Office Administrative Assistant Practice Exam

A new patient comes to the office as a "walk-in" with a deep, productive cough and fever. What should the Medical Administrative Assistant do first?

1. Schedule the patient for later

2. Move the patient to an isolated area

3. Take the patient's temperature

4. Assign the patient a number

The correct answer is: Move the patient to an isolated area

In the scenario presented, the most appropriate course of action is to move the patient to an isolated area. This approach prioritizes the safety and health of both the patient and others in the office. A deep, productive cough combined with a fever can indicate a potentially contagious infection, such as influenza or another respiratory illness. By isolating the patient, the Medical Administrative Assistant can help minimize the risk of spreading illness to other patients and staff in the office. Furthermore, this action allows for the proper assessment and evaluation of the patient's condition without exposing others to potential pathogens. Once the patient is in an isolated area, appropriate medical staff can conduct further evaluation and care, including taking vital signs or conducting tests, which may help determine the necessary treatment. The other options, such as scheduling the patient for later, taking the patient's temperature, or assigning a number, do not address the immediate concern of potential contagiousness and could further compromise the health of others present in the office. Thus, ensuring a safe environment by isolating the patient is the most responsible initial action.