Question

A patient who uses a wheelchair arrives at the office for an appointment and is visibly upset. Which of the following methods should the medical assistant use to establish positive therapeutic communication with the patient?

1) Ask the patient about their wheelchair and how they use it.
2) Ignore the patient's upset emotions and proceed with the appointment.
3) Provide the patient with a pamphlet on wheelchair accessibility at the office.
4) D. Schedule a follow-up visit for the patient to discuss their feelings.

Answer 1

The medical assistant should schedule a follow-up visit to address the patient's feelings and must use person-first language to show respect and build trust.

Step-by-step explanation:

To establish positive therapeutic communication with a patient who is visibly upset and uses a wheelchair, the medical assistant should engage in a conversation that recognizes the patient’s emotional state while remaining respectful and professional. The most effective method among the options provided would be to schedule a follow-up visit for the patient to discuss their feelings, presuming that the current visit addresses the immediate medical needs. It's crucial to use language and approaches that put the person first, emphasizing their individuality over their disability. Confronting the patient's emotions directly, rather than avoiding or disregarding them, is an important step in building trust and providing comprehensive care. Offering pamphlets on wheelchair accessibility could also be helpful if it is relevant to the patient's concerns or questions.

J11