Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

What is a good practice when offering help to a patient?

1. Assume they need assistance

2. Only help those who ask for it

3. Ask each patient if they need assistance

4. Only offer help to elderly patients

The correct answer is: Ask each patient if they need assistance

Asking each patient if they need assistance is a good practice because it respects their autonomy and personal choice. Each patient has different needs, preferences, and comfort levels when it comes to receiving help. By inquiring directly, medical assistants ensure that assistance is provided only when desired, which fosters a sense of empowerment and self-determination in patients. This approach also helps to build rapport between the healthcare provider and the patient, making the patient feel valued and heard. Other options may not be as effective as asking each patient individually. Assuming that all patients need assistance can lead to unnecessary intervention and may overlook a patient’s desire to manage independently. Helping only those who ask for it may leave some patients who need assistance without support. Offering help exclusively to elderly patients disregards the fact that individuals of all ages may require assistance for various reasons, such as physical limitations or emotional distress.