Answer: A) Checking visual acuity
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant (MA) is a healthcare professional who performs a range of clinical and administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. They play a crucial role in supporting the healthcare team and ensuring that patients receive the care they need. The specific responsibilities of a medical assistant can vary depending on the type of healthcare setting in which they work and their specific job duties.
When preparing a patient for an eye examination, a medical assistant may be responsible for several tasks, including:
A) Checking visual acuity: Visual acuity is a measure of a person's sharpness of vision. The medical assistant may be responsible for checking the patient's visual acuity using a Snellen chart or another similar device. This involves having the patient read a series of letters or symbols of decreasing size and recording the smallest size they can read correctly. The medical assistant may also test the patient's visual acuity at different distances and with each eye individually. The results of the visual acuity test will be used by the ophthalmologist to help diagnose any visual impairments or conditions.
It's important to note that B) Macular degeneration and C) Microscopic earwax removal are not typically tasks that a medical assistant would be responsible for when preparing a patient for an eye examination. Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central part of the retina and can cause vision loss. This type of examination is typically performed by an ophthalmologist and would not be part of a routine eye examination. Microscopic earwax removal involves the removal of earwax using specialized equipment, such as a microscope or an endoscope. This type of procedure is typically performed by an audiologist and is not part of a routine eye examination.
In conclusion, a medical assistant's responsibilities when preparing a patient for an eye examination may include checking visual acuity and assisting the ophthalmologist in any other tasks as necessary. It's important for medical assistants to understand their specific responsibilities and to follow established protocols and procedures to ensure the safe and effective care of patients.