Each chapter closes with Critical Thinking Questions (listed below) as a review of chapter material that focuses on the role of the medical assistant.

1. How might the physician change the typical order of the general physical examination for an infant who is suffering from an ear infection and appears agitated?

2. What steps can you take to help ensure that an elderly patient takes her medicine properly?

3. How can you help a patient who is in a wheelchair prepare for an examination?

4. An elderly patient arrives at the clinic for a physical examination. She is using a walker, has weakness and arthritis in her legs, and is hard of hearing. You need to place her in position for an examination of the head, neck, chest, and heart. What should you do?

5. A Spanish-speaking 5-year-old child arrives at your clinic for a physical in preparation for school. The mother is with the child and speaks and understands very little English. You must prepare the child for the examination, and no interpreter is available. What should you do?