Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam Practice Question

A medical assistant obtains an elevated blood pressure reading from a visibly upset patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rechecking the blood pressure after a few minutes allows for a more accurate assessment, as the patient's elevated reading may be influenced by anxiety or stress. This approach helps to confirm whether the high reading is consistent or a temporary reaction.

Option A, performing orthostatic blood pressure, is unnecessary in this scenario, as it assesses changes in blood pressure related to position changes rather than emotional state. Option C, measuring blood pressure at the wrist, is less reliable than using the upper arm, where standard measurements are typically taken. Option D, using the palpatory method, does not provide a complete reading and is less accurate than the standard auscultatory method.

Unlock All Questions

Subscribe to Premium for full access to all practice questions, detailed rationales, and performance tracking.

Subscribe Now