Question

When speaking with a patient who has moderate hearing loss and reads lips, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to aid in communication with the patient?

A) Speak loudly and slowly
B) Use written communication or gestures
C) Use medical jargon to ensure accuracy
D) Use complex sentences to provide detailed information

Answer 1

To aid communication with a patient who has moderate hearing loss and reads lips, a medical assistant should utilize sufficient lighting, face the patient directly, use simple and clear sentences, speak slowly and distinctly, avoid covering their mouth, and write down important points. Reducing background noise and ensuring the patient uses hearing aids can also be beneficial.

Step-by-step explanation:

When communicating with a patient who has moderate hearing loss and reads lips, a medical assistant should take several steps to aid communication. First, it is important to ensure that the room has sufficient lighting for the patient to see the speaker's lips clearly. The medical assistant should face the patient directly and maintain eye contact. Using simple, clear sentences rather than complex ones can make lip reading easier for the patient. Additionally, speaking slowly and distinctly, without shouting or exaggerating mouth movements, assists lip-reading. If necessary, the medical assistant can also write down key points to ensure understanding.

Moreover, it is vital to avoid covering the mouth with hands or objects, as this can impede the lip-reading process. It is also helpful to reduce background noise and to ensure the patient is wearing any prescribed hearing aids. By being mindful of these considerations, the medical assistant can facilitate better communication and provide the patient with the best care possible.