Final answer:
A medical assistant should not reassure patients that everything will be okay, as they cannot promise outcomes. They can, however, perform other actions such as informing the patient of the procedure, witnessing consent, and assisting with preparations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action that a medical assistant should NOT take while preparing the patient for an exam is c. reassure the patient that everything will be okay. This is because it is not within the scope of practice for medical assistants to make promises about outcomes or to provide medical reassurance.
They can inform the patient how the procedure will be done, witness any necessary consent, allow the patient to verbalize concerns, and assist the patient with gowns and draping, but they must refrain from providing guarantees regarding the medical results.
During the process of patient preparation and surgical procedures, certain protocols are followed to ensure patient safety and informed consent. The surgical team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, conducts a 'time out' to confirm patient identity, the surgical procedure, and that the correct site is marked.
Additionally, they must review critical elements such as allergy awareness, equipment functionality, and confirm that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered when indicated.
These preparations are part of a broader focus on patient rights, which include the right to be fully informed and to provide informed consent, as well as to be treated with privacy, dignity, and protection from personal harm.