Question

A medical assistant is checking in a patient who has hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

A. Use a written communication method.
B. Speak loudly to ensure the patient hears.
C. Assume the patient can read lips.
D. Minimize written communication to avoid confusion.

Answer 1

A medical assistant should use a written communication method when checking in a patient with hearing loss, as it ensures effective communication.

Step-by-step explanation:

When checking in a patient with hearing loss, a medical assistant should use a written communication method to ensure effective communication. Option A - Use a written communication method - is the recommended action because it allows the patient to read and understand information accurately. Speaking loudly may distort the sound and make it more difficult for a patient with hearing loss to understand. Assuming that the patient can read lips is not a valid assumption, as not all individuals with hearing loss have developed lip-reading skills. Lastly, written communication should not be minimized to avoid confusion, but rather utilized to enhance clarity and understanding.