In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

Sarah has completed the didactic portion of her comprehensive medical assisting program. She has been assigned to a family practice office that was highly recommended to her by her clinical advisor. She is excited but apprehensive about her performance in this facility. She fears she will forget everything she has learned.

The first week of her externship, she observes the flow of the office and some medical procedures ordered by the physician. She is blending in with the office staff and manager. The second week of her externship, she begins to perform basic clinical procedures such as vital signs and measurements. She completes these procedures with minimal direction. The third week of her externship, she is introduced to the laboratory and is observed performing venipuncture. After ten successful draws, she is able to perform a venipuncture without supervision.

By the fourth week of her externship, she is performing basic laboratory testing, venipuncture, EKGs, and other clinical patient care duties, and she is feeling comfortable and excited that she has gained the skills needed to work as a medical assistant. During the fourth week, the physician asks her to perform an ear irrigation and leaves to examine the next patient. She is unsure of this skill and does not remember the procedure.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. What should Sarah do about the ear irrigation?

2. How has she remembered all the previous procedures and not this one?

3. Will the clinical preceptor be disappointed or angry with her?