Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 17 MAS 422 review, 2 to 3 minutes
A Child's Throat Swab
The idea
This case is constructed for this course. It shows how a medical assistant collects an ordered throat swab from a young child, safely, comfortably and on the first try, with a parent helping to keep the child still.
In practice
A six-year-old with a sore throat needs a rapid strep test, which the provider has ordered. The medical assistant explains to the child, in simple words, that she will gently touch the back of his throat with a soft swab, and that it will tickle for a second. She asks his mother to hold him on her lap, with one arm around his body and one hand steadying his forehead, because stillness prevents injury and a failed swab. She labels the specimen container first. Then she opens the swab without touching its soft tip. She asks the child to open his mouth wide. She guides the swab past the tongue and teeth without touching them, and rubs the back of the throat and the tonsils. She withdraws it the same careful way and places it in the container. She thanks the child and praises how still he stayed. She runs the test or sends the specimen as the practice's procedure directs. Finally she documents the collection and tells the provider when the result is ready.
Where people slip
A swab that touches the tongue or teeth collects the wrong material, and a child who moves suddenly can be hurt. Preparing the parent's hold before the swab ever comes out of its wrapper addresses both risks at once. Explaining in simple words first, and praising the child afterward, makes the next visit easier for everyone, including the child.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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