Final answer:
When providing discharge instructions for a visually impaired patient, the MA should notify the patient upon entering the room and provide accessible material formats, while using clear verbal communication. Using body gestures or providing small-font printed material would not be helpful.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing discharge instructions to a patient who is visually impaired, a Medical Assistant (MA) should take necessary steps to ensure the instructions are clear and accessible. Among the choices provided, the correct actions to take would include:
- Notify the patient when entering the room, to ensure the patient is aware of the MA's presence and to facilitate clear communication.
- Use a low tone of voice is not appropriate specifically because a person is visually impaired; rather, the MA should ensure to speak clearly and use verbal descriptions.
- Use body gestures would not be effective for a patient with visual impairments, as they cannot rely on visual cues.
- Provide small-font printed material would not be accessible for a visually impaired patient; instead, the MA should provide materials in large print or alternative formats such as audio or Braille, where available.
It is also advisable to use communications strategies that do not rely on visual aids. This could include clear, succinct verbal explanations or providing instructions in accessible digital formats.
Furthermore, the MA should be aware of and apply conventions of speech delivery, such as voice control and verbal descriptions, to compensate for the lack of visual cues. It is equally important to consider any cultural considerations that may affect how instructions and information are received and understood by the patient.