Question

A patient calls into the office to report that a medication is not working. which of the following responses should the medical assistant make?

a. I will notify the provider about your situation.
b. You should keep taking the medication until it works.
c. You should double the dose of the medication.
d. I will call the pharmacy to authorize a refill for your medication.

Answer 1

The correct response when a patient reports their medication is not working is to notify the healthcare provider. Other options might be dangerous without medical advice. Clear communication ensures the patient gets appropriate care based on their situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient reports that a medication is not working, the most appropriate response for a medical assistant is to communicate with the healthcare provider about the patient's experience. Thus, the correct answer is: a. I will notify the provider about your situation.

Each of the other options has potential risks and should not be advised without provider approval. Continuing to take a medication that isn't working may delay proper treatment (option b), doubling a dose can be dangerous and should only be done under medical advice (option c), and authorizing a refill does not address the efficacy of the treatment (option d).

Communication between medical staff and the provider is critical in ensuring that the patient receives the most appropriate care based on their feedback and symptoms.