A medical assistant is interviewing a patient who has been newly diagnosed with severe vision impairment. The patient seems uneasy. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

A. A patient who has a breathing disorder: Fowler’s position (sitting with the head of the bed elevated) can help ease breathing difficulties by allowing better lung expansion.
B. A patient who has severe hypotension: Fowler’s position may exacerbate hypotension. A supine or Trendelenburg position might be more appropriate for severe hypotension.
C. A patient who is having a perineal examination: A lithotomy position is generally used for perineal examinations.
D. A patient who is having a rectal examination: The Sims' position is typically used for rectal examinations.

A. Alcohol-based sanitizer: Alcohol-based sanitizers are effective for hand hygiene when there is no visible dirt or grease. They are generally used for routine hand antisepsis in situations where hands are not visibly soiled. For procedures involving body fluids, if hands are visibly soiled, traditional handwashing with soap and water is preferred.
B. Disinfectant scrub: Disinfectant scrubs are generally used for cleaning surfaces and are not appropriate for personal hand hygiene.
C. Antiseptic solution: Antiseptic solutions are used for cleaning skin before injections or procedures, not typically for hand hygiene.
D. Liquid soap: Liquid soap is suitable for handwashing, especially when hands are visibly soiled or after exposure to body fluids. In the context of body fluids, soap and water would be preferable to ensure effective removal of contaminants.