Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

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

1. Reassure them and continue the bath

2. Discontinue the bath and notify the nurse

3. Change the temperature of the bath

4. Encourage deep breathing exercises

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

When a resident experiences chest pain during a sitz bath, the most appropriate action is to discontinue the bath and notify the nurse. Chest pain can be a serious symptom that may indicate a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or angina. Immediate cessation of the activity allows for the resident to be assessed in a safer environment, and notifying the nurse ensures that appropriate medical evaluations and interventions can be initiated without delay. Reassuring the resident and continuing the bath could put them at further risk if their condition is serious, as the bath does not address the underlying issue causing the pain. Changing the temperature of the bath might not be relevant to the resident's complaint and could potentially exacerbate the situation if the chest pain is due to an underlying medical condition. Encouraging deep breathing exercises might provide some comfort but does not replace the need for immediate medical assessment. Therefore, prioritizing the resident’s safety and health by calling for assistance is crucial in this scenario.