Claudia, a​ CMA, is working with Mr. Harrington in the examination room. Mr. Harrington is 73 years old and does not have any living immediate family members. His closest relative is a cousin who lives more than five hours away. Within the medical​ practice, Mr. Harrington has the reputation of being grouchy at times and has been known to lose his temper easily. Claudia is completing his vital signs and​ measurements, a required component of the physical examination document that must be returned to his life insurance company. Since his last visit five months​ ago, Mr. Harrington has gained 16 pounds. As Claudia is exiting the​ room, Mr. Harrington calls​ out, ​"Be sure to mark my weight on my physical form the same as it was on my last visit. They​ don't need to know​ I've gained any​ weight." Claudia​ replies, ​"​I'm not sure I can do​ that, Mr. Harrington.​ I'll see what I can​ do."

Mr. Harrington responds by​ saying, ​"Nurse, I'm asking you politely. I​ don't want to get upset. Who cares about a mere 16​ pounds? Just make that​ change, okay?"

Feeling​ pressured, Claudia​ exclaims, ​"First of​ all, I am a medical assistant and not a nurse. And​ secondly, I am not going to lie on your medical records. If​ you're concerned about your​ weight, you will need to talk with the doctor when he comes in to see​ you." With​ that, she turns out of the examination room and closes the door behind her.