When opening an office in the morning, what should you first check?

The correct choice is to first check the phone messages when opening an office in the morning. This step is crucial because it allows the medical assistant to be informed of any urgent communications from patients or staff that may have come in after hours. These messages might contain appointment cancellations, changes, or other significant updates that could affect the day's schedule and overall operations. Addressing these messages early in the day helps ensure that the medical assistant can proactively manage patient flow, plan for any necessary follow-ups, and maintain effective communication with both patients and the healthcare team.

In comparison, while checking patient appointments is important for organizing the day ahead, it is often informed by the contents of phone messages. Similarly, checking inventory supply is essential for ensuring that necessary medical supplies are available, but this generally doesn't need to be prioritized right at the start of the day. Lastly, monitoring staff availability is also important, but typically, this information is known ahead of time or can be confirmed after addressing urgent communications. Thus, prioritizing phone messages makes logistical sense in preparing for a smooth and efficient day.