What task should a medical assistant have a patient complete prior to gowning for a physical examination?

Having a patient empty their bladder prior to gowning for a physical examination is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps ensure the patient’s comfort during the examination, especially when a thorough abdominal or pelvic exam is required. A full bladder can make these examinations uncomfortable and can also hinder the provider's ability to perform an accurate assessment.

Moreover, asking the patient to empty their bladder can also support proper documentation of vital signs or other measurements that may be affected by bladder fullness. For instance, in cases where urine samples may be required during the visit, having the bladder emptied beforehand is crucial. This step prepares the patient for the examination process and contributes to efficiency in managing the appointment.

While taking vital signs, providing a medical history, and discussing concerns with the provider are all indeed important aspects of a medical examination, they do not specifically relate to preparing the patient for gowning in the immediate sense. Emptying the bladder is a direct preparatory task that helps to facilitate a smoother and more comfortable examination experience for the patient.