Final answer:
The medical assistant should expect increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate when a patient is experiencing pain and anxiety. The temperature and blood pressure may also be affected.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is experiencing pain and anxiety, the vital signs are expected to change. Based on this data, the medical assistant should expect the following changes:
- Increased heart rate: Pain and anxiety can cause the heart rate to rise as a physiological response.
- Increased blood pressure: The body's stress response can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
- Increased respiratory rate: The patient may experience rapid breathing due to pain and anxiety.
The temperature and blood pressure may not necessarily increase in this case, but they can also be affected depending on the individual and the severity of the pain and anxiety.
Learn more about Effects of pain and anxiety on vital signs