What should a technician do if they observe a sudden change in a patient’s cardiac rhythm?

When a technician observes a sudden change in a patient’s cardiac rhythm, the priority is to assess the patient and notify the healthcare team immediately. This is essential because a sudden change in cardiac rhythm can indicate a potentially serious condition that may require prompt medical intervention.

In addition to assessing the patient's condition, which includes checking vital signs and ensuring the patient is stable, notifying the healthcare team ensures that the appropriate medical personnel can take necessary actions without delay. Quick communication can be critical in situations where immediate treatment may prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition.

While documenting changes and continuing to monitor is important for tracking the patient's status over time, it is not sufficient as a first response to a sudden change. Adjusting ECG equipment settings may not address the actual situation impacting the patient, and waiting to see if the rhythm stabilizes could place the patient at risk during a critical moment. Thus, the correct approach involves immediate assessment and communication with the healthcare team to ensure comprehensive care.