Which action is an appropriate practice when assisting patients with physical disabilities in the exam room?

• A. Provide assistance, if needed, to dress and undress
• B. Do not enter the exam room with them
• C. Force them to undress
• D. Leave them unattended

Answer: (A)

When assisting patients with physical disabilities in the exam room, the focus is on respectful, patient-centered care that honors autonomy, privacy, and safety. If a patient needs help with dressing or undressing, offering and providing that assistance in a way that preserves modesty—asking for consent, using drapes, and involving the patient in decisions about what they can do themselves versus what you help with—supports a dignified exam and ensures the clinician can perform a thorough assessment. This approach also helps prevent falls or injuries and makes the patient feel supported rather than sidelined.

Deliberately avoiding entering the room with the patient can impede communication and safety; forcing someone to undress violates their rights and dignity; leaving them unattended is unsafe.