What should a medical assistant instruct a patient to do prior to gowning for a physical examination?

Instructing a patient to empty their bladder prior to gowning for a physical examination is essential for several reasons. Firstly, a full bladder can cause discomfort during the examination, especially if the healthcare provider needs to perform an abdominal examination or pelvic examination. An empty bladder can help ensure that the patient feels more at ease and can facilitate a more thorough evaluation by the provider.

Moreover, having an empty bladder minimizes the risk of interruptions during the examination, allowing the healthcare provider to proceed with the assessment without needing to pause for the patient to use the restroom. It also helps in obtaining accurate results during procedures that may require bladder assessment or ultrasound imaging.

While taking a shower, changing into comfortable clothing, or confirming their medical history are all relevant actions for a patient to consider for general readiness for an appointment, they do not directly contribute to the immediate comfort and practicality of participating in a physical examination as much as emptying the bladder does.