Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the essential step you must take before performing an invasive procedure on a male patient with chest pain?

1. Obtain written consent

2. Explain the risks and benefits

3. Check for allergies

4. Identify the patient's emergency contact

The correct answer is: Explain the risks and benefits

Before performing an invasive procedure on a male patient experiencing chest pain, it is crucial to explain the risks and benefits involved in the procedure. This step ensures that the patient is fully informed and can provide informed consent. Communication with the patient about what the procedure entails helps to alleviate anxiety, builds trust, and allows for an opportunity to address any questions or concerns the patient may have. Informed consent is a cornerstone of medical ethics and legal practice. It is essential not only for patient autonomy but also for ensuring that the patient understands the potential risks associated with the procedure, as well as the expected benefits. This understanding is critical, especially in emergency situations like acute chest pain, where the patient may be facing serious health risks. The other choices, while relevant in the clinical setting, do not address the immediate necessity of ensuring the patient is well-informed prior to any intervention. Obtaining written consent is important but follows after a thorough explanation has been provided. Checking for allergies is a necessary precaution but does not pertain to the overarching ethical and legal necessity of informing the patient about the procedure. Identifying the patient's emergency contact, while useful in the context of treatment decisions, does not directly relate to the obligation of explaining the procedure to the patient.