Final answer:
A medical assistant should expect a patient reporting high stress to show signs of anxiety such as increased heart rate, tension, and difficulty in concentration. Work overload, healthcare-related stressors, and interpersonal conflicts can exacerbate these symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is experiencing high levels of stress and is unable to focus at work or at home, a medical assistant may expect several physiological and psychological findings related to the patient's anxiety level. These may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, muscle tension, digestive issues, and signs of mental distress such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, or mood swings. Additionally, stress can exacerbate existing conditions and symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, or fatigue.
Healthcare workers, including medical assistants, frequently encounter patient concerns and may experience work overload, challenging physical tasks, and interpersonal problems within the medical staff, all of which can contribute to high-stress levels within the occupation. These stressors, paired with life-and-death decision-making, can have cumulative effects on the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers, necessitating compassionate and comprehensive care strategies to manage the psychological and physical impacts of stress within the healthcare environment.