Final answer:
When checking in a patient who does not speak the same language, the medical assistant should ask a bilingual staff member to assist with communication. Using body gestures when communicating can also be effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant is checking in a patient who does not speak the same language as the medical assistant. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?
When checking in a patient who does not speak the same language, the medical assistant should ask a bilingual staff member to assist with communication. This will ensure accurate and effective communication between the medical assistant and the patient, preventing any misunderstandings or potential errors in their healthcare.
Addressing the patient by first name (option b) may be inappropriate and can be considered disrespectful in some cultures. Using medical terminology (option c) may confuse the patient further if they are not familiar with the terminology being used. Additionally, using body gestures when communicating (option d) can be an effective way of conveying information when there is a language barrier.