Question

A medical assistant is monitoring a patient during a stress test. The patient becomes increasingly short of breath and tachycardic. Abnormalities appear in his EKG rhythm. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first?

Answer 1

The medical assistant should first stop the stress test, then help the patient to a secure position, monitor vital signs, and promptly inform the physician or call emergency services.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a medical assistant is monitoring a patient during a stress test and the patient becomes increasingly short of breath and tachycardic, with abnormalities appearing in his EKG rhythm, the first action the assistant should take is to stop the stress test immediately. Patient safety is the top priority, and these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition such as cardiac ischemia. Once the stress test is stopped, the assistant should then assist the patient to a seated or lying position and make sure the patient is comfortable. Vital signs should be monitored closely, and the supervising physician or emergency services should be notified immediately depending on the severity of the patient's condition. It is essential to document any abnormalities on the EKG and report these findings alongside the patient's symptoms to the attending healthcare professionals.