Question

A medical assistant is providing discharge instructions for a patient who has visually impairment. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

A. Verbally explain the instructions in detail to the patient.
B. Provide written instructions in regular-sized font.
C. Use large print or braille materials to give the patient instructions.
D. Ask the patient to have a family member read the instructions.

Answer 1

The medical assistant should verbally explain the instructions in detail and provide them in large print or Braille materials, ensuring the patient's independence.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing discharge instructions for a patient who has a visual impairment, a medical assistant should take special care to ensure the instructions are accessible to the patient. Verbally explaining the instructions in detail is a crucial action since it allows the patient to understand the instructions without needing to read them. If written instructions are necessary, they should be provided in formats accessible to the patient, such as large print or Braille materials. Relying on a family member to read instructions is not ideal, as it undermines the patient’s independence and may not always be a reliable solution.