Final answer:
When the medical assistant does not understand what the patient has said, active listening techniques such as rephrasing can be used to clarify communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the medical assistant does not understand what the patient has said, it is important to clarify the communication to ensure effective patient care. One appropriate way to clarify communication is by using active listening techniques. This includes rephrasing the patient's statement or question to confirm understanding. The medical assistant can say something like, 'If I understand correctly, you are saying...' to seek clarification.