Medical Procedures Study Guide for the Medical Assistant test

Patient Education

Patient education is important in the management of a patient’s health. A patient should be educated on diagnosis, prevention of problems, appropriate diet, and medications, as well as healthy lifestyle choices.

Health Coaching

You need to be able to talk with patients about all of these things. Some of what you say will reflect the patient’s current state of health, but all of them require a certain amount of basic knowledge. Be sure you can discuss them with confidence by learning the basics.

• Diabetic home care (including blood sugar monitoring)— essential for prevention of problems associated with diabetes; education about medications, diet, and blood sugar monitoring

• Use of mobility equipment and assistive devices—proper use of crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, splints, and slings

• Pre-/post-op care instructions—diet, incision care, and dressing changes

• Patient administered medications—correct administering procedures, doses, and the site of administration

• Home therapeutic treatments— such as breathing treatments and exercises

• Home blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle controls— including diet, medication, and other monitoring efforts

• Home anticoagulation monitoring— such as warfarin monitoring-lab requirements and Lovenox

• Home cholesterol monitoring— including labs, medication, and diet

Knowing how to encourage and facilitate compliance with instructions by the patient will also be a key component of effective patient education.

Wellness and Preventive Care

While a patient’s main concern may be the current reason for the visit, it is important for medical professionals to share ideas for keeping the patient well, overall. Here are some things to consider. Be sure to record all patient encounters and the information given at that time.

• Nutrition—specific diet (low sodium, low fat, etc. )

• Exercise— strength training, cardio

• Lifestyle choices— smoking cessation, alcohol avoidance, diet choices

• Body mechanics—lifting, pulling, pushing

• Personal and physical safety—fall safety, environmental safety hazards

• Alternative therapies—The doctor’s policies will govern whether you give such information to patients, but it is important to know about things like chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and acupressure.

Service Coordination

It often requires the cooperation of several different health entities to provide high quality care for patients. It is important that you are familiar with the function of each of these and know how to facilitate patient access to them.

• Other healthcare providers/specialists— podiatry, gastroenterology, urology, nephrology, neurology, and others

• Community-based organizations and agencies— meals-on-wheels, health department, social services and others

• Transitional care—skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy, both outpatient and inpatient

• Team-based care (PCMH, ACO)—Patient Centered Medical Home and Accountable Care Organization are two team-based approach programs.

• Tracking and reporting technologies— home-based methods to track and report patient condition and progress

You will also need to assist patients who face challenges to care, such as socio-economic, educational, and language barriers, as well as cultural differences that may affect their acceptance of assistance.

Nutrition

Nutrition information should be provided to patients and families. Good nutrition can prevent illness and aid in the healing process.

Basic Principles

Simply stated, nutrition includes the correct amount of carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, fiber, and water. Be sure you know the sources and understand the function of all of these nutritional components, as well as the reasons for monitoring them and the use of dietary supplements to supply additional nutrients, when needed.

• Carbohydrates—used for energy

• Fats—essential healthy fats (omega 3 fatty acids)

• Proteins—aid in wound healing, used for energy

• Minerals/electrolytes—magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc.

• Vitamins—B vitamins, Vitamin C, vitamin K, etc.

• Fiber—sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, and certain grains

• Water—methods of water loss, how much water is needed.

A helpful tool to use for nutritional education is MyPlate. MyPlate is an important visual to help people focus on a more plant-based diet.

Special Needs

Certain illnesses and medical conditions require additional dietary management. Be familiar with the appropriate protocol for improving and maintaining health when these are involved.

• Weight control (loss or gain)—weight monitoring, exercise, diet

• Diabetes—blood sugar monitoring, diet, exercise

• Cardiovascular disease—weight monitoring, low sodium diet, chest pain

• Hypertension—blood pressure monitoring, low sodium diet

• Cancer—preventative care monitoring (PAP smears, prostate exams, etc.)

• Lactose sensitivity/intolerance—lactose-free diet, signs and symptoms

• Gluten-free—gluten-free diet

• Food allergies—food labels, allergy testing

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. All of these usually require treatment by a licensed psychologist to ensure complete recovery.

Food Labels

Patient education should be provided on how to read food labels. Information such as calories, carbohydrates, sugars, and serving sizes can be found on food labels. Food labels are especially important for patients who may be on a low sodium diet or who are diabetic.