Question

A patient calls into the office to report that her medication is not working, which of the following responses should the medical assistant make?

1) Increase the dosage of the medication
2) Switch to a different medication
3) Suggest lifestyle changes that may enhance the medication's effectiveness
4) Advise the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed and monitor its effects

Answer 1

In response to a patient reporting that their medication is not working, there are several potential responses that a medical assistant can make. These include increasing the dosage, switching to a different medication, suggesting lifestyle changes to enhance effectiveness, or advising the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed and monitor its effects. The specific recommendation would depend on the patient's individual circumstances and the guidance of the healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the patient reporting that her medication is not working, the medical assistant should consider several options before making a recommendation.

1. Increase the dosage: This may be a potential solution if the current dosage is not sufficient to produce the desired effect.
2. Switch to a different medication: If the current medication is not working for the patient, it may be necessary to try an alternative.
3. Suggest lifestyle changes: Lifestyle factors can greatly impact medication effectiveness, so it may be helpful to suggest changes that could enhance the medication's effects.
4. Advise the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed and monitor its effects: Monitoring the medication's effects over time can provide valuable information and may lead to adjustments in the future.

Ultimately, the specific recommendation would depend on the patient's individual circumstances and the guidance of the healthcare provider.