What action should a PCT take when a patient is experiencing chest pain?

When a patient is experiencing chest pain, calling for immediate medical assistance is the most critical action a Patient Care Technician (PCT) should take. Chest pain can often indicate a serious medical issue, such as a heart attack or other cardiovascular incident, which requires prompt evaluation and intervention by healthcare professionals.

By calling for immediate medical assistance, the PCT ensures that the patient receives the appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. This step prioritizes the patient's safety and allows emergency responders to be alerted while the PCT can continue monitoring the patient and providing support until help arrives.

While administering medication, performing CPR, or asking the patient to relax might seem plausible, they are context-dependent actions that should only be performed if specifically trained or certified to do so. For example, medication should only be given if previously prescribed by a healthcare provider, and CPR is only necessary if the patient appears to be in cardiac arrest. Asking the patient to relax may provide comfort but does not address the potential seriousness of the chest pain. Therefore, ensuring that professional medical help is on the way is the best course of action in this scenario.