What should a Medical Assistant do when encountering an unethical situation in the workplace?

The appropriate action for a Medical Assistant encountering an unethical situation in the workplace is to report the issue to their supervisor or designated ethics committee. This response is correct because it adheres to established protocols for addressing unethical behavior and ensures that the matter is handled by the appropriate authority within the organization.

Reporting the issue maintains professional integrity and protects the rights and safety of patients and staff. By going through proper channels, the Medical Assistant allows for a structured investigation into the matter, ensuring that it can be addressed appropriately and minimizing the risk of further unethical behavior. This approach also helps maintain a healthy workplace environment and promotes adherence to ethical standards.

In contrast, ignoring the situation would allow the unethical behavior to persist, potentially causing harm to patients or undermining the trust within the workplace. Confronting a colleague directly may escalate tension and lead to conflict, which might not resolve the issue effectively. Discussing the issue with patients is inappropriate, as it could violate confidentiality and fail to address the problem at its source. Therefore, reporting to a supervisor or ethics committee is the most responsible and effective course of action.