Question

During the admission process, a patient explains manifestations of a chief complaint to a medical assistant. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

a. Interrupt the patient to expedite the admission process
b. Listen actively and document the patient's explanation accurately
c. Disregard the patient's concerns, as they are not relevant to admission
d. Promptly direct the patient to complete required paperwork

Answer 1

The medical assistant should actively listen and accurately document the patient's chief complaint during admission. It is important not to interrupt or dismiss the patient's concerns, as this information is crucial for their care.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the admission process, when a patient describes symptoms or concerns related to their chief complaint, the appropriate action for a medical assistant is to listen actively and document the patient's explanation accurately. This approach ensures that all relevant information is captured and can be used to inform subsequent patient care. It is important not to interrupt the patient as this can lead to missed information and a sense of not being heard, which can negatively impact the patient experience. The medical assistant should be attentive, provide the patient with their full attention, and respect their need to communicate health concerns without rushing to complete paperwork or disregarding their input.

Comparable to a nurse reviewing items aloud with the team to ensure that no detail is overlooked, active listening allows the medical assistant to verify that information such as the procedure name, patient's name, and any reported issues are correctly documented. This level of diligence is crucial for maintaining patient safety and delivering high-quality care.