What should a dental assistant do if a patient becomes unresponsive?

When a patient becomes unresponsive, the priority is to ensure their safety and provide immediate assistance. Calling for emergency medical help is critical because the patient may require advanced medical intervention that a dental assistant is not trained to provide. Initiating resuscitation, if necessary, is also essential, as it can be life-saving in situations where the patient may have stopped breathing or their heart has ceased to function.

This action allows trained personnel to attend to the patient quickly and can help prevent further complications. Monitoring the patient's condition while preparing for emergency help is vital; thus, beginning resuscitation is the most appropriate response in a medical emergency involving unresponsiveness.

In contrast, checking the patient's vitals for an extended period would delay the necessary intervention, making it an unsuitable option. Waiting for the dentist to return could significantly increase the risk to the patient's health, as time is a crucial factor in emergencies. Providing oxygen and monitoring can be helpful in some situations, but without calling for emergency assistance and performing resuscitation, it does not address the potential life-threatening nature of unresponsiveness.