Question

A medical assistant is checking in a patient who does not speak the same language as the assistant. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

A. Use a translation app on a smartphone to communicate with the patient.
B. Speak slowly and loudly, using basic English words to convey information.
C. Request the patient to find a family member who speaks the same language to interpret.
D. Ask another staff member who speaks the patient's language to assist in translating.

Answer 1

When a medical assistant is checking in a patient who does not speak the same language, it is important to ask another staff member who speaks the patient's language to assist in translating.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a medical assistant is checking in a patient who does not speak the same language, it is important to ensure effective communication. The assistant should ask another staff member who speaks the patient's language to assist in translating (option D). This ensures clear and accurate communication between the patient and the assistant. Using a translation app on a smartphone (option A) may not be as reliable, as it may have limitations in accurately capturing the nuances of language. Speaking slowly and loudly using basic English words (option B) may only lead to more confusion. Requesting the patient to find a family member who speaks the same language to interpret (option C) may not always be possible.