What should a medical assistant do if a patient expresses discomfort during an examination?

When a patient expresses discomfort during an examination, it's crucial for a medical assistant to prioritize their well-being and emotional state. Stopping the procedure allows the assistant to assess the patient's needs effectively, determining the cause of the discomfort and whether it's appropriate to continue. This not only demonstrates excellent patient care but also ensures that the patient's concerns are acknowledged and addressed.

Assessing the needs of the patient can involve asking questions about their discomfort and offering reassurance or adjustments to the procedure, if necessary. This approach fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider and contributes to a more comfortable and positive experience during medical procedures.

Ignoring the patient's discomfort or continuing without interruption would likely lead to increased anxiety and potentially worsen the patient's experience. Similarly, questioning the patient’s certainty may come across as dismissive, not addressing their immediate needs effectively. Thus, stopping the procedure to assess the situation is the most appropriate and compassionate response.