During an ultrasound treatment, a patient reports a strong ache. What should be done to address this?

In the context of ultrasound treatment, when a patient reports a strong ache, it is essential to address their discomfort promptly while ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment. Decreasing the ultrasound intensity is the most appropriate action to take in this scenario.

Ultrasound therapy works by delivering sound waves through body tissues, which can produce therapeutic effects. However, if the intensity is too high, it can lead to increased heating and subsequent pain or discomfort for the patient. By decreasing the intensity, the therapist can reduce the thermal effects, making the treatment more comfortable while still achieving therapeutic benefits.

Other actions, such as increasing the size of the treatment area or adding more transmission medium, may not directly address the discomfort the patient is experiencing. Additionally, decreasing the ultrasound frequency could change the treatment parameters in a way that may not be beneficial. Thus, lowering the intensity effectively balances the therapeutic need and the patient's comfort during the procedure.