The chest pain and tightness experienced by a 54-year-old should be treated by?

Administering one adult aspirin is a standard first aid measure when dealing with suspected cardiac issues, particularly chest pain that could indicate a heart attack. Aspirin helps to thin the blood and can prevent or minimize damage to the heart muscle by improving blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation. This can be crucial in the critical early moments of a cardiac event.

Taking one adult aspirin is preferred over two, as the single dose is both effective and safe for most individuals unless contraindications exist (such as an allergy or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding). It's important to strike a balance: while it's beneficial to take action, excessive doses can lead to complications. Therefore, administering one aspirin promptly can be life-saving and is a widely recognized practice in emergency response to cardiac symptoms.

The other options either lack the necessary intervention, pose a risk of delay, or are inadequate in providing immediate care for a potentially life-threatening situation.