A medical assistant should identify that which of the following tasks requires the use of gloves?

A. Perform orthostatic blood pressure. Orthostatic blood pressure measurements are used to assess changes in blood pressure when a patient moves from lying down to standing, not in response to emotional upset.
B. Recheck the blood pressure after a few minutes. This is the correct action, as the initial elevated reading could be due to the patient's emotional state. Waiting a few minutes and rechecking can provide a more accurate reading.
C. Measure blood pressure at the wrist. Wrist blood pressure readings are less accurate than those taken at the upper arm and are not recommended in this scenario.
D. Use the palpatory method for blood pressure. The palpatory method is used when auscultation is difficult, but it does not address the issue of an elevated reading due to emotional upset.

Correct answer: A
A. Ensure the otoscope is in the room. Ensuring that the otoscope and other necessary equipment are in the room is an important step in preparing the room for a physical examination.
B. Replace the half-full sharps containers. Sharps containers should be replaced when they are three-quarters full, not necessarily when they are half-full. This action, while important, is not specific to preparing for a general physical examination.
C. Obtain preauthorization from insurance. Preauthorization is an administrative task that is not directly related to preparing an examination room.
D. Sterilize counter surfaces in the room. Cleaning and disinfecting counter surfaces is important for infection control but typically would have been done after the last patient. This action is less directly related to preparing for a general physical exam compared to ensuring the necessary equipment is present.