What should a dental nurse do in case of a medical emergency during treatment?

In the event of a medical emergency during treatment, remaining calm and alerting the dentist is crucial for several reasons. Maintaining composure allows the dental nurse to efficiently assess the situation without adding to the stress of the environment. Being calm can significantly impact the response time and effectiveness in managing the emergency.

Alerting the dentist is essential because they are the primary decision-maker in the treatment process. The dentist is trained to handle medical emergencies and may require specific assistance or intervention that the dental nurse can provide. This collaboration can facilitate a quicker response, which is vital when a patient's safety is at stake.

The other options suggest actions that could exacerbate the situation. Leaving the room to call for help could delay crucial care, especially if the emergency is time-sensitive. Ignoring the scenario until the patient complains is not only unprofessional but potentially dangerous, as some emergencies may not be immediately apparent to the patient. Continuing treatment despite the emergency directly contradicts patient safety protocols and could lead to severe consequences for the patient. Therefore, the most effective course of action in an emergency is to stay calm and notify the dentist immediately.