Medical Assistant Practice Exam Questions and Answers, Exams of Nursing

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d) shortness of breath Other manifestations include edema and fatigue - A medical assistant is preparing a patient who has congestive heart failure (CHF) for an exam by the provider. Which of the following manifestation should the assistant expect? a) palpitations b) headaches c) chest pain d) shortness of breath a) count the respirations while the patient thinks the pulse is being taken To obtain the most accurate reading, this must be done when the patient is not expecting it - When measuring a patient's respiratory rate, which of the following actions should the MA take to ensure an accurate reading? a) count the respirations while the patient thinks the pulse is being taken b) instruct the patient to breathe normally while counting breaths c) count the respirations for 15 seconds and multiply by 2 d) instruct the patient to take deep breaths while obtaining his pulse d) potassium 3 mEq/L Normal potassium range is 3.5-5 mEq/L - Which of the following laboratory results should the medical assistant recognize is abnormal? a) sodium 138 mEq/L b) RBC count 5.2/mm^ c) platelets 350/mm^ d) potassium 3 mEq/L c) scissors Scissors are considered cutting and dissecting instruments because they include a sharp blade or surface for cutting, dissecting, or scraping. The other tools are not for dissecting or cutting. - A provider has requested a dissecting instrument on a sterile tray

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that an MA is preparing. Which of the following instruments should the assistant include on the tray? a) retractors b) thumb forceps c) scissors d) probes b) OSHA Form 301 This is also known as an incident report regarding work-related injury or illness. - An MA is replacing a sharps container in an exam room and receives a small laceration on her arm from the plastic lid. Which of the following types of documentation should the assistant complete as a result of this incident? a) Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) b) OSHA Form 301 c) CMS- 1500 claim Form d) Quality control log d) fasting blood glucose 168 mg/dL Fasting BGL should be between 70-130 mg/dL. - An MA is reviewing a patient's medical history prior to the patient's appointment. Which of the following lab results indicates the need to schedule an extension of the current visit? a) hematocrit 42.2% b) BUN 10 mg/dL c) Potassium 4.3 mEq/L d) fasting blood glucose 168 mg/dL d) "Place the tablet between your gums and cheek." - An MA is reinforcing instructions with a patient about how to take a buccal tablet. Which of the following instructions should the assistant give the patient? a) "Swallow the tablet whole." b) "Place the tablet under your tongue." c) "Dissolve the tablet in water." d) "Place the tablet between your gums and cheek." a) dyspnea - Which of the following terms should an MA use to tell a provider that a patient is having discomfort and difficulty breathing? a) dyspnea b) eupnea c) pneumothorax

d) pneumonia a) remittance advice This document itemizes all paid, denied, and allowable charges for a patient. It notifies the provider of any and all claim denials. - Which of the following methods is used to notify a provider of the denial of a claim by an insurance carrier? a) remittance advice b) coordination of benefits c) eligibility for insurance d) CMS- 1500 claim form a) lithotomy - Which of the following positions is appropriate for a pelvic exam? a) lithotomy b) prone c) supine d) high-Fowler's c) holter monitor application - Which of the following cardiac procedures is within an MA's scope of practice and does not require a licensed technician or provider to assist or perform it? a) cardiac doppler b) nuclear stress test c) holter monitor application d) angiogram c) interrupted baseline - Which of the following EKG artifacts is caused by a disconnected electrode and results in the tracing going into the margins of the paper? a) wandering baseline b) AC interference c) interrupted baseline d) somatic tremor d) "I know you are concerned about your test results, We'll call you as soon as your results come in." - An MA receives a phone call from a patient who seems anxious about the results of a test. Which of the following responses should the assistant make? a) "The doctor is busy right now and will call you back. You don't really want me to give you the results, do you?" b) "I'm afraid it's bad news. I would get a second opinion if I were you." c) "Don't worry about it. Until we say you have something to worry about, try to relax."

d) "I know you are concerned about your test results, We'll call you as soon as your results come in." a) gown Scabies requires contact precautions. Therefore, the MA should wear gloves and a gown. - An MA is assisting with the physical exam of a patient who has scabies. Besides gloves, which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment should the assistant wear? a) gown b) mask c) goggles d) N95 respiratory b) call for help and begin CPR - A patient loses consciousness. The EKG tracing reveals ventricular fibrillation (V-fib). Which of the following actions should the MA take first? a) notify the provider of the arrest b) call for help and begin CPR c) get the automated external defibrillator (AED) d) administer oxygen b) a subject line in all caps A simplified letter style does not have a closing, is flush with the left margin, has no indentations, and has a subject line in all capital letters - An MA is composing a business correspondence using the simplified letter style. Which of the following features should the assistant use? a) a complimentary closing b) a subject line in all caps c) indented paragraphs in the body of the letter d) center-aligned dateline and salutation b) on the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V4 - Where should a medical assistant place the electrode for V5? a) on the left mid-axillary line, horizontal to V b) on the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V c) on the left mid-clavicular line, 5th intercostal space d) on the right margin of the sternum, 4th intercostal space a) 170 cm

Convert 5'7" to inches (67 inches). Convert inches to cm (1 in = 2.54 cm). - An MA is caring for a patient who is 5'7" tall. Which of the following is the patient's height in cm? a) 170 cm b) 145 cm c) 114 cm d) 26 cm a) wrap the wound from distal to proximal - Which of the following should an MA use when bandaging a wound? a) wrap the wound from distal to proximal b) bandage fingers and toes to prevent further injury c) extend the wound dressing 3-5 inches beyond the bandage d) moisten and apply ointment before bandaging b) order additional lab tests to confirm the patient's condition - Which of the following is outside of an MA's scope of practice? a) perform clinical duties under the direct supervision of the provider b) order additional lab tests to confirm the patient's condition c) provide directions to a patient about preparation for a diagnostic test d) reinforce instructions about medications and special diets a) problem-focused exam Problem-focused exams are limited to a single body area or system mentioned in the chief complaint. - A patient is seen in an urgent care center for a laceration to the left foot. The provider evaluates the injury, determines sutures are not needed, applies a dressing, and releases the patient. Which of the following levels of examination should an MA use for the procedural coding for this visit? a) problem-focused exam b) expanded problem-focused exam c) detailed exam d) comprehensive exam c) recent lab results - Prior to a patient's follow up appointment, which of the following information should an MA report to the provider? a) anthropometric measurements b) the date of an upcoming mammogram c) recent lab results d) a change in the patient's insurance policy

d) "It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex." - An MA is reviewing a provider's instructions as the patient is preparing to leave the office. The provider recommends that the patient purchases an over-the-counter (OTC) antitussive, but the patient does not know what an antitussive is. Which of the following responses should the assistant say? a) "It is a medication that reduces nasal membrane swelling." b) "It is a medication that helps with coughing up mucus." c) "It is a medication that relieves allergy symptoms." d) "It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex." b) "Select a different application location for each new patch." - An MA is reinforcing teaching with a patient about the use and care of a transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include in the teaching? a) "Do not shower with the patch on." b) "Select a different application location for each new patch." c) "Apply lotion to your skin before applying the patch." d) "Remove the old patch 1 hour before applying the new patch." b) Sims' - In which of the following positions should an MA place a healthy patient in preparation for a rectal exam? a) lithotomy b) Sims' c) supine d) Trendelenburg d) confirm the correct identity of the patient - Which of the following steps for a fingerstick should an MA complete first? a) cleanse the site with an antiseptic wipe b) select the appropriate part of the 3rd or 4th finger c) position the blade of the lancet across the lines of the fingertips d) confirm the correct identity of the patient c) cilia - Which of the following cell structures is instrumental in helping the body mobilize and secrete mucus from the respiratory tract? a) centrioles b) ribosomes c) cilia d) mitochondria

a) ask the patient to state and spell their full name and provide their DOB - An MA in an outpatient facility is preparing a patient for a venipuncture. Which of the following actions should the MA take to confirm the patient's identity? a) ask the patient to state and spell their full name and provide their DOB b) ask the patient for the provider's name c) as the patient to state their age and address d) ask the patient to confirm their exam room number d) "I will record any symptoms I experience in the event log." - An MA is reinforcing teaching about a cardiac event monitor with a patient. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the procedure? a) "I will return the monitor after wearing it for 24 hours." b) "I will discontinue my usual exercise routine." c) " I will avoid removing the electrodes." d) "I will record any symptoms I experience in the event log." a) receive and prepare tissue specimens for processing - When assisting a provider with a punch biopsy of a mole, which of the following tasks should an MA expect to perform? a) receive and prepare tissue specimens for processing b) swab fluids from the biopsy site c) retract the edges of the biopsy site d) place sutures at the incision site c) inspect the integrity of the needle's seal This helps ensure the needle is sterile. - Which of the following actions should an MA take to verify the quality of the venipuncture supplies before beginning a blood draw? a) determine that the tourniquet is the proper size b) check the vacuum of the tube c) inspect the integrity of the needle's seal d) verify that the adapter is the correct color c) using an OTC vaginal cream prior to the test - An MA is contacting a patient to schedule a repeat Papanicolaou test due to abnormal results. The MA should identify which of the following factors can interfere with the test results? a) engaging in intercourse 48 hr prior to the test b) douching 1 week prior to the test c) using an OTC vaginal cream prior to the test d) taking prescribed oral birth control pills

d) the service is provided after the expiration date - An MA has requested a preauthorization for a patient's referral to a specialist. Which of the following is a reason for the claim submitted by the specialist to be denied? a) the approved visits are listed in the authorization comments section b) the patient previously submitted and received a self-referral c) the specialty provider's NPI is not included in the authorization d) the service is provided after the expiration date d) left heel If a child is under 12 months, the heel should be used for routine testing even if there is a well-developed vein available because it is sufficient and causes less trauma. - An MA has a request to collect a routine CBC from a health 10-month-old infant. Which of the following is the most appropriate collection site? a) 3rd finger of the left hand b) medial antecubital (AC) vein c) cephalic vein d) left heel a) "I think that you feel that your treatment is not effective." This statement validates that patient's feelings using the restatement technique without giving the patient unfounded reassurance, being defensive, or giving medical advice. - A patient tells the MA that his provider's office is incompetent, as there is no improvement in his condition. Which of the following is an appropriate response for the assistant to make? a) "I think that you feel that your treatment is not effective." b) "I'm sure that the provider can help you get better." c) "That isn't fair. Our office treats many patients successfully." d) "You could take a different medication and then you'll feel better." c) compile a list of local community agencies The first step is to research, identify, and create a list of local community resources and services. - An MA is preparing a community resource library. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first? a) collect feedback from patients about their experiences with the resources b) update the community resource information c) compile a list of local community agencies d) make a spreadsheet that has the contact information of services b) daytime phone number

Patient's name, phone number, and brief description of reason for visit should be on the appointment calendar. Does not need diagnosis code, DOB, or identification number in the calendar. - Which of the following should the MA enter into the appointment calendar when scheduling a patient for a skin rash? a) diagnosis code for dermatitis b) daytime phone number c) date of birth d) patient's identification number b) "Liniments contain a higher portion of oil than medicated lotions." - A patient asks an MA to explain the difference between a liniment and a medicated lotion. Which of the following responses is correct? a) "Medicated lotions are used to treat disorders in the muscle and bones." b) "Liniments contain a higher portion of oil than medicated lotions." c) "Liniments are used to control itching." d) "Medicated lotions are emulsions used to protect dried or cracked skin." b) lift the first knot away from the skin - An MA is removing sutures from a patient who has a laceration on the left lower leg. After setting up the sterile field, which of the following actions should the MA take? a) discard each of the sutures b) lift the first knot away from the skin c) cut the knot to remove it from the suture d) use bandage scissors to cut the suture a) just above the knee - An MA is reviewing a patient's recent medical Hx and notes that she has a healing fracture of the distal femur. Where on the patient's body should the assistant expect to find the injury? a) just above the knee b) just above the elbow c) just below the hip d) just below the shoulder a) review that days' encounter forms to determine if another patient received the services - A patient reports getting a bill that includes services she did not receive. Which of the following actions should the MA take to reconcile these charges? a) review that days' encounter forms to determine if another patient received the services b) instruct the patient to pay for the services to avoid collection procedures c) ask the provider to write off the charges on the patient's account

d) determine if the patient has a previous balance d) head circumference - An MA is monitoring an infant patient for microcephaly. Which of the following describes the anthropometric measurement that the assistant should perform? a) length b) weight c) chest circumference d) head circumference d) call the pharmacy to confirm the receipt of the faxed prescription - An MA is faxing a prescription to a patient's pharmacy. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) send the prescription without a cover page b) shred the confirmation of transmission message to ensure the patient's privacy c) request that the provider d) call the pharmacy to confirm the receipt of the faxed prescription d) remain within the patient's view to allow lip-reading - An MA is collecting a health history from an older adult patient who exhibits moderate hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a) keep her hands still to avoid distracting the patient b) speak with a raised pitch when clarifying information c) use longer sentences to keep the patient's attention d) remain within the patient's view to allow lip-reading b) a fast and steady flow with no variability - An MA 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? a) a slow and progressive start b) a fast and steady flow with no variability c) an exhalation of 3 seconds d) light coughing during the test d) check capillary refill in the patient's finger If capillary refill is adequate (2 seconds or less) then the MA may apply the sensor to the finger. Otherwise, attach it to the earlobe or nose. Additionally, you do not need to report a pulse ox reading to the provider unless it is below 95%. - An MA is measuring a patient's oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a) report a reading of 97% to the provider

b) wash the site with soap and water c) instruct the patient to take several deep breaths while the sensor is in place d) check capillary refill in the patient's finger a) "I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication." The patient should do this to ensure the medication is suspended properly. They should also rotate injections sites and inject at a 45- to 90-degree angle. - An MA 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? a) "I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication." b) "I will blow on the site to make sure the alcohol dries." c) "I will consistently use the same site for my injections." d) "I will hold the needle at a 15 - degree angle for the injection." a) 30 mm Hg above the radial pulse cessation For the palpatory method, you should palpate the radial pulse and inflate the pressure of the cuff to 30 mm Hg above when you feel the radial pulse disappear. - When performing the palpatory method for obtaining blood pressure, which of the following indicates the level at which the MA should inlate the cuff? a) 30 mm Hg above the radial pulse cessation b) 30 mm Hg above the brachial pulse cessation c) 30 mm Hg above the reappearance of the radial pulse d) 30 mm Hg above the reappearance of the brachial pulse b) diagnosis code Without a supported diagnosis code, the provider will not receive reimbursement for the procedure - Which of the following items included on the CMS-1500 claim form should an MA recognize as indicating the medical necessity of a procedure? a) modifier b) diagnosis code c) charges d) place of service b) home health care Home health care organizations provide assistance with medications, wound care, and other services needed in a patient's own home. - A provider examines an older adult patient who is disabled and has a lesion on her arm. An MA should anticipate a referral for this patient to which of the following ancillary services?

a) diagnostic services b) home health care c) rehabilitation services d) hospice care c) $ The patient owes $20 for his copayment and is responsible for 10% of the $ (coinsurance), which is $20. In total, the patient owes $40. - An MA is determining the amount a patient will be required to pay for a scheduled procedure that has an allowable amount of $200. The patient has a $20 copayment, a 90/10 coinsurance, and has met his deductible. What is the total amount the patient is expected to pay the provider for this procedure? a) $ b) $ c) $ d) $ b) pears with skin All of the answers contain 0.5g-1.0g of insoluble fiber, but pears with skin have the most fiber at 4g per serving. - An MA is encouraging a patient to increase her intake of insoluble fiber to help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. Which of the following foods should the MA recommend as the best source of insoluble fiber? a) cooked white rice b) pears with skin c) strawberries d) popcorn c) hold sharps by the blunt end to avoid a needlestick injury (A) is incorrect because you should not re-cap needles as this increases the risk for needlestick injury. (B) is incorrect because unused ampules should be restocked. (D) is incorrect because the sharps container gets disposed of when it is 2/3 full. - An MA is cleaning an examination room after assisting a provider with a biopsy. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) place the caps back on the needles to reduce of puncturing the sharps container b) break off the tops of unused ampules and discard the liquid c) hold sharps by the blunt end to avoid a needlestick injury d) dispose of the sharps container once it is completely full

b) dispose of the linen hamper's contents as a biohazard - A provider places an open sharps container in the linen hamper by mistake. Which of the following actions is appropriate for the MA to take? a) question the provider b) dispose of the linen hamper's contents as a biohazard c) disinfect the contents of the linen hamper with bleach d) prepare a report for OSHA a) to prove the office was not negligent - A patient calls the clinic to cancel a postoperative appointment and states that she will reschedule at a later date. For which of the following reasons should the MA document this information on the patient's chart? a) to prove the office was not negligent b) to explain the loss of revenue c) to deny future appointments d) to demonstrate confidentiality d) consult with the provider before continuing to process the prescription - An MA is entering a new prescription into a patient's EMR. While entering the prescription, an alert notifying the MA of a medication interaction appears on the screen. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) override the alert and enter the prescription b) call the pharmacist to obtain information about alternative medications c) notify the patient of possible interactions with the prescribed medication d) consult with the provider before continuing to process the prescription a) airborne Varicella zoster (chicken pox) is spread by air and contact. - An MA is caring for a child who has varicella zoster virus. The MA should recognize this virus is transferred through which of the following modes of transmission? a) airborne b) bloodborne c) vector-borne d) foodborne a) observe the patient as she performs a self-demonstration - Which of the following techniques should an MA use to confirm a patient's understanding of insulin administration? a) observe the patient as she performs a self-demonstration b) provide the patient with written instructions c) offer the patient a website to visit for instructions

d) repeat the instructions to the patient d) leads I, II, and III - Which of the following groups of EKG leads are bipolar? a) leads V1, V2, and V b) leads V4, V5, and V c) leads aVR, aVL, and aVF d) leads I, II, and III b) American Red Cross - An MA is talking with a patient who is experiencing home displacement following a hurricane. To which of the following resources should the assistant refer the patient for information, support, and links to community services? a) Dept. of Health and Human Services b) American Red Cross c) National Council on Aging d) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention c) abdomen For people with BKAs, the abdomen or thighs are appropriate alternative sites for EKG lead placement. - An MA is preparing a patient who has bilateral below-the-knee amputations (BKA) for an EKG. Which of the following sites should the MA select for electrode placement? a) lower arms b) elbows c) abdomen d) knees b) apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac - An MA is administering eye ointment to a patient. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) hold the ointment tube parallel to and above the patient's eye b) apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac c) apply the ointment from the outer canthus to the inner canthus d) have the patient keep her eye open after the application c) Whistleblower Act - Which of the following pieces of legislation keeps health care staff safe from retaliation by their employers when they report cases of patient neglect and abuse? a) Good Samaritan Act b) HITECH Act c) Whistleblower Act d) Patient's Bill of Rights

a) vigorously dry the patient's skin prior to electrode placement - When preparing a patient for a Holter monitor, which of the following actions should an MA take? a) vigorously dry the patient's skin prior to electrode placement b) apply the electrodes while the patient is in a standing position c) ensure tension is on the lead wires after electrodes are in place d) wash the patient's skin with soap and water prior to electrode placement c) parentage testing Chain of custody guidelines apply to drug screens, forensic studies, blood alcohol levels, and parentage testing. - An MA should follow chain of custody guidelines for which of the following types of lab results? a) digoxin levels b) blood cultures c) parentage testing d) lead levels d) a tongue blade - An MA is preparing to apply ointment to several abrasions on a patient's leg. Which of the following supplies should the MA use to remove medication from the jar? a) a gloved finger b) a syringe c) a cotton ball d) a tongue blade a) the 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line - In which of the following locations should an MA place the electrode for lead V4? a) the 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line b) the 4th intercostal space, left sternal border c) the left midaxillary line, lateral to V d) the anterior axillary line, lateral to V c) paid in full by workers' comp - A patient arrives at a clinic with a bill for X-rays that were required due to an injury at the patient's place of employment. The patient has private insurance and is eligible for workers' comp. The MA should recognize that which of the following parties is responsible for payment of the bill? a) paid in full by the patient b) pain in full by the patient's private insurance c) paid in full by workers' comp d) paid in part by private insurance and in part by workers' comp

d) ask the patient if he hears the vibration louder in one ear than the other The Weber test is performed to determine if hearing is better in one ear than the other. - An MA is checking a patient's hearing using the Weber test. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) position a vibrating tuning fork over the patient's mastoid process b) invert vibrating tuning fork while the patient still hears the sound c) instruct the patient to raise his hand when he no longer hears any sound d) ask the patient if he hears the vibration louder in one ear than the other b) rectal - What is the most accurate method to take a patient's temperature? a) axillary b) rectal c) oral d) temporal a) papules Papules are solid elevations that are <0.5 cm in diameter. Macules are a different color than the surrounding skin and are flat with no elevation or depression. Vesicles are small fluid-filled blisters, such as herpes. Pustules are pus-filled blisters, such as acne. - An MA is examining the skin on a patient's forearm where the patient reports a developing rash. The MA notes multiple solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm in diameter. Which of the following terms should be used to document his observations in the patient's medical record? a) papules b) macules c) vesicles d) pustules a) disinfection This method is more effective that sanitizing and will not damage the cables like sterilization and soaking would. - Which of the following techniques should an MA use for the routine cleaning of EKG cables? a) disinfection b) sanitization c) sterilization d) soaking b) make sure the patient does not lean forward during the test

Have the patient stand 20 feet from the chart. Ask them to keep their left eye open behind an occluder while testing the left eye. Have them read from largest line to smallest or when they can no longer read the letters. Make sure they do not lean forward during the test as this may alter the results. - An MA is resting a patient's visual acuity using a Snellen chart. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) position the patient 40 feet from the chart b) make sure the patient does not lean forward during the test c) have the patient close her left eye behind an occluder when testing the right eye d) ask the patient to read the smallest line first and then proceed to the largest a) coach the patient through the test Vital signs are checked before and after the test. The MA should coach the patient during the test. - Which of the following an MA's role in pulmonary function testing (PFT)? a) coach the patient through the test b) check the patient's vitals during the test to ensure stability c) administer the proper medication prior to the test d) instruct the patient in the use of the inhaler used in testing a) hold the needle by its wings - An MA is using a butterfly needle to obtain a blood sample from a vein in a patient's hand. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) hold the needle by its wings b) insert the needle at a 45° angle c) release the tourniquet after 2 minutes d) activate the safety device before removing the needle c) inject the medication slowly For subcutaneous injections, you insert the needle quickly, release the skin, and inject the medication slowly. - An MA is administering heparin subcutaneously. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) spread the skin taut over the injection site b) insert the needle at a 30° angle c) inject the medication slowly d) massage the site after removing the needle d) chlorhexidine

This is an antiseptic agent used to clean skin before drawing blood cultures. - An MA should use which of the following solutions to prepare a patient's skin prior to drawing blood cultures? a) benzoin tincture b) hydrogen peroxide c) isopropyl alcohol d) chlorhexidine c) parasitic Pediculosis is also known as lice. - The parent of a child who has pediculosis is asking an MA for more information about her child's condition. The MA should begin by explaining that pediculosis is which of the following types of infection? a) fungal b) bacterial c) parasitic d) helminthic b) validate the patient's signature All other actions are the responsibility of the provider, not the MA acting as a witness. - An MA is witnessing a patient sign an informed consent form. Which of the following is the responsibility of the MA acting as a witness? a) ensure the patient understands the procedure b) validate the patient's signature c) evaluate if the patient is competent d) recommend alternative treatments to the patient a) sanitization Sanitization is the first step of cleaning instruments followed by disinfection and sterilization. - An MA is responsible for cleaning the instruments used in a minor surgery. Which of the following is the first step in this process? a) sanitization b) chemical sterilization c) disinfection d) autoclave a) database management - An MA is preparing to create a report about patients who have a family Hx of breast cancer. Which of the following types of software will allow the MA to sort, retrieve, and combine information for this report?

a) database management b) accounting and billing c) appointment scheduling d) word processor d) instruct the patient to contact the insurer about the denial of payment - An MA receives a denial of payment for a patient's cholecystectomy. The reason stated is "noncovered service." If this procedure was deemed emergent by the provider, which of the following actions should the MA take? a) submit an appeal for the denied claim b) submit a new claim c) resubmit the claim with a new diagnosis code d) instruct the patient to contact the insurer about the denial of payment b) January 1, 2019 - An MA is writing a piece of professional correspondence to a consulting provider. Which of the following is the appropriate way to date the letter? a) January 1st, 2019 b) January 1, 2019 c) 1st of January, 2019 d) 01/01/ c) tracks provider performance measures - Which of the following should an MA identify as the purpose of a category II code in procedural coding? a) indicates special circumstances b) works as a temporary code c) tracks provider performance measures d) identifies preventive measures c) sterilization Sterilization kills all microbial life and should be used to cleanse medical instruments. - An MA 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? a) disinfection b) sanitization c) sterilization d) ultrasonic d) circulatory and respiratory - An MA is preparing a patient who has intermittent peripheral cyanosis for an exam by the provider. The MA should understand that healthy perfusion of the hands and feet depends on adequate interaction between which of the following two body systems?

a) muscular and digestive b) integumentary and lymphatic c) endocrine and skeletal d) circulatory and respiratory b) nitroglycerin NTG is available in sublingual, topical, patch, and oral forms. - An MA is reviewing the list of medications a patient reports currently taking. The MA should recognize which of the following medications is available in sublingual form? a) propranolol b) nitroglycerin c) metoprolol d) atorvastatin d) provide the prescription in writing for the patient to take to the pharmacy Schedule II drugs, such as oxycodone, require a hand-written prescription to be delivered to the pharmacy by hand. - An MA is transcribing a patient's routine prescription for oxycodone. Which of the following methods should the MA use to process this prescription? a) fax the prescription to the pharmacy b) give the prescription verbally to the pharmacist c) submit the prescription to the pharmacy electronically d) provide the prescription in writing for the patient to take to the pharmacy c) drop the syringe, needle first, into the biohazard sharps container - An MA is disposing of the syringe and needle she used to inject an influenza vaccine. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) recap the needle before disposing of it in the biohazard sharps container b) use a gauze square to break off the needle and place it in the biohazard sharps container c) drop the syringe, needle first, into the biohazard sharps container d) replace the biohazard sharps container when it is half full c) position the infant on his back - Which of the following actions should an MA take when obtaining the length of an infant during a well-child visit? a) remove the infant's diaper b) wrap the infant in a blanket for warmth c) position the infant on his back d) keep the infant's knees flexed

c) send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection For drug screens, the specimen should be sent for testing on the same day it was collected. The specimen cup should contain 35-40 mL of urine. The MA should check the temperature of the specimen 4 minutes after collection. - An MA is collecting a urine specimen for a drug screen. Which of the following actions should the MA take to adhere to the chain of custody for this specimen? a) ensure the specimen has a volume of 20 mL b) record the specimen's temperature 8 minutes after collection c) send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection d) ask the provider to supervise the collection and shipment of the specimen c) ac AC means before meals. PC means after meals. HS means at bedtime or "hour of sleep." PRN means as needed. - Which of the following abbreviations is correct when transcribing a prescription to be taken before meals? a) pc b) hs c) ac d) prn b) assist the patient in locating a provider to accommodate her needs - A patient requests a female provider perform her exam due to religious reasons. A female provider is not available. Which of the following responses is appropriate? a) decline treatment to the patient b) assist the patient in locating a provider to accommodate her needs c) reassure the patient that the male provider will be respectful d) instruct the patient to visit an ER True - True or False: According to the American Association of Medical Assistants' Code of Ethics, you may not share any information about what happens at work with people outside of the office. b) negligence - An MA drops an instrument on the floor while setting up a sterile tray for a procedure. He picks the instrument up and places it back in the sterile field. A few days after the procedure, the patient calls the office with concerns about infection and redness surrounding the procedure site. Which of the following torts has the MA committed? a) abandonment b) negligence

c) battery d) defamation a) locate the area 2-3 finger-widths below the antecubital space - An MA is administering an intradermal injection for allergy testing. Which of the following actions should the MA take? a) locate the area 2-3 finger-widths below the antecubital space b) pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger c) insert the needle with the bevel pointed down d) inject the solution rapidly with the needle positioned at a 30° angle d) evacuate the staff and patients from the immediate area - An MA discovers a garbage fire has started in the break room. According to the RACE acronym, what is the first action the MA should take? a) close the doors and windows b) turn off the oxygen in the adjacent exam rooms c) use the office fire extinguisher d) evacuate the staff and patients from the immediate area d) 90° Subcutaneous injections are usually inserted at a 45° angle, but for obese patients, a 90° angle is more appropriate. - An MA is assisting a patient who is obese with an insulin injection. What is the angle at which the needle should be inserted? a) 15° b) 25° c) 30° d) 90° c) pull the pinna of the ear up and back This manipulates the external ear canal to allow the irrigation solution to circulate through it and drain more easily. - An MA is performing an ear irrigation for an adult patient who has a cerumen impaction. Which of the following steps should the MA complete prior to administering the irrigation solution? a) cool the irrigation solution to 15.6° C (60° F) b) place the patient in prone position c) pull the pinna of the ear up and back d) insert a cotton-tipped applicator into the ear canal

b) physician assistant - An MA 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? a) pharmacist b) physician assistant c) respiratory therapist d) registered nurse a) "I'll be collecting a blood sample from you today. There will be a small stick in your arm." - An MA is explaining a venipuncture to a patient. Which of the following statements should the MA make? a) "I'll be collecting a blood sample from you today. There will be a small stick in your arm." b) "I'm here to draw a blood sample for a test. It won't hurt at all." c) "I'll be puncturing your vein with this needle. Hopefully, you won't feel the vacuum in the tube draw your blood." d) "I'm going to draw a blood sample. I'm sure that you aren't going to faint." d) 90° - An MA is administering an intramuscular (IM) injection into the gluteus medius of an adult patient. At what angle should the needle be inserted? a) 15° b) 25° c) 45° d) 90° b) ID - Which of the following routes of administration should an MA use when performing a tuberculin skin test? a) IM b) ID c) IV d) subQ d) cap the tubes to avoid omission of aerosols - When using a centrifuge, an MA must do which of the following to ensure safety and accuracy? a) use an odd number of tubes in the centrifuge b) place metal cups at the bottom of carrier cups c) open the centrifuge as it begins to slow in speed d) cap the tubes to avoid omission of aerosols b) in the ear - An MA is taking a patient's temperature via the tympanic membrane. Where will the MA place the thermometer?

a) on the forehead b) in the ear c) under the tongue d) under the arm c) morning - At what time of day will a patient's body temperature be the lowest? a) late afternoon b) before bedtime c) morning d) midday b) cluster scheduling - A clinic schedules all cardiac patients on Mondays and Wednesdays and all oncology patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Which of the following types of scheduling is being used? a) stream scheduling b) cluster scheduling c) wave scheduling d) modified wave scheduling d) hemostat A hemostat is an instrument for preventing the flow of blood from an open blood vessel by compression of the vessel and is an appropriate instrument to use while suturing a wound. - An MA is preparing to assist a provider with suturing a wound. Which of the following items should be in the sterile field for this procedure? a) bandages b) skin retractor c) scalpel d) hemostat c) silvery, scaly - An MA is preparing a patient who has psoriasis to be examined by the provider. When inspecting a patient's skin lesions, the MA should expect to observe which of the following characteristics? a) yellow, waxy b) gray, crusty c) silvery, scaly d) brown, flat d) place the stethoscope's diaphragm over the patient's palpated artery - An MA is obtaining a blood pressure measurement from an adult patient. Which of the following actions should the MA take to ensure an accurate reading?

a) instruct the patient to sit with his legs crossed b) position the patient's cuffed arm above the level of his heart c) apply the cuff to the patient's arm with the weaker palpated pulse d) place the stethoscope's diaphragm over the patient's palpated artery b) before a patient is tested - When should the code on glucose cuvettes be compared to the code on the glucometer? a) after a new package of cuvettes is opened b) before a patient is tested c) at the beginning of a shift d) following an error code a) "Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water." - Which of the following instructions should an MA give to a patient when administering an enteric-coated tablet? a) "Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water." b) "Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing." c) "Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water before drinking." d) "Crush the tablet and mix it in with applesauce." c) warm the patient's hands - An MA is preparing to perform a capillary collection on an older adult patient who has poor circulation in his hands. Which of the following techniques should the MA use to increase circulation at the collection site? a) hold the patient's hand above the heart b) squeeze the patient's fingers c) warm the patient's hands d) apply a tourniquet above the patient's wrist c) the provider should review alternative procedures with the patient - When informed consent is required for a procedure, which of the following steps should occur prior to the patient signing the form? a) the MA should explain the procedure to the patient b) the MA should describe the risks and benefits of the procedure to the patient c) the provider should review alternative procedures with the patient d) the provider should review the patient's insurance coverage for the procedure c) 150/95 - While taking vital signs, an MA should identify which of the following as stage 2 hypertension? a) 110/80 b) 135/80 c) 150/95