They may not be able to hear crucial educational information over their own emotional noise. The most reassuring words a nurse can use is to tell the patient that all their feelings are normal. When counseling high-risk patients about what to do in the future if faced with a possible AMI, tell them that it is normal to want to deny or ignore the symptoms. I also think they need to hear that it is normal to feel afraid or embarrassed to be taken away in an ambulance. Give them a real-life example.
People relate to real stories about real people.
Because this man had never reacted with such urgency about a physical symptom before, his wife knew something serious was going on and called an ambulance immediately. The patient was indeed about to have a heart attack, which was averted by treatment. Remind them that Olympic athletes, famous long-distance runners, and many other unlikely victims, have suffered heart attacks. Stereotypes don't apply. Caregivers or spouses should also be told that they must be very assertive if a patient is resisting treatment and that it is crucial they don't let the person talk them out of their concern.