows the healthcare provider to gather crucial information about the client's condition quickly, which is vital for implementing an effective treatment plan. While administering pain relief and providing emotional support are important, they should follow after the initial assessment is complete to rule out serious underlying causes. Assessing the medical history is crucial as well, but it does not take precedence over immediate diagnostic evaluations in an emergency situation.