Final answer:
A medical assistant should confirm team discussions, ensure procedure records and specimen labeling are correct, and address equipment issues upon patient checkout. They may need to consider additional tests if symptoms warrant it and treatment recommendations such as aspirin therapy for potential blood clots.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a medical assistant is helping a patient check out, the assistant should take several important actions. They need to confirm that all team members, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional have comprehensively reviewed the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure. Additionally, they should ensure that the procedure name is recorded correctly, verify that counts for the needle, sponge, and instruments are complete or note if they are not applicable. It is also crucial to confirm that any specimen collected is correctly labeled with the patient's name, and to address any issues with equipment before the patient departs.
Based on the clinical scenario provided, the assistant should consider whether any additional tests may be required by consulting with medical team members. For instance, if the patient exhibits sensory system issues, prompt action and potentially a CT scan might be indicated. Furthermore, the doctor may recommend treatment based on the patient's condition, such as initiating aspirin therapy to mitigate the risk of blood clots if an embolus is suspected.
It is also important that medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) who are involved in processing samples and carrying out lab work have the necessary clinical training, even if a degree is not always essential for the role.