Which of the following should a medical assistant recognize as an indication to prematurely terminate a patient's exercise stress test?

A. Measuring capillary hematocrit: Measuring capillary hematocrit is within the scope of practice for medical assistants.
B. Obtaining a throat culture: Obtaining a throat culture is a common task for medical assistants.
C. Performing a fecal occult blood test: Performing a fecal occult blood test is within the medical assistant’s scope of practice.
D. Interpreting microscopic preparation of urine: Interpreting the results of a microscopic urine preparation typically requires a higher level of training and is often performed by a lab technician or other specialized personnel.

A. Place a bandage on the site after holding pressure for 1 min: While a bandage may be used, holding pressure for 1 minute is excessive. Typically, pressure is held for a shorter period to control bleeding.
B. Apply direct, firm pressure to the puncture site on the finger: Applying firm pressure helps to stop bleeding after the puncture and is the appropriate technique.
C. Warm the site for a minimum of 10 min prior to puncture. Warming the site is usually done for a few minutes (not 10) to increase blood flow, but it should be done briefly and not excessively.
D. Have the parent hold the child during the procedure: While it’s important to ensure the child is held securely, the parent should assist by holding the child gently but not to the extent that it interferes with the procedure.