Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Clinical Workflow and Patient IntakeEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to room a new patient. Which action should be performed first?
- ADocument the chief complaint
- BGreet the patient and confirm identity
- CAsk the patient to change into a gown
- DMeasure and record vital signs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Greet the patient and confirm identity
The rooming process begins with greeting the patient and confirming identity to ensure patient safety and rapport before proceeding with data collection or preparation. Vital signs, chief complaint, and gowning occur afterward in sequence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Chief complaint is obtained after initial greeting and identity check.
- C. Gowning occurs later if needed for the exam.
- D. Vital signs are measured after greeting and rapport building.
Rooming Sequence
The standard order of steps a medical assistant follows when bringing a patient from the waiting area to the exam room.
- Begins with greeting and ID verification
- Followed by chief complaint and vital signs
- Gowning occurs last if required for exam
Memory trick: 'Greet, gather, gauge, then gown.'