Patient CareQuestion 14 of 100
While walking down the hallway, a patient suddenly becomes pale and says she feels faint. What should the medical assistant do first?
a.Leave the patient standing and run to get the provider
b.Ask the patient to keep walking to the exam room, which is close by
c.Ease the patient to the floor while protecting the head, then call for help
d.Have the patient sit on the floor unassisted and then take a blood pressure
Explanation
When a patient begins to faint during ambulation, the assistant should support the body against their own and slide the patient gently to the floor, protecting the head, then call for help and stay with the patient. Leaving a fainting patient standing or unattended invites an uncontrolled fall and head injury. Continuing to walk increases the risk of collapse, and vital signs come after the patient is safe.
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