NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Patient Care Coordination and EducationEasy
A clinical medical assistant is preparing a patient for a colonoscopy. The patient expresses significant anxiety about the procedure and asks if there are any resources available to help them cope. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the medical assistant to take?
- AAdvise the patient to reschedule the procedure if they are too anxious.
- BAdminister a mild sedative without a physician's order to calm the patient.
- CProvide information about relaxation techniques and offer to connect them with a support group or counselor.
- DTell the patient that anxiety is normal and they shouldn't worry.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Provide information about relaxation techniques and offer to connect them with a support group or counselor.
Providing information and resources addresses the patient's concern directly and empowers them to manage their anxiety, which is a key aspect of patient education and support.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Rescheduling should be a last resort and is not the initial therapeutic response to anxiety.
- B. Administering medication without a physician's order is outside the scope of practice and illegal.
- D. Dismissing the patient's feelings is unhelpful and can erode trust.
Patient Education and Support
The process of providing patients with information and resources to help them understand their health conditions, treatments, and self-management strategies, fostering informed decision-making and coping.
- Empowers patients to manage their health.
- Includes verbal instruction, written materials, and referrals.
- Addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Memory trick: Anxious patients need CALM, not alarm.