During a work hardening program, a client expresses complaints of significant substernal pain and nausea. What is the best action for the occupational therapist to take?

In a work hardening program, substernal pain and nausea can be indicative of a serious medical condition, such as a cardiovascular event. Given that these symptoms can signal life-threatening situations, the best course of action is to prioritize the client’s safety. Canceling the session and immediately calling emergency medical services is the most appropriate response, as it ensures that the client receives the necessary medical evaluation and treatment without delay.

This decision reflects an understanding of the critical nature of these symptoms and the need for prompt assessment by medical professionals. Other options, such as adjusting the intensity of the session or suggesting a break, could potentially exacerbate the client’s condition rather than addressing the underlying issue. Asking the client to describe the pain in more detail may provide useful information but does not take immediate action to address a potentially life-threatening situation. Thus, the response focused on ensuring the client's safety aligns with best practices in occupational therapy.