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NCCT MEDICAL ASSISTANT EXAM NEWEST ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) | A+GRADE STUDYGUIDE 2025
Typology: Exams
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When inspecting a patient's arm before performing a venipuncture, the most desirable site appears to be the back of the hand. Which of the following venipuncture methods is most appropriate in this situation? A. Evacuated tube B. Needle and syringe C. Butterfly needle D. Capillary puncture Correct Answer C. Butterfly needle The transfer of information such as patient eligibility, payment remittances, claims, claim status, authorizations and referrals are addressed under the HIPAA Administrative Simplification and Compliance Act as electronic A. report management. B. remittance advice. C. data interchange. D. clearinghouse. Correct Answer C. data interchange. Which of the following tasks is outside the scope of practice of a medical assistant?
A. Using an ECG to record the electrical rhythm of the heart B. Performing patient education related to diabetes C. Dispensing medication, such as Glucola, in collaboration with the physician D. Performing quality control functions on all laboratory equipment Correct Answer D. Performing quality control functions on all laboratory equipment If a medical assistant has questions about disposing of outdated hazardous chemicals, where should the medical assistant look to find this information? A. HIPAA B. MSDS C. CLIA D. NIOSH Correct Answer B. MSDS The medical assistant asks a patient, "How are you doing today?" The patient yells, "How do you think I'm doing? I just got out of that terrible hospital and they didn't help me at all! I still have cancer don't I?" The medical assistant recognizes that this patient is most likely experiencing which of the following stages of dying/grief according to Kubler-Ross? A. Depression B. Anger C. Denial D. Bargaining Correct Answer B. Anger Sterilized instruments should be stored A. for a maximum of 90 days.
B. with the tape side down to avoid susceptibility to contamination. C. for a maximum of 10 days. D. in a temperature controlled environment to prevent moisture accumulation. Correct Answer D. in a temperature controlled environment to prevent moisture accumulation. Which of the following is a requirement for a healthcare facility to be in compliance with OSHA? A. Payment of annual dues B. Current certificate of compliance on file C. Annual employee safety training D. Annual inspections conducted by OSHA Correct Answer C. Annual employee safety training A medical assistant is positioning a patient for sigmoidoscopy. Which of the following positions would be appropriate for the procedure? A. Lithotomy B. Trendelenburg C. Supine D. Sims Correct Answer D. Sims When managing multiple incoming calls, the medical assistant should handle which of the following calls first? A. A patient calling to schedule a follow-up visit for uncontrolled pain after hip surgery. B. A patient calling to cancel today's appointment for a needle biopsy of a breast mass.
C. A lawyer with a subpoena asking for patient information. D. A neurologist seeing a patient on consult. Correct Answer D. A neurologist seeing a patient on consult. The post office returns a patient's bill to the clinic with the notation "address unknown." Which of the following steps are appropriate in handling this situation? (Select the three (3) Correct Answers.) A. Resend the bill to the same address requesting return receipt. B. Verify the mailing address on file in the clinic database. C. Call the patient's emergency contact number. D. Document the postmark date. E. Prepare a new envelope with the corrected address and new postage. Correct Answer B. Verify the mailing address on file in the clinic database. The medical assistant is preparing to remove her gloves after a venipuncture and notices blood on the gloves. Where should the medical assistant dispose of her gloves? A. Biohazard waste container B. Red sharps container C. Regular trash container D. Specimen transport bag Correct Answer A. Biohazard waste container Which of the following describes proper aseptic technique regarding the cleaning of the venipuncture site? A. Allow the alcohol air dry before inserting the needle.
B. Allow the alcohol to soak into the skin, then wipe off excess with sterile gauze. C. Wipe the site in a back and forth motion with an alcohol wipe, then immediately insert the needle. D. Wave above the site with a gloved hand to dry the alcohol faster. Correct Answer A. Allow the alcohol air dry before inserting the needle. The patient complains of joint pain and swelling. The physician wants to remove synovial fluid for analysis. The medical assistant should set up for which of the following procedures? A. Arthrocentesis B. Arthroscopy C. Arthrodesis D. Arthrogram Correct Answer A. Arthrocentesis The medical assistant prepares a written prescription for the physician as follows. What information did the medical assistant leave out? A. Quantity to dispense and directions for taking the medication B. Quantity to dispense and EIN C. Directions for taking the medication and repetatur D. Superscription and EIN Correct Answer A. Quantity to dispense and directions for taking the medication A medical assistant posts damaging remarks on a social media site about a provider at the clinic where she is employed. She may be legally found guilty of which of the following?
A. Assault B. Libel C. Slander D. Battery Correct Answer B. Libel While a new patient is in the examination room with a physician who is explaining treatment options to the patient, the medical assistant is contacting the insurance carrier to discuss the patient's insurance coverage. This scenario is an example of obtaining A. a preauthorization for the patient. B. a statement of probable cause. C. a disclosure of benefits and eligibility for the patient. D. verification of benefits and eligibility for the patient. Correct Answer D. verification of benefits and eligibility for the patient. What abbreviation would a physician write on an order to "discontinue" a treatment or medication? A. DIC B. D&C C. dx D. d/c Correct Answer D. d/c The physician believes a patient might have problems with her spleen. Where would the doctor palpate to feel for the spleen? A. Right side of the patient's abdomen beneath the diaphragm B. Middle of the patient's abdomen beneath the diaphragm C. Left lower portion of the patient's abdomen
D. Left side of the patient's abdomen beneath the diaphragm Correct Answer D. Left side of the patient's abdomen beneath the diaphragm The physician orders "Xanax (alprazolam) 0.5mg po tid X 3 days." Xanax 1 mg scored tablets are available. The medical assistant should write which of the following numbers of tablets on the dispense line for this prescription? A. 1. B. 3 C. 4. D. 6 Correct Answer C. 4. Which of the following complications occurs from prolonged lack of muscle use? A. Hypertrophy B. Atrophy C. Tendonitis D. Cellulitis Correct Answer B. Atrophy A 6-month-old child is at the clinic for their well-child visit and routine vaccines. Which of the following is the preferred site for an intramuscular injection on this patient? A. Deltoid B. Ventrogluteal C. Dorsogluteal D. Vastus lateralis Correct Answer D. Vastus lateralis
The medical assistant is caring for an adult patient with a history of coronary artery disease. Which of the following BP measurements should prompt the medical assistant to notify the health care provider? (Select the three (3) Correct Answers.) A. 132/78 mmHg B. 162/96 mmHg C. 129/88 mmHg D. 138/98 mmHg E. 92/44 mmHg Correct Answer B. 162/96 mmHg D. 138/98 mmHg E. 92/44 mmHg Which part of Medicare covers office visits with a primary care provider? A. Part A B. Part B C. Part C D. Part D Correct Answer B. Part B A clean-catch midstream urinalysis is ordered for a female patient to rule out a urinary tract infection. The medical assistant should instruct the patient before urinating in the specimen cup to wipe using antiseptic towelettes A. from front to back. B. from back to front. C. in concentric circles. D. back and forth. Correct Answer A. from front to back. For which of the following incidents is employer provided post-exposure follow-up indicated?
A. An employee fall from a step stool while obtaining medical records. B. A polycup containing urine splashed into the eye of an employee. C. Loss of power during an ECG procedure. D. An employee falls in the parking lot, resulting in a hand laceration. Correct Answer B. A polycup containing urine splashed into the eye of an employee. The medical assistant demonstrates proper handling of sharps containers by doing which of the following? A. Discard the sharps container in a biohazard waste container when it is two-thirds full. B. Inspect the sharps container to ensure that only sharps have been deposited. C. Seal the sharps container and place in the regular waste container. D. Empty half full sharps containers into a larger container to maintain cost effectiveness. Correct Answer A. Discard the sharps container in a biohazard waste container when it is two-thirds full. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the medical assistant anticipate using when taking a patient's blood pressure? A. Sphygmomanometer B. Otoscope C. Speculum D. Pulse oximeter Correct Answer A. Sphygmomanometer
The patient is referred to a neurosurgeon. Entering the specialist's NPI number and number of visits requested into the patient's insurance carrier's website is part of which of the following processes? A. Precertification B. Compensation C. Electronic claims submission D. Assignment of benefits Correct Answer A. Precertification The main function of a centrifuge is to A. freeze cells for transport. B. determine the concentration of glucose. C. magnify blood components. D. separate cells from plasma. Correct Answer D. separate cells from plasma. The mother of a 6-month-old patient arrives at a busy clinic and states the child has a high fever. The medical assistant measures the patient's temperature and confirms a temperature of 103°F. Which of the following is an acceptable course of action for the medical assistant? A. Administer Tylenol 160 mg PO immediately. B. Activate EMS. C. Assess the remaining vital signs and notify the physician. D. Perform venipuncture for a blood culture and a CBC with Diff. Correct Answer C. Assess the remaining vital signs and notify the physician.
While performing a Snellen visual acuity test, the patient misses two letters on the 20/70 line with his right eye. How should the medical assistant document this finding? A. Snellen chart OD 20/70- 2 B. Snellen chart OD 20/ C. Snellen chart OS 20/ D. Snellen chart OS 20/70- 2 Correct Answer A. Snellen chart OD 20/70- 2 While emptying the autoclave, the medical assistant notices that the wrapped instruments are damp. The medical assistant should A. remove the instruments and set them on the counter to dry. B. remove the instruments and place them on the Mayo stand for surgery. C. leave the instruments in the autoclave with the door slightly open to finish drying. D. leave the instruments in the autoclave and run the cycle again. Correct Answer C. leave the instruments in the autoclave with the door slightly open to finish drying. Which term describes the failure to provide care that a prudent and reasonable professional with the same education would provide under similar circumstances? A. Reasonable doubt B. Beneficence C. Negligence D. Defamation Correct Answer C. Negligence
Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take first after coming in direct contact with a patient's blood via needlestick injury? A. Obtain the Hep B vaccine if not currently immunized. B. Apply pressure at the site to stop bleeding. C. Flush the area with water and thoroughly wash it. D. Inform the patient about the incident. Correct Answer C. Flush the area with water and thoroughly wash it. The medical assistant should instruct the patient obtaining a 24-hour urine collection to A. keep the sample at room temperature. B. discard the first morning sample. C. void mid-stream into the collection container. D. collect samples exactly two hours after each meal. Correct Answer B. discard the first morning sample. Employees of a major automobile manufacturer are provided health insurance under a master contract issued to their employer. Which of the following types of coverage does this reflect? A. Indemnity plan B. Group policy C. Coinsurance D. Fee-for-service plan Correct Answer B. Group policy The medical assistant documents a patient's temperature as 101.4F. Which of the following types of medication is this patient most likely to receive? A. Antipyretic B. Antihistamine
C. Anticoagulant D. Antiemetic Correct Answer A. Antipyretic Older adult patients are the population most at risk for which of the following medication complications due to a declining liver function? A. Anaphylaxis B. Toxicity C. Tinnitus D. Polyuria Correct Answer B. Toxicity The medical assistant reviews instructions with the patient with hypertension about techniques to manage this condition at home. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates teaching has been successful? (Select the three (3) Correct Answers.) A. "I will take prescribed medications regularly at the same time each day." B. "I will monitor my blood pressure and record readings daily." C. "I will increase salt intake in my diet." D. "I will incorporate moderate exercise into my daily routine." E. "I will check my blood sugar regularly." Correct Answer A. "I will take prescribed medications regularly at the same time each day." The primary care provider hands the medical assistant a referral for a patient to get an MRI. Which of the following should the medical assistant do first? A. Call the facility and schedule the MRI.
B. Call the insurance company and process an authorization. C. Fax pertinent medical records to the facility. D. Document the precertification number in the patient's chart. Correct Answer B. Call the insurance company and process an authorization. Which pregnancy risk drug category indicates the greatest risk of fetal harm? A. X B. D C. C D. A Correct Answer A. X Which of the following techniques is correct when collecting a throat culture? A. Depress the patient's tongue and place the swab in a viral media tube following collection. B. Insert swab into the nostril and rub against the turbinate to absorb mucous. C. Use a tongue depressor and swab both sides of the throat. D. Swab both sides of the mouth, tongue, and nasopharnyx. Correct Answer C. Use a tongue depressor and swab both sides of the throat. A patient with dyspnea comes in for an ECG. In which of the following positions should the patient be placed for the procedure? A. Supine B. Semi Fowlers
C. Trendelenburg D. Sims Correct Answer B. Semi Fowlers A patient notices the symbol above on the door and asks what it means. The medical assistant should tell the patient the symbol means A. isolation precautions required. B. hazardous chemicals in use. C. emergency eye wash station. D. biohazardous material present. Correct Answer D. biohazardous material present. A patient has refused to pay for a medical procedure that was performed six months ago. The medical procedure was not listed under the patient's schedule of benefits, and she is now fully responsible for all costs. Her account has now been turned over to a collection agency. This scenario is most likely an example of failure of the medical office assistant to properly A. code the procedure. B. bill the procedure. C. explain the non-coverage billing policies. D. explain the statute of limitations. Correct Answer C. explain the non-coverage billing policies. A finger stick capillary puncture should be performed at which of the following sites to prevent injury? A. At the most distal end of the fingertip B. Slightly to the side of the center of the fingertip C. Directly in the center of the fingertip
D. Proximal to the skin crease located at the first joint on the fingertip Correct Answer B. Slightly to the side of the center of the fingertip Which of the following ECG leads records the electrical activity of the inferior surface of the left ventricle and is closest to the heart? A. Lead I B. aVR C. Lead II D. aVL Correct Answer C. Lead II Which of the following resources should the medical assistant use to look up the side effects of (enoxaparin) Lovenox in the medical office? A. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) B. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) C. Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) D. laboratory reference manual Correct Answer C. Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) Which of the following documents is also called an advanced directive? A. Assignment of benefits B. Subpoena C. Living will D. Informed consent Correct Answer C. Living will Which of the following government agencies requires the medical office to develop an exposure control plan?
D. OSHA Correct Answer D. OSHA The medical assistant preps the median cubital vein for a venipuncture procedure. How should the medical assistant prep the patient's skin? A. Use a circular motion, from the inside out. B. Use a circular motion, from the outside in. C. Wipe the area from top to bottom. D. Wipe the area from bottom to top. Correct Answer A. Use a circular motion, from the inside out. The provider prescribed and ordered a wheel chair for a patient with a below the knee amputation. Which of the following manuals should the medical assistant use to code these services? A. ICD- 10 - CM B. CPT C. HCPCS D. CPT-assistant Correct Answer C. HCPCS Which of the following insurance programs covers active duty military personnel? A. CHAMPVA B. TRICARE C. BCBS D. Medicare Correct Answer B. TRICARE
The medical assistant receives a call from an attorney requesting information about an established patient's operative report. Which of the following actions is required prior to fulfilling the request? A. Call the patient to request verbal consent. B. Check the patient's file for authorization of release of information listing the name of the attorney. C. Ask for the name and number of the attorney and return the call to confirm the identity of the caller. D. Refer the call to be handled by the physician directly to prevent liability. Correct Answer B. Check the patient's file for authorization of release of information listing the name of the attorney. When measuring oxygen saturation on a child breathing room air, with normal color, and no signs of respiratory distress, the medical assistant obtains a reading of 79%. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take next? A. Notify the physician B. Supplement the child with oxygen per protocol C. Reposition the finger probe D. Take a full set of vital signs Correct Answer C. Reposition the finger probe The physician orders the following blood work to evaluate a patient for sepsis: CBC, Blood Culture, and BMP. When using the evacuated tube method for venipuncture, in which of the following orders should the tubes be drawn? A. Red top, blood culture, lavender top B. Lavender top, red top, blood culture
C. Blood culture, lavender top, gray top D. Blood culture, red top, lavender top Correct Answer D. Blood culture, red top, lavender top It is appropriate for the medical assistant to use an alcohol-based hand rub as the only method of hand hygiene after which of the following activities? A. Applying non-sterile gloves for a dressing change B. Measuring a patient's apical pulse C. Using the restroom D. Assisting the physician with a laceration repair Correct Answer B. Measuring a patient's apical pulse Which of the following needle gauges is most commonly used for venipuncture? A. 24- 25 B. 21- 23 C. 18- 20 D. 16- 17 Correct Answer B. 21- 23 Which of the following is the purpose of scheduling preadmission testing (PAT) prior to surgery? A. To assess patients' health to make sure they can tolerate the proposed surgical procedure. B. To assess preparation and recovery time needed before and after surgery. C. To ensure the procedure is covered by the patient's insurance. D. To provide documentation to the insurance company to waive the copay. Correct Answer B. To assess
preparation and recovery time needed before and after surgery. Which of the following blood components are visible in a centrifuged, evacuated red top tube? (Select the two (2) Correct Answers.) A. Plasma B. Serum C. Individual erythrocytes D. Platelets E. Coagulated blood (blood clot) Correct Answer B. Serum E. Coagulated blood (blood clot) The patient was seen in the office for follow up evaluation post CVA. The doctor noticed significant weakness on the patient's left side. Which of the following should the medical assistant expect to perform? A. Full weight bearing exercise assistance B. Active assist range of motion C. Crutch training D. Pulmonary function test Correct Answer B. Active assist range of motion Disinfecting an ECG machine and lead wire surfaces with antimicrobial wipes after each patient use is an example of which of the following? A. Biohazard precautions B. Sterile technique C. Surgical asepsis D. Medical asepsis Correct Answer D. Medical asepsis
Which of the following is a likely complication from repeated phlebotomy procedures in the same area? A. Thrombosis B. Sclerosed veins C. Petechiae D. Varicose veins Correct Answer B. Sclerosed veins Which of the following forms must be signed by the patient and kept on file, allowing physicians to be paid directly from the insurance carrier? A. HIPAA waiver B. CMS- 1500 C. Assignment of benefits D. Living will Correct Answer C. Assignment of benefits Which of the following is the most common means of transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)? A. Direct contact with the skin of infected persons B. Direct contact with contaminated blood C. Inhaling contaminated respiratory droplets of infected persons D. Direct contact with contaminated feces Correct Answer A. Direct contact with the skin of infected persons A patient with diabetes has missed all scheduled appointments in the past 18 months. The physician requests that written notification be sent to the patient to make an appointment immediately. This letter should be sent A. priority.
B. certified. C. express. D. standard. Correct Answer B. certified. The medical assistant is assisting a physician with an I & D of a gangrenous abscess. In addition to mask and gloves, the medical assistant must wear which of the following personal protective equipment when performing this procedure? A. Protective eyewear B. N95 respirator mask C. Hazmat suit D. Sterile gown Correct Answer A. Protective eyewear A patient complains of nausea and vomiting, and has been unable to keep fluids down over the course of two days. A suppository has been ordered. Which of the following abbreviations is the correct route of administration? A. IM B. PR C. SC D. INH Correct Answer B. PR The medical assistant is performing a 12-lead ECG on a patient and notices that lead III does not appear on the tracing. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take? A. Re-center the stylus and repeat the tracing. B. Check for a loose wire, reconnect, and repeat the tracing.
C. Ask the patient to lie still to reduce somatic interference. D. Add an extra electrode to the 5th intercostal space. Correct Answer B. Check for a loose wire, reconnect, and repeat the tracing. Which of the following statements is true about the SDS? A. The SDS contains basic information about specific chemicals. B. SDS must be kept on file for 30 days. C. OSHA is responsible for developing the hazard identification system. D. The SDS is required only in offices with 10 or more employees. Correct Answer A. The SDS contains basic information about specific chemicals. Forced Vital Capacity is measured by instructing the patient to A. forcefully breath air out and continue to exhale for at least 6 seconds. B. complete a minimum of eight acceptable efforts to validate the test. C. move the one way valve to a minimum of 4000 ml capacity. D. gently exhale for less than 6 seconds and document the reading. Correct Answer A. forcefully breath air out and continue to exhale for at least 6 seconds. A parent brings their four-year old in for a well-child exam. The medical assistant should assign an ICD-CM code beginning with which of the following?
D. + Correct Answer C. V Prior to purging and destroying paper medical charts, a medical assistant should consult which of following guidelines? A. Municipal B. AMA C. OSHA D. State and Federal Correct Answer D. State and Federal A patient questions an outstanding balance when insurance coverage is active and the co-pay has been paid. Which of the following is the most likely reason the balance is the patient's responsibility? A. Deductible not met B. Premiums due C. The birthday rule applies D. Pre-authorization not obtained Correct Answer A. Deductible not met During a routine visit, a petite female patient becomes very distraught while discussing the recent death of her husband. She suddenly faints. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take next? A. Protect the patient from injury. B. Activate EMS. C. Notify the physician.
D. Draw blood for laboratory tests. Correct Answer A. Protect the patient from injury. Which of the following actions by the medical assistant is correct when administering medication to a patient sublingually? A. Placing the medication between the gum and cheek B. Asking the patient to swallow the medication C. Applying the medication directly to the skin D. Placing the medication under the tongue Correct Answer D. Placing the medication under the tongue What is the importance of encouraging a patient diagnosed with bronchitis to maintain adequate fluid intake? A. Open airways B. Thin secretions C. Prevents fatigue D. Decreases inflammation Correct Answer B. Thin secretions Which of the following acts involves the termination of a patient from the care of a physician without reasonable, written notice of withdrawal from the case? A. Slander B. Discrimination C. Battery D. Abandonment Correct Answer D. Abandonment The medical assistant should stamp checks with the restrictive endorsement "for deposit only" to prevent