Which assessment finding indicates a need for immediate action when checking a patient's telemetry?

A change in telemetry reading signifies that there may be an alteration in the heart's electrical activity, which can indicate potential life-threatening arrhythmias or other cardiac issues. Telemetry monitoring is crucial for patients at risk for cardiac events, as it continually assesses heart rhythms and can alert healthcare providers to significant changes that require prompt intervention.

Normal heart rhythm, stable vital signs, and a patient reporting feeling well suggest that the patient is currently stable and not displaying urgent issues that need immediate action. In contrast, a change in telemetry could reflect problems such as bradycardia, tachycardia, or ectopic beats, which necessitate further investigation or intervention to prevent complications. Therefore, monitoring telemetry readings closely and responding immediately to changes is critical in ensuring patient safety and stability.