Final answer:
The best action for a medical assistant when checking in a hearing-impaired patient is to provide written instructions to ensure clear and accessible communication. Speaking loudly is not always effective and can be perceived as rude, and avoiding eye contact is less engaging and impersonal.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a medical assistant is checking in a patient who is hearing impaired, the most appropriate action to take is to provide written instructions. This method ensures that communication is clear and accessible, which is vital to effective patient care. Speaking loudly is not necessarily helpful, as it may not address the nature of the patient's hearing impairment and could even be perceived as rude. Furthermore, using complex medical terminology could lead to misunderstandings, and avoiding eye contact can make communication impersonal and less engaging for the patient.
It is important that medical professionals communicate in a way that is respectful and mindful of the patient's needs. Providing a written form of communication not only supports this but also serves as a reference for the patient to review after their appointment. Introducing visual aids or using other forms of nonverbal communication, such as gesturing or lip reading (if the patient prefers and is skilled in these methods), can enhance understanding and make the patient feel more comfortable.