What is the first action to take before administering MONA?

The first action to take before administering MONA (which stands for Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin) is to call for emergency help, such as dialing 911. This step is critical because MONA is a protocol used in the management of acute coronary syndrome, where timely medical intervention is essential for improving the patient's outcome. Calling for emergency services ensures that advanced medical care is on its way and is vital for patients experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

In acute situations like this, immediate access to emergency services allows for further assessment, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options that may be necessary once the healthcare team arrives. Therefore, ensuring that help is on the way is paramount before administering any medication or treatment.

Other actions, such as starting IV access or notifying family members, while important, should come after emergency assistance has been summoned. Preparing the patient for surgery is not relevant at this early stage of acute care management and would also defer the immediate need for emergency care. Having emergency services alerted first lays the groundwork for a swift and coordinated response, which is vital in acute medical emergencies.