Final answer:
The best response for a medical assistant when a child has ingested a household cleaner is immediate consultation with a poison control center for proper guidance. Inducing vomiting should not be advised without instructions from poison control, and ignoring the call is not an option due to the potential severity of the situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a medical assistant receives a phone call from a patient of a child who has possibly ingested a household cleaner, the most appropriate action to take would be to consult a poison control center immediately. The poison control center is equipped to provide specific, timely advice on what to do in such situations. They will need information about the household cleaner ingested, the amount, and the time of ingestion to assess the situation properly and provide guidance on whether further medical attention is necessary, such as calling 911 or visiting an emergency room. It is vital not to advise the patient to induce vomiting, as this can sometimes cause more harm, depending on the substance ingested. Also, a medical assistant should never ignore the call and take no action, as it involves a potentially life-threatening situation.
Furthermore, safety protocols in a medical setting, such as never performing experiments alone, always checking the safety data of chemicals, and following given instructions exactly, are essential to prevent poisoning and ensure appropriate responses to such emergencies.