Final answer:
A medical assistant can demonstrate active listening by responding empathetically to a patient's complaint about wait times, apologizing for any inconvenience, and providing an update or checking the status of the appointment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient complains about the wait time to see a doctor, a medical assistant demonstrating active listening might respond with empathy and provide information on the situation. For example, the assistant could say, "I understand that waiting can be frustrating, especially if you're feeling unwell or have other commitments. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
Our doctors are doing their best to see patients as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of care. I'll check with the medical staff to see if there's an update on how soon you can be seen." This response shows that the medical assistant is not only acknowledging the patient's feelings but also taking an active step to address their concern.