Medical Assistant Duties and Responsibilities, Exams of Nursing

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NHA-CCMA MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION EXAM

AND STUDY GUIDE 150 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT

ANSWERS 2024-2025 LATEST VERSION//ALREADY

GRADED A+

A medical assistant is collecting a urine specimen from a patient for a drug screening. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to adhere to the chain of custody for this specimen? - ANSWER-Send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection. A medical assistant is preparing to collect a patient's temperature via the tympanic membrane. In which of the following locations should the assistant place the thermometer? - ANSWER-In the ear The tympanic membrane is located in the ear canal. When preparing a patient for Holter monitoring, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take? - ANSWER-Vigorously dry the patient's skin prior to electrode placement. A medical assistant should complete documentation in a patient's medical record at which of the following times? - ANSWER-Immediately following the procedure. Wen should the code on glucose curettes be compared to the code on the glucometer? - ANSWER- Before a patient is tested. Which of the following terms should a medical assistant use to tell a provider that a patient is having discomfort and difficulty breathing? - ANSWER-Dyspnea Difficulty breathing A medical assistant is reviewing a provider's instructions as the patient is preparing to leave the office. The provider recommends that the patient purchase an over-the-counter antitussive, but the patient tells the assistant that she does not know what an antitussive is. Which of the following responses should the assistant make? - ANSWER-It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex. Which of the following stages of the cardiac cycle on an EKG strip represents ventricular depolarization?

• ANSWER-QRS complex

The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization (VD). A medical assistant is speaking with a patient who has seasonal allergies. Which of the following health care providers should the assistant identify as being able to make a diagnosis and initiate the necessary treatment? - ANSWER-physician assistant A medical assistant is to use the Snellen chart to test an adult patients visual activity. The assistant should instruct the patient to stand which of the following distances away? - ANSWER-20 feet Which of the following types of written correspondence can be signed by a medical assistant? - ANSWER-A notification letter to a patient about surgery arrangements. An assistant can sign a notification letter to a patient about surgery and medical facility arrangements. A medical assistant is measuring the circumference of an infants head. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Place the zero mark of the measuring tape against the infants forehead. A medical assistant is checking a patients hearing using the Rinne test. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Ask the patient to raise his hand when he no longer hears any sound. A medical assistant is examining the skin on a patients forearm where the patient reports developing a rash. The assistant notes multiple solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which of the following terms should he use to document his observation in the patients medical record? - ANSWER-Papules Papules are solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. A common cause is allergic eczema. A medical assistant receives a call from a patient who is irate about a letter she received from her insurance carrier denying a claim. Which of the following statements should the assistant make? - ANSWER-"Let's see if there is something we can do at our end. I'll ask our claims specialists to review the claim."

A patient is entitled to which of the following medical records? - ANSWER-list of medications with diagnosis A medical assistant is measuring a patents blood pressure with an aneroid sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Make sure the midpoint of the patients arm is at the level of the patients heart. A medical assistant is preparing to perform a capillary collection from an older adult patient who has poor circulation in his hands. Which of the following techniques should the assistant use to increase circulation at the collection site? - ANSWER-Warm the patients hand. A medical assistant is witnessing a patient sign an informed consent form. Which of the following is the responsibility of the assistant acting as a witness? - ANSWER-Validate the patients signature. Which of the following terms describes the body's internal adaptation and change to keep body functions in balance? - ANSWER-Homeostasis Homeostasis is the body's internal adaptation and change to keep the body functions within balance. A medical assistant in an acute care facility is checking in a patient who has a deep laceration. The patient tells the assistant that he cannot accept blood transfusions due to his religious beliefs. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Document the statement in the patients chart. The assistant should document the patients wishes in the patients chart. By documenting the patients statement, the provider will have the patient's statement to refer to if a blood transfusion is recommended at a later time. A medical assistant is adding information to a patient's computerized problem-oriented medical record (POMR). Into which of the following sections of the POMR should the assistant enter the patients health history and laboratory results? - ANSWER-Database A medical assistant is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient who has the Epstein Barr virus. The assistant should identify that this micro-organism can cause which of the following conditions? - ANSWER-Mononucleosis Mononucleosis is a contagious disease that is caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus.

A medical assistant is discussing information with a patient about a new medication that the provider prescribed. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Reinforce teaching about the frequency of medication administration. Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use to put a 7 year old hold at ease prior to administering an injection? - ANSWER-Explain the procedure to the child in simple steps. A medical assistant is caring for a patient who as a body mass index (BMI) of 23. This patient should be categorized as which of the following? - ANSWER-Normal weight A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is within the normal weight range for a healthy adult. According to OSHA guidelines for universal precautions, which of the following types of patient contact would require a medical assistant to wear gloves, a mask, a face shield, and protective apparel? - ANSWER-Assisting a provider with the removal of a cyst. A medical assistant is preparing a CMS-1500 insurance claim form for a patient who was treated for a burn injury. Which of the following pieces of information is required on the form? - ANSWER-Current procedural terminology code. A provider requests a medical assistant to initiate a referral fora patient to a mental health facility. Which of the following pieces of information is required for the assistant to include in the initial referral?

• ANSWER-Diagnosis A medical assistant discovers an unidentifiable liquid on the floor of one of the clinics treatment rooms. Which of the following materials should the assistant use to remove and dispose of the liquid? - ANSWER-A clean-up kit A provider asks a medical assistant to administer oxygen to a patient who is experiencing respiratory distress. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take when administering oxygen to the patient? - ANSWER-Insert the tips of the cannula into the patients nostrils. The primary code in the CPT coding system consists of how many digits? - ANSWER-Five digits

A medical assistant is preparing to draw venous blood samples. The assistant is required by OSHA regulations to wear which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment while performing this procedure? - ANSWER-Gloves OSHA requires medical assistants to wear gloves while collecting venous blood samples. Which of the following information should the medical assistant enter into the appointment calendar when scheduling a patient for a skin rash? - ANSWER-Daytime phone number. Which of the following groups of EKG leads are bipolar? - ANSWER-Leads I, II, and III. Leads I, II,and III are three bipolar limb leads that make up Einthoven's Triangle. A patient arrives at a clinic will a bill for x-rays that were required due to an injury at the patients place of employment. The patient has private insurance and is eligible for workers' compensation. The assistant should recognize that which of the following parties is responsible for payment of this bill? - ANSWER-Paid in full by workers' compensation. A medical assistant is assisting in the treatment of a patient who experienced a chemical burn. Which of the following steps should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Remove any chemical-covered clothing. A medical assistant is preparing sterilization for hemostats before an invasive procedure. Which of the following techniques should the assistant use? - ANSWER-Autoclave The assistant should use an autoclave to sterilize the hemostats. A provider asks a medical assistant to reinforce teaching with a patient about her new diagnosis. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Document the patients response to the teaching.

A medical assistant is reviewing discharge information with a patient who is postoperative following cryosurgery to the cervix. Which of the following statements should the assistant include? - ANSWER- "You may experience a watery discharge for up to 1 week after your procedure." The assistant should tell the patient to expect to experience a watery discharge that can last up to 1 week following the cryosurgery procedure. Which of the following organs is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen? - ANSWER- Gallbladder (The gallbladder as well as the liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen) A provider is performing a routine rectal examination on a patient. Which of the following supplies should a medical assistant have available during the examination? - ANSWER-Lubricating jelly A medical assistant should recognize which of the following blood pressure readings as indicative of an adult patient whose blood pressure level is classified as elevated? - ANSWER-128/78 mm Hg A systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg indicates that an adult patient has a blood pressure that is classified as elevated. The parent of a child who has pinworms is asking a medical assistant for more information about his child's condition. The assistant should begin by explaining that pinworms are which of the following types of micro-organism? - ANSWER-Helminths Helminths are parasites called "worms" that liv in host organisms, such as animals and humans. A medical assistant receives a telephone call from a patient who seems anxious about the results of his test. Which of the following responses should the assistant make? - ANSWER-"I know you are concerned about your test results. We'll call you as soon as your results come in." When assisting a provider with a vaginal examination and Papanicolaou (PAP) test, a medical assistant should identify that which of the following instruments is necessary? - ANSWER-Cytobrush

This instrument is necessary because the provider uses the cytobrush for obtaining a specimen for a Pap test. During a routine venipuncture,, the patient becomes pale and diaphoretic. What condition is mist likely to occur in the patient? - ANSWER-Syncope A medical assistant needs to remove all living micro-organisms from a contaminated towel clamp. Which of the following methods should the assistant use to cleanse this instrument? - ANSWER-sterilization The provider orders the medical assistant to prepare a tablespoon of medication for a patient. How many milliliters of medication should the assistant draw up? - ANSWER-15 mL There are 15 mL per tablespoon. Therefore, the assistant should prepare 15 mL of medication. A medical assistant is asked to assist a provider with an orthopedic examination. Which of the following instruments should the assistant prepare for the examination? - ANSWER-Goniometer The provider uses a goniometer to measure joint movement in a single plane. The instrument is used for orthopedic examinations. A medical assistant receives a phone call from a patient of a child who has possibly ingested a household cleaner. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Contact the local poison control center A medical assistant has a request to collect a routine CBC from a healthy 10 month old infant. Which of the following is the most appropriate collection site? - ANSWER-Left heel When performing diagnostic coding, how many characters are used to provide the highest level of speciality with an ICD- 10 - CM code? - ANSWER-Seven characters In which of the following locations should a medical statement place the electrode for lead V4? - ANSWER-The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line

Which of the following types of appointment systems allows flexibility to allow for the most consistent patient flow? - ANSWER-Wave scheduling Wave scheduling has patients scheduled for the first 30 minutes of an hour to allow for early, late, and patients who do not show up. All patients are seen within that hour. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to safeguard a patient's protected health information? - ANSWER-Log off of computers when not in use. A medical assistant is disposing of the syringe and needle she used to inject a seasonal influenza vaccine. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Drop the syringe, needle first into the biohazardous sharps container. A patient requests a female provider to perform her examination due to a religious conviction. A female provider is not available. Which of the following is the appropriate response by the medical assassistant? - ANSWER-Assist the patient in locating a provider to accommodate the patients needs. A medical assistant is reporting a patient fall that occurred in the front lobby of the clinic. What is the purpose of the assistant preparing an incident report? - ANSWER-To avoid future reoccurrences. A medical assistant is making a new sign-in sheet for the patients who have appointments that day. Which of the following information should the sign-in sheet include? - ANSWER-Provider's name A medical assistant is using a scale with a height bar to measure a patient's height. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Lower the horizontal bar gently so that it rests on the top of the patients head. A medical assistant is administering cough syrup to a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-View the medication cup at eye level when pouring. The assistant should view the medication cup at eye level when pouring. Holding the cup below eye level can result in the assistant pouring too much syrup into the medication cup.

A medical assistant is an outpatient facility is preparing a patient for a venipuncture. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to confirm the patient's identity? - ANSWER-Ask the patient to state and spell their full name and provide their date of birth. A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination when he notices that the patients eyes are moving back and forth in a constant, involuntary manner. Which of the following terms should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patients medical record? - ANSWER-Nystagmus Nystagmus is the constant involuntary movement of the eyes in a circular, vertical, or horizontal pattern. A medical assistant has a blood pressure cuff inflated and partially opens the valve to deflate as he listens with a stethoscope. When should he read the diastolic pressure? - ANSWER-When the sound disappears. Where should a medical assistant place the electrode for lead V5? - ANSWER-On the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V4. A medical assistant is drawing five blood collection tubes. When should the assistant release the tourniquet? - ANSWER-Within 1 min of application A medical assistant should follow chain of custody guidelines for which of the following types of laboratory results? - ANSWER-Parentage testing In which of the following positions should a medical assistant place an 18 month old patient when administering ear drops to the right ear? - ANSWER-Right ear facing up with the earlobe pulled down and back. Medical assistant is collecting data from a patient who is experiencing heatstroke. Which of the following manifestations should the assistant expect to find? - ANSWER-Hot skin A medical assistant is using a butterfly needle set to obtain a blood sample from a vein in a patients hand. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Hold the needle by its wings.

A medical assistant receives a chemical splash in her eyes. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first? - ANSWER-Flush the eyes out with tepid water. A medical assistant is reviewing the medical history of a patient who regularly comes into contact with coal and wood dust. The assistant should recognize that this patient is at an increased risk for developing which of the following disorders? - ANSWER-Emphysema Emphysema can be caused by coming into contact with coal and wood dust, which causes damage to the alveoli in the lungs. The parent of a child who has pediculosis is asking a medical assistant for more information about her child's condition. The assistant should begin by explaining that pediculosis is which of the following types of infection? - ANSWER-Parasitic Pediculosis is also known as lice, which is a common parasitic infection that is highly contagious. A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient about the self-administration of insulin injections. Which of the following patient statements indicates an understanding of the teaching? - ANSWER-I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication. A medical assistant is administering eye ointment to a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac. A patient reports getting a bill that includes services she did not receive. Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to reconcile these charges? - ANSWER-Review that days encounter forms to determine if another patient received the services. A medical assistant is assisting a patient who is obese with an insulin injection. Which of the following is the correct angle for this patient's injection? - ANSWER-90 degree angle Which of the following should a medical assistant identify as the purpose of a Category II code in procedural coding? - ANSWER-Tracks provider performance measures.

A medical assistant discovers a garbage can fire has started in the break room of the medical office. According to the RACE acronym for emergency response, which of the following actions should the assistant take first? - ANSWER-Evacuate staff and patients from the immediate area. When performing a first aid procedure to control bleeding of a wound, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take? - ANSWER-Apply layers of sterile gauze. A medical assistant is reviewing the progress notes of a patient's record that uses the SOAP format. Which of the following would the medical assistant find in the assessment section? - ANSWER-Diagnosis The patient's diagnosis is in the assessment section of the progress note. Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use to confirm a patient's understanding of insulin administration? - ANSWER-Observe the patient as she performs a self-demonstration. A medical assistant at a facility receives a call from a patient who is requesting the total cost of a surgical procedure. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the assistant? - ANSWER-Provide the patient with an estimated cost for the procedure. A medical assistant is preparing for a procedure to have a mole excised. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Cleanse the site with surgical soap and an antiseptic. A medical assistant is talking with an older adult patient who sustained a foot fracture in a fall. She reports managing most tasks at home well but has difficulty navigating with her crutches and is currently home bound. To which of the following resources should the assistant refer the patient? - ANSWER- Meals on wheels. A medical assistant is monitoring a patient during a stress test. The patient becomes increasingly short of breath and tachycardic. Abnormalities appear in his EKG rhythm. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first? - ANSWER-Discontinue the test. The assistant should stop the test and immediately notify the provider. Shortness of breath, tachycardia, and abnormalities in an EKG rhythm are all indications of an impending cardiac event.

Which of the following is a CLIA-waived laboratory test? - ANSWER-Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test. Which of the following EKG artifacts is caused by a disconnected electrode and results in the tracing going into the margins of the paper? - ANSWER-interrupted baseline. A medical assistant is preparing 1 g/kg of activated charcoal for a patient who weighs 176 lb. how many grams of charcoal should the assistant prepare? - ANSWER-79grams To convert from lb to kg, multiply 176 lb by 0.45. The correct answer is 79.2, which is rounded to 79. Since the preparation of activated charcoal is 1 g/kg, the ratio of grams of activated charcoal to the patient's weight in kg should be 1:1. Therefore, the amount of activated charcoal the assistant should prepare is 79 g. A medical assistant is preparing the room for a patients general physical. The assistant should recognize that which of the following instruments should be available to the provider for the examination? - ANSWER-Otoscope The provider uses an otoscope to examine the tympanic membrane and the external auditory canal. This instrument should be available for a general physical examination. A medical assistant is composing business correspondence using the simplified letter style. Which of the following features should the assistant use? - ANSWER-A subject line in all capital letters In the simplified letter style, the subject line is in all capital letters and replaces the salutation. A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination and is helping the patient into a dorsal recumbent position. The assistant should identify that this position is described by which of the following? - ANSWER-Lying face up, with the legs bent and feet flat on the table.

The assistant should recognize that positioning the patient lying face up, with the legs bent and feet flat on the table is the dorsal recumbent position. A patient contacts the facility to report a burn injury to her right arm. A medical assistant should identify which of the following pieces of information as necessary when screening for a possible emergency situation? - ANSWER-The cause of the patients burn. The assistant should ask screening questions based on the injury itself. Determining where the burn is located and what caused it are critical pieces of information when screening for a possible emergency situation. A provider prescribes oxycodone for a patient after abdominal surgery. Which of the following describes this type of medication? - ANSWER-Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance and has a high potential for abuse. Oxycodone is a schedule II controlled substance with significant restrictions. Schedule II substances have a high risk of abuse and dependency. A medical assistant is caring for a patient who has come in contact with concrete debris. Upon inspection of the eye, the assistant seed debris on the surface of the sclera. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Irrigate the eye starting at the inner canthus and flowing to the outer canthus. When removing debris from the patient's eye, the assistant should irrigate the eye beginning at the inner canthus and allowing the solution to flow to the outer canthus. This allows the debris to move away from the cornea and decreases the chance of causing further injury to the patient's eye. Which of the following laboratory values should a medical assistant immediately report to a patient's provider? - ANSWER-Blood glucose 500 mg/dL

This blood glucose level is higher than the expected reference range of 70 to 110 mg/dL. A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient who is going home after having extensive suturing to a laceration. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include? - ANSWER-"Be sure to call your provider if you have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit." The assistant should be familiar with the warning signs of infection, including fever. The assistant should instruct the patient to contact the provider if he develops a fever. When assigning a CPT dose, which of the following is the purpose of a modifier? - ANSWER-Provides additional information or circumstances for a procedure. A CPT code modifier adds a higher level of specificity to a procedure code by providing additional information and circumstances related to the procedure. Some examples include modifiers that indicate the patient's physical status, the anatomical location for the procedure, and the use of anesthesia. A medical assistant is administering an intramuscular immunization to a patient. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take? - ANSWER-Cleanse the site in a circular motion from the center outward. The assistant should cleanse the site from the center outward before letting the site dry. This technique helps to make the center of the site as pathogen-free as possible. Which of the following steps for a fingerstick should a medical assistant complete first? - ANSWER- Confirm the correct identity of the patient The assistant should confirm the patient's identity before preparing for the fingerstick procedure.

A medical assistant is reviewing a Medicare claim denial. The assistant determines that there are charges that exceed the usual, customary, and reasonable fees. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Adjust the patient's account to reflect no unpaid charges and write off the balance. According to Medicare guidelines, the fee schedule must follow the usual, customary, and reasonable requirements for repayment. The charges on the patient's account should be written off. As a medical assistant is collecting a blood sample, the patient begins to faint. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to help ensure the patient's safety? - ANSWER-Position the patient flat on her back. Having the patient lie flat will prevent her from sustaining injuries due to falling. If the patient is sitting on an examination table, the assistant should have her lie flat on the table. If the patient is sliding out of a chair, the assistant should help ease her to the floor. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to verify the quality of venipuncture supplies before beginning a blood draw? - ANSWER-Inspect the integrity of the needles seal. Inspecting the needle's seal helps ensure the sterility of the needle. In which of the following positions should a medical assistant place a patient when obtaining a rectal temperature? - ANSWER-Sims' Sims' position is used for examining the rectum and vagina, performing enemas, and obtaining rectal temperatures.

A medical assistant is performing spirometry testing for a patient who has shortness of breath. Which of the following results of the spirometry test indicates a successful maneuver? - ANSWER-A fast and steady flow with no variability. An acceptable spirometry maneuver must have an expiratory flow that is fast and steady with no variability and must also be consistent with two other spirometry maneuvers. A medical assistant is collecting multiple blood samples from a patient. Which of the following vacuum tubes should the assistant fill first? - ANSWER-Yellow (blood culture) To avoid the possibility of contamination with bacteria, the assistant should fill a yellow tube, which is used for blood cultures, first. Which of the following methods is used to notify a provider of the denial of a claim by an insurance carrier? - ANSWER-Remittance advice A remittance advice document itemizes all paid, denied, and allowable charges for a patient. This document notifies the provider of any and all claim denials. A epically assistant is preparing a patient for wearing a Holter monitor. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include? - ANSWER-"You should avoid using an electric blanket during monitoring." The patient should avoid using an electric blanket while wearing a Holter monitor because it can interfere with the recording. A patient arrives at the clinic with a tick bite on his leg. The provider asks a medical assistant to help remove the tick. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Use tweezers to pull the tick away from the skin slowly.

The assistant should grasp the tick with tweezers near the head and pull it away from the patient's skin slowly and steadily. A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient about lifestyle modifications to help regulate his hypertension. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching? - ANSWER-"I only smoke a half a pack each day, so I'll just cut it out completely." A patient who has hypertension should eliminate smoking from his lifestyle completely. The assistant should discuss smoking cessation options to help the patient with this lifestyle modification. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take when performing aseptic hand washing? - ANSWER-Turn off the faucet with a paper towel. The assistant should use a paper towel as a barrier to prevent touching contaminated surfaces, such as the faucet. If available, the assistant can also use the sink's foot pedal mechanism to turn off the sink. A medical assistant is measuring the vital signs of an adult patient. The assistant should identify which of the following blood pressure readings as stage 2 hypertension? - ANSWER-150/95 mm Hg The assistant should identify that a blood pressure value of 150/95 mm Hg indicates stage 2 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is indicated by a systolic pressure of greater than 140 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of greater than 90 mm Hg. A medical assistant is preparing to apply ointment to several abrasions on a patients leg. Which of the following supplies should the medical assistant use to remove the medication from the jar? - ANSWER- Tongue blade

After removing the wrapping, the assistant should use a tongue blade to remove the correct amount of ointment from the jar and spread it on the patient's abrasion. A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination. Which of the following steps should the assistant take first? - ANSWER-Verify the patients identity. The first action the assistant should take is to verify the patient's identity. The assistant should ask the patient to state and spell his full name as well as provide his date of birth. The assistant should then compare this information to the patient's medical record. A pharmacist calls the clinic to confirm an e-prescription request to fill a patient's medication order. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take? - ANSWER-Verify the order with the provider prior to confirming the e-prescription. The assistant should confirm the accuracy of the e-prescription with the provider and then authorize the order with the pharmacist. A medical assistant is observing a patient after administering an antibiotic injection. The patient develops am itchy rash with pinkish, raised lesions. Which of the following terms should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patients medical record? - ANSWER-Urticaria Urticaria is a rash on the skin that consists of hives or wheals, which are itchy, raised lesions. It is a sign of an allergic reaction. A medical assistant is obtaining information for a patients medical history and physical examination. The patient reports intermittent episodes of ringing in his ears. Which of the following terms should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patients medical record? - ANSWER-Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound in the ears. Possible causes include adverse effects of medication as well as aging. A medical assistant is administering an intradermal injection for allergy testing. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Locate the area two to three finger widths below the antecubital space. The assistant should locate this area of the patient's inner forearm for the intradermal injection. The assistant should avoid discolored, pigmented, or scarred areas of skin. A medical assistant is preparing to use a glucometer to measure a patient's blood glucose level. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? - ANSWER-Obtain the blood sample after inserting the test strip into the glucometer. The assistant should insert the test strip into the glucometer prior to collecting the blood specimen. Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use when bandaging a wound? - ANSWER- Wrap the wound from distal to proximal. Wounds should always be wrapped from distal to proximal. A medical assistant is preparing a patient who has intermittent peripheral cyanosis for an examination by the provider. The assistant should understand that healthy perfusion of the hands and feet depends on adequate interaction between which of the following two body systems? - ANSWER-Circulatory and respiratory The assistant should recognize that the respiratory system works in conjunction with the circulatory system to provide oxygen to the body.

Prior to a patients follow up appointment, which of the following information should a medical assistant report to the provider? - ANSWER-Recent laboratory results The assistant should report recent laboratory results to the provider prior to the visit so the provider can review them with the patient during the follow-up appointment. A medical assistant observes a provider failing to perform hand hygiene before beginning to remove sutures from a patients hand. The patient's hand later becomes infected. The assistant should identify that which of the following legal torts has occurred? - ANSWER-Negligence Negligence is the failure to exercise proper care for a patient, such as a provider or assistant not performing hand hygiene before starting a procedure. When speaking with a patient who has moderate hearing loss and read lips, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to aid in communication with the patient? - ANSWER-Use hand gestures. Using hand gestures when speaking can assist in the communication process with a patient who reads lips. A medical assistant is reviewing the list of medications a patient reports currently taking. The assistant should recognize that which of the following medications is available in a sublingual form? - ANSWER- Nitroglycerin Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that is used to treat angina or chest pain. It is available in a sublingual tablet and sublingual spray. A medical assistant is educating an older patient on wound care. Which of the following should the assistant do to ensure patient understandings? - ANSWER-Have the patient repeat information.

Having the patient repeat information requires the patient to demonstrate active listening and helps the assistant to ensure that the patient understands information and instructions. A medical assistant is preparing a patient who has psoriasis to be examined by the provider. When inspecting the patients skin lesions, the assistant should expect to observe which of the following characteristics? - ANSWER-Silvery, scaly Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by pink or red lesions, with scaly patches that have a silvery appearance. A medical assistant is checking a patient out of the clinic. In which of the following documents should the assistant locate information about provider referrals or follow-up appointment requests for the patient? - ANSWER-Encounter form The encounter form, also known as the superbill, contains information about any and all services provided by clinic staff as well as any additional actions required, including referrals and follow-up appointments. According to OSHA guidelines, a medical assistant should dispose of blood-soiled gauze in which of the following? - ANSWER-Red biohazard bag Blood-soiled gauze should be disposed of in a red biohazard bag. Which of the following cell structures is the source of energy for a cell? - ANSWER-Mitochondria Mitochondria assist with converting energy from nutrients into a form that can be used by cells.

Which of the following body systems should be evaluated for a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis? - ANSWER- Gastrointestinal Pyloric stenosis is the narrowing and hardening of the pyloric sphincter. It can be the result of scar tissue caused by chronic conditions or can be a congenital defect in infants. The pyloric sphincter is located at the distal end of the stomach, which is a part of the gastrointestinal system. A medical assistant is explaining a venipuncture procedure to a patient. Which of the following statements should the assistant make? - ANSWER-"I'll be collecting a blood sample from you today. There will be a small stick in your arm." This statement offers the patient sufficient information about the venipuncture procedure. Which of the following routes for taking a patient's temperature is the most accurate? - ANSWER-Rectal The rectal route is the most accurate method for obtaining a patient's temperature because the rectum is the most closed cavity. A medical assistant is preparing to sanitize contaminated equipment. Which of the following pieces of equipment can a medical assistant sanitize and reuse without needing to disinfect or sterilize it? - ANSWER-Otoscope Pieces of equipment that require only sanitization but not disinfection and sterilization include otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, stethoscopes, penlights, and tuning forks. A patient at an urgent care facility reports that she vomited and saw blood in the vomitus. Which of the following terms should a medical assistant use to document the patient's report? - ANSWER- Hematemesis

Hematemesis is a term used to document blood in the patient's vomitus. The assistant should use this term to document the finding in the patient's report. Which of the following tasks is within the scope of practice for a medical assistant in a clinic setting? - ANSWER-Removing sutures from a healing laceration. The assistant can remove sutures from a healing laceration and provide general wound care, including dressing changes. When unloading an autoclave machine, a medical assistant notices spots on the instruments. The assistant should recognize that this is a result of which of the following? - ANSWER-Mineral deposits from tapwater. The assistant should recognize that spots or stains on instruments are caused by mineral deposits from the tap water. A pulse oximeter can register an artificially low oxygen saturation measurement for a patient who has which of the following medications conditions? - ANSWER-Cold fingers Cold fingers indicate low perfusion and might result in an artificially low pulse oximetry reading. A first-time patient is late arriving to the office. Which of the following should the medical assistant say first? - ANSWER-"Hello welcome to our office." The assistant should greet and welcome the patient before checking him in, making appointments, or checking on a bill.

A medical assistant is providing instruction to a patient on how to take an extended-release medication by mouth (PO). Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? - ANSWER-"I can crush or chew the pill if it is too hard for me to swallow." Extended-release pills should never be crushed or chewed. When informed consent is required for a procedure, which of the following steps should occur prior to the patient signing the form? - ANSWER-The provider should review alternate procedures with the patient. The provider should include information about alternative procedures before informed consent is obtained from a patient. A medical assistant has requested a preauthorization for a patient's referral to a specialist. Which of the following is a reason for the claim submitting by the specialist to be denied? - ANSWER-The service is provided after the expiration date. The assistant should recognize that an authorization provided for a specialist indicates a range of dates for evaluation and treatment. Any action taken outside of this range is subject to denial of payment. Which of the following instructions should a medical assistant provide to a patient regarding transdermal patch use and care? - ANSWER-"Make sure to rotate patch placement to avoid skin irritation." To avoid irritating the skin, the patient should rotate the placement of the patch to different locations of the body with each new patch application.

A patient loses consciousness. The EKG tracing reveals ventricular fibrillation. Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take first? - ANSWER-Call for help and begin CPR According to the American Heart Association's resuscitation guidelines, the assistant should call for help and perform CPR immediately after witnessing a cardiac arrest. Which of the following is outside of a medical assistants scope of practice? - ANSWER-To order additional laboratory tests to confirm the patients condition. It is outside of a medical assistant's scope of practice to order additional laboratory tests without a provider's prescription. A medical assistant is performing hand hygiene using an alcohol based hand rub. The assistant should recognize that which of the following information about alcohol based hand rubs is correct? - ANSWER- Alcohol-based hand rub should not be applied to one hand then rubbed it between both hands. The assistant should apply the recommended amount of alcohol-based hand rub solution to one hand and rub it between both hands, covering all surfaces until dry. Which of the following medical record documentation templates is organized by the entity that supplied the data? - ANSWER-Source orientated Source-oriented documentation is organized by the entity that supplied the data. At what time of day will a patient's body temperature be at its lowest? - ANSWER-In the morning