Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What should you do if a resident complains of chest pain during a sitz bath?

1. Continue the bath and monitor.

2. Immediately place the resident in a cold environment.

3. Discontinue the bath and notify the nurse.

4. Encourage the resident to breathe deeply.

The correct answer is: Discontinue the bath and notify the nurse.

Discontinuing the bath and notifying the nurse is the most appropriate response in the event that a resident complains of chest pain during a sitz bath. Chest pain can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as a cardiac event, and requires immediate assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. By stopping the bath, you can minimize any additional stress on the resident's body and ensure their safety. Notifying the nurse is crucial because they are trained to evaluate medical symptoms like chest pain. This allows for timely intervention and treatment. Immediate medical attention is essential in these situations, and the nurse can determine the next steps, which may include further assessment, monitoring the resident’s vital signs, or arranging for emergency care if necessary. Continuing the bath while monitoring or placing the resident in a cold environment could worsen the situation and delay appropriate care. Encouraging deep breathing could be helpful in some situations, such as anxiety or panic attacks; however, it is not safe to assume that the chest pain is non-serious without further evaluation. Therefore, prioritizing patient safety and prompt communication with nursing staff is the best course of action.