Final answer:
The medical assistant should instruct the student to remove gloves properly, emphasizing proper infection control practices and the correct technique for removing personal protective equipment to maintain a safe environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a medical assistant (MA) observes a clinical student beginning to remove exam gloves improperly by sliding fingers inside one of the gloves to roll it off, the correct action the MA should take is Option 1: Instruct the student to remove gloves properly. Removing gloves incorrectly can lead to contamination and spread of infection. It is essential to follow proper glove removal techniques such as pinching the outside of one glove near the wrist without touching the skin and peeling it away from the hand, turning the glove inside out. Then, placing two fingers under the remaining glove at the wrist, and peeling it off so that it comes away over the first glove, ensuring that any contaminants are contained within the inverted gloves.
Good infection control practices in a medical environment are critical. The MA should demonstrate and explain the correct technique, underscore the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for both the patient and healthcare providers, and ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is used and disposed of correctly to prevent potential health hazards.
Ignoring the improper technique or joining the student in using the same method would not be advisable as it can compromise safety. Reporting the incident to the instructor would only be necessary if the student fails to adhere to proper technique after being instructed, or as a part of routine feedback on the student's performance and learning.