Which action should the nurse prioritize when dealing with a client reporting chest pain?

When a client reports chest pain, the priority action is to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) for assessment. Chest pain can be indicative of a serious condition such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other cardiac issues, so timely evaluation of the heart's electrical activity is crucial. The ECG provides immediate information regarding the heart's rhythm, any ischemic changes, and potential damage to the cardiac tissue.

By prioritizing the ECG, the nurse ensures that any life-threatening conditions are recognized and addressed promptly, guiding further interventions such as medication administration or additional diagnostic testing. This initial assessment is a critical step in managing chest pain, facilitating rapid care that could be life-saving.

In contrast, other options involve assessments or actions that are not as urgent in the context of chest pain. Visual acuity tests, orthostatic vital signs for syncope, and discharge teaching, while important in their respective scenarios, do not take precedence over the immediate need for a cardiac assessment when a client is experiencing chest pain.