Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

An MA is entering a new Rx into a pt's EMR. While entering the Rx, an alert notifying the assistant of a medication interaction appears on the screen. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

1. Consult with the provider before continuing to process the Rx

2. Ignore the alert and proceed with entering the Rx

3. Contact the pharmacy for advice

4. Inform the patient about the interaction

The correct answer is: Consult with the provider before continuing to process the Rx

Consulting with the provider before continuing to process the prescription is the appropriate action in this scenario. Medication interactions can have significant implications for patient safety and treatment efficacy. By discussing the alert with the provider, the medical assistant ensures that any risks associated with the interaction are adequately addressed and that the provider can make an informed decision regarding the prescription. While the other actions might seem reasonable, they do not prioritize the communication and collaboration necessary in healthcare settings. Ignoring the alert could jeopardize patient safety and potentially lead to adverse effects. Contacting the pharmacy might be helpful but does not replace the need for the prescribing provider's input on the medication choice itself. Informing the patient about the interaction is important, but it should happen after the provider has evaluated the situation and decided on the best course of action. Hence, the correct approach emphasizes direct communication with the provider to protect the patient's health.