When a patient calls with a medical question, the appropriate course of action is to:
a. Document the patient's information and relay it to the doctor for review.
This is the correct option because when a patient calls with a medical question, it is essential to gather all relevant information provided by the patient accurately. Documenting this information in detail allows the doctor to review the patient's concerns thoroughly, leading to a more informed and accurate response. By relaying the patient's information to the doctor, it ensures that the medical advice given is based on the specific details provided by the patient, enabling the doctor to make a well-informed decision regarding the patient's health.
Treating the question lightly if the concern seems unfounded (Option b) is not advisable as it is important to take all patient concerns seriously, regardless of how they may initially appear. Asking the patient to call back at a later time when the doctor is not busy (Option c) may not be in the best interest of the patient if the query requires immediate attention. Guessing at the answer if unsure (Option d) can lead to incorrect advice and potential harm to the patient, which should always be avoided in a medical setting.
