A 62-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department with His

A 62-year-old man comes to the emergency department with his wife due to back pain.  He has had no recent falls or injuries.  Medical history includes hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.  As the physician is trying to obtain additional history, the patient becomes embarrassed and says that he is having trouble understanding because he has hearing loss, and his hearing aid batteries died a few minutes ago.  In addition to closing the door, muting the TV, and turning off nonessential medical equipment to decrease ambient noise, which of the following strategies is the best next step to improve communication with this patient?

A) Face the patient directly when talking to him
B) Give the patient a pen and paper to write on
C) Obtain essential history from the wife
D) Speak loudly and slowly in one ear
E) Use a qualified sign language interpreter

Correct Answer:

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