Final answer:
When a patient calls for ECG test results, the individual answering the phone should verify the patient's full name, date of birth, and social security number before disclosing any results to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the patient's medical information. An ECG is a vital tool in cardiology for detecting heart function and requires careful analysis to interpret.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient calls the office asking for ECG test results, it is critical to maintain privacy and confidentiality. The best practice is option B: verify the patient's first and last name, date of birth, and social security number before giving results. This level of verification ensures that sensitive medical information is disclosed only to the correct person.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is an indispensable clinical diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart. By analyzing ECG results, it is possible to detect regions of damaged heart tissue, such as infarcts, and observe subtle changes that might indicate damage to the heart. ECGs are particularly useful in cardiology as they can show a detailed picture of both normal and abnormal heart function, which is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Moreover, the advancement of ECG technology has led to the development of portable ECG monitors and Holter monitors that allow for continuous monitoring of the heart's electrical activity. Despite these capabilities, certain limitations exist, such as the need for other tests like echocardiograms to assess the effectiveness of the heart's pumping function.