Final answer:
At the end of the day, a medical assistant should tie up loose ends, complete any safety assessments, review procedures and equipment, and clear and clean workspaces to ensure the clinical area is ready for the next day's operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When closing the clinical area at the end of the day, a medical assistant should take several important steps to ensure safety, compliance, and readiness for the next day. It is crucial to tie up loose ends, which includes completing all documentation and making sure that all necessary communications with coworkers are finished. For example, if there is a follow-up required for a patient, this information should be clearly recorded and passed on.
Completing the biosafety concept assessment is another step that may be required in certain clinical settings, particularly those involving lab work. The medical assistant should complete any required safety documentation and affirm their understanding of the lab's safety procedures.
Additionally, a nurse's review of items with the entire team helps to ensure that nothing is overlooked. This includes ensuring that the names of the procedures are recorded, that needle, sponge, and instrument counts are complete, specimens are correctly labeled with the patient's name, and addressing any equipment issues.
Last but not least, the medical assistant should clear and clean the workspaces, such as lab benches, ensuring that long hair was pulled back during procedures, and that all items have been properly disposed of or returned to their storage areas.