How should a medical assistant respond to a patient who is in distress?

In a situation where a patient is in distress, remaining calm, assessing the situation, and seeking help as needed is crucial. This approach allows the medical assistant to take control of the situation while ensuring the patient's safety and comfort. By assessing the situation, the medical assistant can identify the level of distress the patient is experiencing and determine the appropriate steps to take, which may include offering reassurance or calling for additional assistance from a healthcare professional.

This response is key because patients in distress may be experiencing physical pain, anxiety, or emotional turmoil, and a calm presence can help to stabilize the situation. Additionally, seeking help when necessary ensures that the patient receives the appropriate care and intervention quickly, particularly if their distress could be symptomatic of a more serious condition.

The other responses lack the comprehensive approach needed in such situations. Ignoring the situation can escalate distress and lead to further complications. Simply trying to distract the patient may not address their underlying issues, and advising them to breathe deeply without proper assessment might not be suitable for all forms of distress, particularly if there are other medical concerns at play.