Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of not monitoring pulse before and after a sitz bath?

1. Improved comfort levels

2. Missed signs of distress

3. Increased blood pressure

4. Unrelated muscle soreness

The correct answer is: Missed signs of distress

Monitoring pulse before and after a sitz bath is critical for assessing the patient's cardiovascular response to the procedure. The sitz bath can cause changes in blood circulation, potentially putting stress on the heart, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular problems. By not checking the pulse, there is a risk of missing vital signs of distress such as tachycardia or irregular heartbeats, which may indicate that the patient's body is reacting negatively to the heat and immersion. Early detection of these signs can prompt timely intervention, ensuring patient safety during the procedure. The other answer choices are less relevant to the question. While improved comfort levels can be a goal of the sitz bath, it does not address the need for monitoring vital signs. Increased blood pressure can occur, but it isn't guaranteed, and should be monitored appropriately. Unrelated muscle soreness is not a direct consequence of failing to monitor pulse before and after a sitz bath, making it irrelevant in this context.