Final answer:
To establish therapeutic communication, medical assistants should use preferred language, active listening, and an empathetic approach, while ensuring communication is clear and accessible. They should also be mindful of language bias and encourage storytelling from the patient's perspective. Utilizing a community space that is accessible to the individual is also essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
To establish therapeutic communication with a patient who uses a wheelchair and is visibly upset, a medical assistant should utilize respectful and inclusive language, engage in active listening, and respond with empathy and understanding. The assistant should use preferred language as indicated by the individual, such as saying "a person who uses a wheelchair" rather than "wheelchair-bound." It's important to create a welcoming environment by choosing a community space that is accessible to all and by ensuring that communication is clear and responsive to the patient’s needs. During the interaction, it is crucial to pay attention to the patient's verbal and non-verbal cues, using open-ended questions and reflections to encourage them to express their concerns more fully.
Sensitivity to the patient's experience can be further enhanced by recognizing the importance of storytelling from their perspective. Acknowledging their lived experience without making assumptions or showing bias is crucial. Acts as simple as verifying a patient’s name can serve as a measure of orientation and can build rapport. Regarding a neurological assessment, the ability to follow instructions and provide feedback, like reporting sensations of pins and needles, aids in a more in-depth understanding of sensory and cognitive function.