Final answer:
A medical assistant should provide tissues, encourage hand sanitization, offer a mask, and isolate the patient to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. They must also be prepared to assist in facilitating immediate medical attention and diagnostics for patients showing symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Action a Medical Assistant Should Take
When a patient exhibiting symptoms such as coughing and sneezing enters a clinic, it is essential for a medical assistant to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. The first step would be to provide the patient with tissues and ask them to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze, following the public health guideline to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. Additionally, the medical assistant should encourage the patient to sanitize their hands frequently, offer a mask, and isolate the patient from others if possible to minimize exposure to other patients and staff in the clinic.
As portrayed in clinical scenarios, patients like John, who are exhibiting respiratory symptoms and have underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, may require immediate medical attention, including diagnostics like chest radiography and sample collection for further investigation. In the case of respiratory infections like bronchitis, which can follow a cold or flu, it is paramount to monitor symptoms and provide adequate medical care. Understanding the role of good hygiene practices, such as washing hands, is also critical in combating the spread of microbes that cause these infections.