Medical Assistant Study Guide

A patient tells a MA that his provider said to take the prescribed antibiotic four times per day because of the medications half-life. He wants to know what the term half-life means. Which of the following responses should the assistant make? -"A medication's half-life is the time at which it will lose all of its effectiveness." -"A medication's half-life is the time it takes for your body to absorb half of the dosage." -"A medication's half-life occurs when the primary function of the medication is at its peak." -"A medication's half-life is the time it takes for the body to process and eliminate half of the dosage."

"A medication's half-life is the time it takes for the body to process and eliminate half of the dosage." A medication's half-life is how long it takes for the processes of metabolism and excretion to eliminate half of the dose. Knowledge of medication half-lives helps determine dosing intervals.

A MA is reviewing a daily diet with a patient. Which of the following foods should the assistant recommend to help the patient increase his intake of vitamin D? -Beans -Fish -Rice -Nuts

Fish is a source of vitamin B6, vitamin D, and protein. Other sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, eggs, and butter. Rice and Beans give vitamin B. Nuts also do but they also give vitamin E.

The primary code in the CPT coding system consists of how many digits? -Two digits -Four digits -Five digits -Seven digits

Five

A MA should identify which of the following features as part of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model of care? -Focuses on evidence-based patient care and shared decision making -Adheres to a uniform plan of care for patients who have similar diagnoses -Identifies the provider as the primary source of comprehensive care for the patient -Provides stability by adhering to industry-standard office hours and accessibility

Focuses on evidence-based patient care and shared decision making. The PCMH model of care is committed to providing safe, quality health care by relying on evidence-based medicine, information sharing, and shared decision making.

In which of the following scenarios should a MA choose a CPT modifier? -For special circumstances applied to a procedure performed by the provider -For an examination performed to diagnose a condition and to determine treatment -For a follow-up procedure performed by the MA -For a routine service performed by the provider to a healthy patient

For special circumstances applied to a procedure performed by the provider.

To be a successful member of a team, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take? -Include personal feelings in work decisions. -Report all team conflicts to the supervisor. -Focus on achieving individual goals. -Demonstrate a willingness to perform extra duties.

For teamwork to be successful, team members should work together and be willing to perform duties outside of their formal job descriptions.

Which of the following locations should a MA identify as the preferred site for capillary puncture on an adult patient? -Fifth digit -Fourth digit -Second digit -First digit

Fourth

A patient reports feeling depressed due to the recent loss of a partner. In which of the five stages of the gried process does depression present itself? -First -Second -Third -Fourth

Fourth. The stages in order are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance

According to CDC recommendations, what is the minimum length of time a MA should spend scrubbing his hands with soap and water when performing hand hygiene? -10 sec -15 sec -20 sec -25 sec

20 sec

A MA is performing a visual acuity test on an adult patient. The patient is able to read teh 20/30 line with both eyes, but misses one letter. Which of the following results should the assistant document in the patient's medical record? -20/30-1 both eyes -20/30 left eye -20/30-1 right eye -20/20 both eyes

20/30-1. The assistant should use this notation to document the results of the patient's visual acuity test. The assistant should document what line the patient read, any letters the patient missed, and which eyes the patient used.

A MA is calibrating an EKG machine. Which of the following should the assistant identify as the standard speed of the recording? -25 mm/sec -50 mm/sec -10 mm/sec -5 mm/sec

25 mm/sec is the standard. 50 mm/sec can be used to spread out the cycles though.

A patient who has vulvovaginal candidiasis asks a MA for more information about her infection. The MA should begin by explaining that candidiasis is which of the following types of infections? -Fungal -Bacterial -Protozoan -Helminthic

Fungal The assistant should recognize that candidiasis is a type of fungal infection.

Which of the following foods should a MA recommend to a patient who needs to increase her dietary intake of vitamin A? -Blueberries -Potatoes -Oranges -Cauliflower

Good sources of vitamin A (for vision) include yellow and orange fruits. One cup of orange slices provides 416 international units of vitamin A.

A MA is caring for a patient whose dietary choices have resulted in elevated uric acid levels. As a result of these risk factors, the patient is at risk for developing which of the following musculoskeletal disorders? -Myasthenia gravis -Rheumatoid arthritis -Osteoporosis -Gout

Gout is a musculoskeletal disorder caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, primarily the big toes and the knees. Risk factors include dietary choices that result in the overproduction or improper elimination of uric acid from the body.

A MA is assisting with the physical examination of a patient who has scabies. Besides gloves, which of the following pieces of PPE should the MA wear? -Gown -Mask -Goggles -N95 Respirator

Gown. Scabies (Mites) requires contact precautions; therefore, the assistant should wear gloves and a gown. Other patient conditions that require contact precautions include hepatitis A, rotavirus, and herpes zoster (shingles).

A MA is teaching a patient about the major food groups. Which of the following information about grains should the assistant include? -Grains help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. -Grains help maintain body heat. -Grains help regulate muscle activity and heart rhythm. -Grains help prevent and manage constipation.

Grain products, especially whole grains, provide fiber. Fiber adds bulk to the stool to promote regular bowel movements, which help to prevent and manage constipation.

Which of the following gives patients the rights over their health care information, including the right to receive a copy of their information, the right to ensure their medical records are correct, and the right to know who had access to their records? -ADA -HIPAA -Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) -Protected health information (PHI)

HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The HIPAA Privacy Rule grants patients the right to access, review, and receive a copy of their health care information. The American Disabilities Act forbids discrimination based on disability against any applicant or employee who could perform a job. FMLA requires certain employers to give time off to employees. PHI includes the patient's demographic information, medical history, and insurance information, which is regulated through HIPAA.

A MA is caring for a 4-month-old infant who has a temperature of 100.4 F. Which of the following is this temperature when converted to Celsius? -​38° C -36.5° C ​-37.5° C ​-34.2° C

38. To convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius, the assistant should subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and multiply the result by 5/9: (100.4° F - 32) x 5/9 = 38° C.

Which of the following statements about alcohol-based hand sanitizer is correct? -Hand sanitizer should be used when there is visible debris on the hands. -Hand sanitizer should have at least 50% alcohol content. -Hand sanitizer should be used in conjunction with a bleach solution. -Hand sanitizer should be applied to dry hands.

Hand sanitizer should be applied to dry hands. The sanitizer should be at least 60% alcohol, you do not need bleach, and if any visible debris is present you should just wash your dang hands.

According to the regulation of controlled substances, which of the following is true of a Schedule 1 drug? -Are available for unlimited refills -Are available over the counter (OTC) -Have no accepted medical use -Have a low potential for abuse

Have no accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs have been deemed to have a high potential for abuse, are unavailable for prescription refills, are not available OTC, and are not accepted for medical use. Possession of these drugs is illegal.

After receiving a patient's blood test results from the reference laboratory, which of the following actions should the MA take? -Have a provider review the results. -Have the medical records staff review the lab results. -Interpret the lab results and contact the patient. -Schedule the patient for a follow-up appointment.

Have the provider review the results. Providers are responsible for doing so before any other actions can be taken.

Which of the following techniques should a MA use to confirm a patient's understanding of insulin administration? -​Observe the patient as she performs a self-demonstration. ​-Provide the patient with written instructions. ​-Offer the patient a website to visit for directions. ​-Repeat the instructions to the patient.

Having the patient physically demonstrate her understanding of insulin administration allows the assistant to evaluate her comprehension.

Which of the following is an anthropometric measurement that a MA should collect from a 2-year-old? -Tympanic temperature -Head circumference -Apical pulse -Blood pressure

Head circumference. The other three are vital signs. Anthropometric measurements are quantitative ones such as weight, height, BMI, and body circumferences.

A MA should recognize that which of the following entities must adhere to HIPAA guidelines? -Workers' compensation -Public health authorities -State agencies -Health care clearinghouses

Health care clearinghouses must adhere to HIPAA guidelines due to handling insurance claims, which contain protected health information. Public health authorities include federal, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. They are responsible for public safety within a community, and information gathered can affect the health of the population. These entities are required to report certain diseases and injuries. State agencies are responsible for public safety, and information gathered can affect the health of a population. Therefore, state agencies are required to report certain diseases and injuries, along with births and deaths.

The parent of a child who has pinworms is asking a MA for more information about his child's condition. The MA should begin by explaining that pinworms are which of the following types of micro-organisms? -Fungi -Bacteria -Protozoa -Helminths

Helminths are parasites called "worms" that live in host organisms, such as animals and humans. A pinworm is an example of a helminth.

A MA should recognize that which of the following actions involves health coaching? -Helping the patient find community resources related to health care needs -Directing the patient to an agency that can refer him to a specialist -Encouraging the patient to live a sedentary lifestyle -Meeting Medicare's Meaningful Use criteria

Helping the patient find community resources related to health care needs. Meeting the patient's needs is the primary reason the assistant should refer the patient to community resources. This action demonstrates health coaching.

A MA should allow a serum specimen tube without an anticoagulant additive to stand for which of the following lengths of time prior to centrifuging. -2 hours -15 minutes -45 minutes -20 minutes

45 minutes. When collecting a serum specimen without an anticoagulant, the assistant should let it stand for 30 to 60 min prior to centrifuging.

A MA is preparing 1g/kg of activated charcoal for a patient who weighs 176 lb. How many grams of charcoal should the MA prepare? -79 g -387 g -352 g -76 g

79. 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 MA is assisting a patient who is obese with an insulin injection. Which of the following is the correct angle for this patient's injection? -15° -25° -30° -90°

90. Subcutaneous injections are generally administered at a 45° angle. However, for a patient who is obese, the subcutaneous injection should be administered at a 90° angle.

A MA is collecting data from a patient who has cold sores on his lips. The MA should identify that which of the following viruses causes this condition? -Influenza A -Herpes simplex type 1 -Epstein-Barr -Rhabdovirus

Herpes simplex type 1. The Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis, which has manifestations of sore throat, fever, malaise, and hepatitis. The rhabdovirus causes rabies.

A MA is cleaning countertops and other surfaces after a sugical procedure in a provider's office. Which of the following disinfectants should the MA use for this purpose? -A 1:10 bleach and water solution -Benzalkonium chloride solution -Chlorhexidine -Alcohol

A 1:10 bleach and water solution This combination is the most reliable and cost-effective solution for disinfecting equipment and surfaces. It is especially effective for surfaces that have come into contact with bodily fluids that contain viruses, including HIV. Benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic used on patients' skin to help prevent infection. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic used on patients' skin to help prevent infection. Alcohol is appropriate for cleaning instruments that other disinfectants might damage, such as thermometers and stethoscopes.

A MA is administering an intramuscular injection into the gluteus medius of an adult patient. At which of the following angles should the MA insert the needle? -15° angle -25° angle -45° angle -90° angle

A 90° angle is used primarily for intramuscular injections in adult patients. 15 is for intradermal, 25 is for IV's, and 45 is for subcutaneous.

Which of the following cardiac procedures is within a MA's scope of practice and does not require a licensed technician or provider to assist or perform it? -Cardiac Doppler -Nuclear stress test -Holter monitor application -Angiogram

A Holter monitor is a system for recording cardiac activity for 24 hr or longer. It is within an assistant's scope of practice to place and remove a Holter monitor. The other ones are too invasive.

A MA should recognize that which of the following provides instructions for an emergency medical technician to follow when transporting an elderly or critically ill patient? -Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment -Uniform Anatomical Gift Act -Patient Self-Determination Act -Patients' Bill of Rights

A Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment form provides medical orders from the patient's provider regarding the patient's wishes for life-sustaining treatment. This form will be moved from one facility to another when the patient is transferred. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act establishes the right of patients to document their wishes concerning organ donation in case of death. The Patient Self-Determination Act establishes the right of patients to determine what care they receive in case of medical need. The Patients' Bill of Rights ensures and clarifies the various rights of a patient receiving medical care.

A MA is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a flexible sigmoidoscopy and will be self-administering an enema at home. The assistant should explain that the medication will be in which of the following forms? -Suppository -Solution -Lotion -Foam

A Solution. An enema is a procedure that involves inserting a nozzle into the rectum and instilling a liquid solution, usually to relieve constipation or to prepare the patient for a procedure. Suppositories are solid, dissolvable cylinders that contain medication and are for insertion into the rectum or vagina. A suppository is not as fast acting as an enema solution. Therefore, an enema solution is preferable for preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

A MA is explaining to a female patient how to collect a clean-catch urine specimen. Which of the following instructions should the MA include? -Place the removable lid of the specimen container face down on a clean surface. -Clean the perineal area from back to front with three antiseptic towelettes. -With the labia spread, urinate a small amount into the toilet before collecting the sample. -To collect the urine, press the specimen container's edges up against the perineum.

A clean-catch urine specimen is a midstream specimen. The patient must begin urinating into the toilet, stop, and then catch the "mid-stream" of the urine with the specimen container.

A MA is performing claim submission for a medical office. Which of the following processes involves the electronic auditing and sorting of claims? -Clearinghouse submission -Direct billing -Intelligent character recognition -Universal claim form

A clearinghouse submission allows a provider to submit multiple insurance claims electronically in batches for a small fee. The clearinghouse uses special software to audit and sort claims for various insurance carriers. Direct billing is a process where the insurance carrier allows the provider to submit claims electronically directly to the carrier. This does not involve the electronic auditing and sorting of claims. A universal claim form is used for submitting all government-sponsored claims. This form is not used to audit or sort claims.

In which of the following categories would a MA find a wheelchair listed? -Consumable item -Expendable item -Intangible item -Durable item

A durable item is a piece of equipment that is used repeatedly. Examples include crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers. An expendable item is an important and commonly used supply, such as pens, pencils, and paper. A consumable item is a supply that can be emptied or used up, such as gauze, bandages, and alcohol pads.

A MA is performing spirometry testing for a patient who has shortness of breath. Which of the following results of the test indicated a successful maneuver? -A slow and progressive start -A fast and steady flow with no variability -An exhalation of 3 seconds -Light coughing during the test

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. Must be 6 seconds, no coughing, quick and forceful start.

A 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? -Bandages -Skin retractor -Scalpel -Hemostat

A hemostat would be used in a suturing procedure and must be located in the sterile field. Besides the bandages, the other items are not used in this procedure.

Which of the following conditions is characterized by the top portion of the stomach protruding through the diaphram? -Incisional hernia -Umbilical hernia -Inguinal hernia -Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the top of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm. Risk factors for a hiatal hernia include middle age and obesity. Incisional is a hernia at a surgical site.

Which of the following factors puts a patient at high risk of developing coronary artery disease? -High HDL cholesterol -Underweight -Smoking -Cellulitis

A history of smoking is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. LDL is the bad cholesterol, not HDL. And too much weight is a factor, not too little.

A MA should identify which of the following as the legal document that states the life-saving procedures a patient authorizes in the event he is incapable of verbalizing his desire for medical treatment? -Organ and tissue donation consent -Living will -Durable power of attorney for health care -Do-not-resuscitate order

A living will is a legal document that states the life-saving procedures a patient authorizes in the event he is incapable of verbalizing his desire for medical treatment.

When designating a medical power of attorney, a medical assistant should identify which of the following people as an acceptable choice for a health care proxy? -The patient's provider -The executor of the patient's will -A member of the patient's faith community -The patient's attorney

A member of a faith community whom the patient trusts is an acceptable choice to make decisions for end-of-life care. The other three are conflicts of interest.

A MA should recognize that a worldwide, rapidly spreading novel infection can result in which of the following? -Pandemic -Prevalence -Endemic -Outbreak

A pandemic is an outbreak of a rapidly spreading novel infection that affects a large number of people across several countries or continents. Prevalence is the number of existing cases, endemic is only in a population, and outbreak is in a limited geographic area in unexpected numbers.

Recognizing patients' needs and barriers, coordinating care, and identifying resources to meet those needs best describes the responsibilities of which of the following positions? -Physician assistant -Nurse practitioner -Emergency provider -Patient navigator

A patient navigator recognizes patients' needs and barriers and assists by coordinating care and identifying the community and health care resources to meet those needs. NP and PA help with overall patient care.

In which of the following locations should the inside address appear in a business letter? -Between the letterhead and the dateline -Between the dateline and the salutation -Between the salutation and the subject line -Between the signature block and the identification line

A properly formatted business letter is organized with the inside address falling between the dateline and the salutation. Look up a business letter for clarification.

A MA is performing a routine hearing test on a patient. Which of the following procedures measures a patient's hearing by using air and bone conduction? -Audiometric test -Otoscopic exam -Cerumen removal -Tuning fork test

A tuning fork test measures hearing using air and bone conduction. An audiometric test measures the lowest decibel of sound that an individual can hear by delivering a variety of sound frequencies through headphones. An otoscopic exam is used to view the inner part of the ear canal.

A 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? -Ask the patient to state and spell their full name and provide their date of birth. -Ask the patient for their provider's name. -Ask the patient to state their age and address. -Ask the patient to verify their examination room number.

Acceptable identifiers include the patient's name and date of birth. The patient should state and spell their full name as well as provide their date of birth. When the patient provides this information, the assistant should compare it with the name and date of birth on the requisition form and labels.

A MA is reviewing a Medicare claim denial. The MA determines that there are charges that exceed the usual, customary, and reasonable fees. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Leave the unpaid balance on the record until the end of the revenue cycle. -Wait until an overpayment of the approximate amount balances the deficit. -Adjust the patient's account to reflect no unpaid charges and write off the balance. -Request payment at the point of service during the patient's next visit.

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.

A MA is reviewing the plan of care summary with the adult son of an 81-year-old patient who has dementia. The patient's son states he is feeling overwhelmed with his mother's care. Which of the following community-based organizations should the assistant recommend? -Hospice services -Grief support -Rehabilitation services -Adult day care

Adult day care provides supervision for older adults during the day who have family members providing care in the evening. This service would be the best community resource to offer respite care for the patient's son.

A MA should recognize that once advance directives are in place, they can be updated at which of the following times? -Never -At any time -Every 10 years -Annually

Advance directives can be updated whenever a patient wants, as long as the instructions are received by the patient's primary provider.

A MA is collecting a specimen for testing. When is it appropriate for the assistant to label the specimen? -Prior to collecting the specimen -After collecting the specimen -Prior to sending the specimen to a laboratory -After laboratory processing of the specimen

After collecting the specimen. The assistant should label the specimen immediately after collecting it to avoid processing errors.

A 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 the medication from the jar? -A gloved finger -A syringe -A cotton ball -A 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.

Several patients arrive at a clinic at the same time requesting care. A MA should recognize that which of the following patient's chief complaints is the priority for the provider to address? -An adult patient who reports continuing symptoms of GERD -A young adult patient who is irritable and has a localized rash on her upper body -A middle adult patient who demonstrates depression and frustration -An adult patient who is experiencing dyspnea and congestion

An adult patient who is experiencing dyspnea and congestion. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, coupled with congestion can be a sign of a life-threatening medical emergency. The assistant should recognize that this patient's chief complaint is the priority for the provider to address.

Which of the following types of written correspondence can be signed by a MA? -A medical report for an insurance carrier -A referral letter for a patient to an outside provider -A letter containing medical advice to the parents of a child -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 MA is preparing to record a patient's heart rhythm. Which of the following devices should the assistant use to perform this recording? -Stethoscope -Electroencephalogram machine -Sphygmomanometer -Electrocardiogram machine

An electrocardiogram machine produces a record of the heart's electrical impulses as well as its rate and rhythm. It detects dysrhythmias, which are abnormalities in cardiac rhythm. Steth is for heart rate, sphyg is for blood pressure, and electroencephalo is for brain activity.

A patient expresses to a MA that he would like to designate his daughter as his health care proxy. The assistant should inform him that which of the following is the minimum age to be eligible as a health care proxy? -14 -16 -21 -18

An individual becomes eligible as a health care proxy at age 18.

A MA is performing bookkeeping duties using the office's electronic health record software. For which of the following reasons should the MA enter an adjustment on a patient's account? -Insufficient funds check -Duplicate payment -Insurance refund -Insurance disallowance

An insurance disallowance results in an adjustment on the patient's account. The provider's usual charge is often more than the established allowed amount. The provider is not allowed to bill the patient for the difference, so the provider should write off the difference, resulting in an adjustment. When the office receives a returned check marked NSF (nonsufficient funds), the assistant should add the amount back to the patient's account balance. When the office receives a duplicate payment for services, a credit balance is added to the patient's account. When the office receives overpayment from an insurance company, the assistant should reimburse the insurance company and balance the patient's account accordingly.

A MA in an emergency clinic is admitting several patients. The MA should recognize that the provider should see which of the following patients first? -An adult who is a professional runner and has a heart rate of 50/min -An older adult patient who has diabetes and has a blood pressure of 80/42 mm Hg -An infant who is bottle fed and has a heart rate of 130/min -An adolescent who is a gymnast and has a blood pressure of 108/64 mm Hg

An older adult patient who has diabetes and has a blood pressure of 80/42 mm Hg Because this blood pressure reading is low, the assistant should recommend the provider see this patient first. Low resting heart rates are an expected finding in professional athletes. Infants have higher heart rates.

A MA is preparing a referral slip for a patient who reports symptoms of vertigo. The assistant should refer the patient to which of the following specialists? -Otolaryngologist -Anesthesiologist -Neurologist -Ophthalmologist

An otolaryngologist specializes in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as conditions that affect the head and neck.

Which of the following sites should a MA use for the administration of an intradermal skin test? -Lateral thigh -Lower abdomen -Anterior forearm -Inner heel

Anterior forearm. The assistant should perform an intradermal skin test on the patient's forearm or back.

A MA is reviewing the medication for a patient who is undergoing chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. The assistant should identify that the provider prescribed ondansetron because it is in which of the following medication classifications? -Antiemetic -Antitussive -Antilipemic -Antipyretic

Antiemetics are used to reduce nausea and vomiting. Medications that destroy cancer cells, such as those used in chemotherapy, usually cause nausea and vomiting. Therefore, antiemetics like ondansetron are often prescribed in conjunction with chemotherapy treatment. Antitussive is for coughing, antipilemic is for reducing cholesterol, and antipyretic is for fevers.

A MA is administering eye ointment to a patient. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Hold the ointment tube parallel to and above the patient's eye. -Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac. -Apply the ointment from the outer canthus to the inner canthus. -Have the patient keep her eye open after application.

Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac. Ointment should go from inner to outer, should never be above the patient's eyes, and eyes should be closed and rolled around to spread the ointment around the eye.

A MA is speaking with a patient who has seasonal allergies. Which of the following health care providers should the MA identify as being able to make a diagnosis and initiate the necessary treatment? -Pharmacist -Physician assistant -Respiratory therapist -Registered nurse

As a licensed health care provider, a physician assistant is able to manage patient care, make a diagnosis, and initiate treatment, which includes writing prescriptions for medication.

A MA is performing a review of items in a clinic's inventory. How should the MA classify dressings and bandages for inventory purposes? -As office supplies -As office equipment -As clinical supplies -As clinical equipment

As clinical supplies.

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 MA? -Decline treatment of the patient. ​-Assist the patient in locating a provider to accommodate the patient's needs. -Reassure the patient that the male provider will be respectful. -Instruct the patient to visit an emergency room.

Assist the patient in locating a provider to accommodate the patient's needs.. The medical assistant should make every effort to accommodate the patient's religious convictions.

A patient who is coughing and sneezing repeatedly enters the reception area at a clinic. Which of the following actions should a MA take? -Allow the patient to remain in the reception area. -Assist the patient into an examination room. -Notify the provider of the patient's condition immediately. -Distribute masks to other patients in the reception area.

Assist the patient into an exam room: If a patient is visibly sick and potentially spreading the infection, the assistant should move the patient to a separate area or into an examination room to wait.

A MA is preparing to sterilize a vaginal speculum. Which of the following sterilization techniques should the assistant use? -Ultrasonic -Gas -Autoclave -Ionizing radiation

Autoclave. Ultrasonic is for delicate instruments, gas is for instruments that can be damaged by heat, and radiation for cleaning is not used in health care settings.

Which of the following allows a patient to confirm or cancel an appointment remotely? -Automated call routing -Appointment cards -Wave scheduling -Advanced booking

Automated call routing allows patients to confirm or cancel appointment times with keystrokes on a telephone.

Which of the following instructions should a MA provide to a patient prior to spirometry testing? -"Use your inhaler prior to arriving for the test." -"Avoid smoking for at least an hour prior to the test." -"Wear tight clothing for the duration of the test." -"Do not eat or drink anything at least 6 hours prior to the test."

Avoid smoking. Smoking causes constriction and can interfere with the accuracy of spirometry testing. The patient should not smoke during the hour prior to the test.

A MA is reviewing a patient's medical record. Which of the following acronyms should the assistant identify as the notation used when interpreting the correlation between the patient's body weight and height? -KUB -LMP -PID -BMI

BMI is correct. KUB means kidney, ureter, and bladder. LMP is referring to the patient;s last menstrual cycle. And PID is pelvic inflammatory disease.

When should the code on glucose cuvettes be compared to the code on the glucometer? -​After a new package of cuvettes is opened ​-Before a patient is tested -​At the beginning of the shift ​-Following an error code

Before a patient is tested. The assistant should check the coding every time the glucometer is used to ensure the most accurate results.

At which point during a patient's venipuncture process should a MA label the blood specimen tube? -Before the patient is discharged -After the patient is discharged -Prior to venipuncture -During venipuncture

Before the patient is discharged.

When processing a patien'ts referral, a MA should identify which of the following as a laboratory test? -Barium enema -Blood urea nitrogen -Computed tomography -Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Blood urea nitrogen is a laboratory test that helps determine the adequacy of renal function by identifying the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Which of the following insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US? -Tricare -Medicare -Blue Cross/Blue Shield -Medicaid

Blue Cross/Blue Shield was founded in 1929. It is the oldest and largest insurance entity in the U.S.

Using knowledge of prefixes and suffixes, a medical assistant should identify the term for slow breathing as which of the following? -Oximetry -Bradypnea -Neuralgia -Tachycardia

Bradypnea

A MA is preparing to perform a rapid strep test. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Bring the reagents and devices to room temperature. -Leave the swab in the solution for 5 min. -Express the liquid from the swab with gloved fingers. -Place the tip of the reagent bottle into the tube before dispensing.

Bring the reagents and devices to room temperature. The assistant should bring all reagents and devices to room temperature for a minimum of 30 min before the test. The assistant should leave the swab in the tube for exactly 1 min. The assistant should express the liquid from the swab by squeezing the tube, not squeezing the swab directly. And the assistant should dispense the reagents as free-falling drops. The reagent bottle should not come into contact with the tube.

A MA is performing phlebotomy on an 80-year-old patient who has small veins. Which of the following venipuncture methods should the assistant use for this patient? -Finger puncture -Evacuated tube -Heel stick -Butterfly needle

Butterfly needle for better control and less pressure. A heel stick and a finger puncture are forms of capillary puncture. Evacuated tubes would collapse it.

A MA is reviewing dietary minerals with a patient. The assistant should identify which of the following minerals as being essential for blood coagulation? -Iron -Magnesium -Calcium -Potassium

Calcium assists with blood coagulation and building healthy bones and teeth. Iron is for oxygen transport in blood, magnesium is for metabolism, and potassium is for muscle contractions.

A patient loses consciousness. The EKG tracing reveals ventricular fibrillation. Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take first? -​Notify the provider of the arrest. -Call for help and begin CPR. -Get the automated external defibrillator. ​-Administer oxygen.

Call for help and begin CPR.

When using a centrifuge, and medical assistant must do which of the following to ensure safety and accuracy? -Use an odd number of tubes in the centrifuge. -Place metal cups at the bottom of carrier cups. -Open the centrifuge as it begins to slow in speed. -Cap the tubes to avoid emission of aerosols.

Cap the tubes to avoid emission of aerosols. The assistant should ensure the tubes are capped to prevent the emission of aerosols.

Which of the following body systems works with the respiratory system to transport waste from the body's cells? -Peripheral nervous system -Endocrine system -Cardiovascular system -Reproductive system

Cardiovascular system

While caring for a patient, a MA notices that the patient us slurring her speech and has developed a slight drooping of one side of her mouth. The assistant should identify these manifestations as indications of which of the following emergent conditions? -Myocardial infarction -Syncope -Anxiety attack -Cerebrovascular accident

Cerebrovascular accident, also known as a stroke.

A MA is posting charges to a patient's account. The assistant should obtain the necessary information from which of the following sources? -Pegboard system -Fee profile -Fee schedule -Itemized statement

Charges posted to a patient's account should be taken from a preestablished list of fee allowances based on a fee schedule. A pegboard system is a method of tracking patient accounts. This an older method used for mathematical calculations. A fee profile is used to compile an average of the provider's fees over a given period of time. An itemized statement is a confirmation of the patient's responsibility for services billed after charges have been posted.

What does Varicella Zoster Virus cause? -Mumps -Measles -Rubella -Chickenpox

Chickenpox Varicella zoster virus can cause chickenpox or shingles.

A MA is preparing a patient for an examination. Which of the following is a component of the patient's medical history? -Objective data -Treatment plan -Chief complaint -Informed consent form

Chief complaint. The chief complaint is the reason for the patient's visit, stated in the patient's own words. It is a component of the patient's medical history.

A patient experiencing a subluxation should be treated by which of the following alternative medicine practices? -Acupuncture -Chiropractic care -Biofeedback -Herbal medicine

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that diagnoses and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors treat subluxations, or misalignments, of the spine.

A MA should use which of the following solutions to prepare a patient's skin prior to drawing blood cultures? -Benzoin tincture -Hydrogen peroxide -Isopropyl alcohol -Chlorhexadine

Chlorhexidine Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent that is used to clean skin before a blood culture draw. Benzoin is for cleaning the skin before dressings. Hydrogen peroxide is for wound infections. Isopropyl is for phlebotomy other than blood cultures.

A MA should use which of following solutions to prepare a patient's skin prior to drawing blood cultures? -Benzoin tincture -Hydrogen peroxide -Isopropyl alcohol -Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent that is used to clean skin before a blood culture draw. Benzoin tincture is used to clean skin before applying an adhesive dressing. Hydrogen peroxide is used to clean wound infections. Isopropyl alcohol is used for phlebotomy procedures other than blood cultures.

Which of the following is a risk factor for the development of congestive heart failure (CHF)? -Atherosclerosis -Chronic hypertension -Endocarditis -Family history of CHF

Chronic hypertension can lead to weakness in the left ventricle of the heart. This weakness in the heart can progress to CHF when the ventricle fails. Endocarditis causes scarring and mitral valve colapse. Family history does not predict CHF. And Atherosclerosis causes plaque formation, which can lead to a heart attack.

Which of the following cell structures is instrumental in helping the body mobilize and secrete mucus from the respiratory tract? -Centrioles -Ribosomes -Cilia -Mitochondria

Cilia are hairlike projections found in the lungs that are capable of movement and are instrumental in helping with mobilizing and secreting mucus from the respiratory tract. Centrioles help distribute chromosomes during cell division.

Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to prevent patient accidents in the clinical setting? -Clean a spill on the hallway floor using a towel -Bundle computer cables that cross walkways with cable ties -Stand with feet together when transferring a patient -Store cleaning supplies on top of cabinets

Clean a spill using a towel. The other ones should not happen (cable ties and cords should not cross pathways)

Which of the following is a step in the process of skin preparation prior to a surgical procedure? -Sterilize the surgical site -Clean the surgical site with antiseptic -Rinse the site with warm water -Scrub the surgical site with a sterile brush

Clean the surgical site with antiseptic. The assistant should clean the site with antiseptic to decrease the number of micro-organisms on the skin and reduce the risk of wound contamination. Sterilization of skin is not possible without damaging it. Rinse the site with 0.9% sodium chloride.

A MA should identify which of the following look-alike and sound-alike medication as an anticonvulsant? -Clonazepam -Chlorpropamide -Amlodipine -Alprazolam

Clonazepam is an anticonvulsant that can be confused with clonidine. Chlorpropamide is an oral hypoglycemic that can be confused with chlorpromazine. Amlodipine is an antihypertensive that can be confused with amiloride. Alprazolam is an anxiolytic that can be confused with lorazepam.

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 the clinic using? -Stream scheduling -Cluster scheduling -Wave scheduling -Modified-wave scheduling

Cluster scheduling is grouping patients who have similar conditions into specific time slots or days. Modified wave is scheduling pateint during the first half of the hour with none in the second half.

A medical assistant is discussing dietary concerns with a client who has heart disease. The client states, "I haven't been as careful about salt and fat as I should be, but I have been exercising more than usual". The assistant should identify that this patient is using which of the following defense mechanisms? -Compensation -Displacement -Repression -Reaction formation

Compensation (Correct) Compensation is a method of balancing a failure or inadequacy with an accomplishment. The patient is using extra exercise as an accomplishment to compensate for not following dietary guidelines. Displacement is a shift in emotion or behavior that copes with a situation by substituting it with a more desirable alternative. The patient's actions are not an example of displacement. Repression is the exclusion of unpleasant emotions, desires, or problems from the conscious mind as a coping strategy. The patient's actions are not an example of repression. Reaction formation is the outward presentation of a client's beliefs or emotions as their opposites. The patient's actions are not an example of reaction formation.

A patient-centered medical home (PCMH) has five core functions and attributes. Which of the following features is included in those functions? -Ambulatory services -Comprehensive care -Electronic health records incentives -Affordable health care

Comprehensive care is one of the five core functions and attributes of a PCMH. It is all-encompassing and includes a patient's physical and mental health care. A team of providers works together to care for the patient at a PCMH.

Which of the following should a MA identify as a diagnostic procedure that produces images of body structures? -Audiometry -Electromyography -Computed tomography -Holter monitoring

Computed tomography, commonly referred to as a CT scan, is a radiographic imaging procedure used to produce three-dimensional cross sections of body structures for diagnostic purposes. Electromyography is for nerve impulses and electrical activity of muscles, and Holter monitering is a portable cardiac machine.

A MA left the computer unlocked with a patient's chart visible. Which of the following actions should the assistant take in the future to prevent unauthorized viewing of patient information? -Place privacy filters on the monitor screen. -Set up encryption software. -Install firewalls. -Perform a records audit.

Computers should never be left open or unlocked. However, if this does occur, using a privacy filter diminishes the viewing angle and blurs the content on the screen. Encryption software encodes the information to make it unreadable to users who are not authorized to view the material. Computer programmers would install this information, and it is not at the user level. Firewalls are programs used by the facility to block and filter communication between the network and the internet, and they are not at the user level. An audit is used to track activity and identify the specific information a user is viewing. This involves the facility's information technology department, and it is not at the user level.

A MA is reviewing the chart of a patient who is scheduled for an appointment later that day. Which of the following tasks should the assistant complete prior to the patient's appointment? -Verify the patient's known allergies. -Refill any medications needed. -Confirm all pertinent information is available. -Pre-order tests for the patient's follow-up visit.

Confirm all pertinent information is available. Prior to the patient's appointment, the assistant will obtain the patient's medical record. The medical record includes treatment results and patient progress notes. The assistant should ensure that all pertinent information is available for the provider prior to the patient's appointment.

Which of the following steps for a fingerstick should a MA complete first? -Cleanse the site with an antiseptic wipe. -Select the appropriate part of the third or fourth finger. ​-Position the blade of the lancet across the lines of the fingertip. ​-Confirm the correct identity of the patient.

Confirm the identity of the patient.

A MA is entering a new prescription into a patient's electronic medical record (EMR). While enetering the prescription, an alert notifying the MA of a medication intereaction appears on the screen. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Override the alert and enter the prescription. -Call the pharmacist to obtain information about alternative medications. -Notify the patient of possible interactions with the prescribed medication. -Consult with the provider before continuing to process the prescription.

Consult the provider. If an alert appears while entering a prescription into an EMR, the assistant should recognize that the provider needs to be consulted due to the medication's potential interactions with other medications or certain foods. The assistant should consult the provider before continuing with prescription entry.

A medical assistant is talking with the parent of a child who has molluscum contagiosum warts. The assistant should explain that which of the following is the mode of transmission for this infection? -Foodborne -Droplet -Fomite -Contact

Contact: Direct contact with a person who has molluscum contagiosum warts spreads the molluscipoxvirus, which causes these warts.

A patient has recently been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. When transitioning the patient's care from a primary care provider (PCP) to an oncologist, which of the following processes is the PCP taking part in? -Quality control -Audit -Continuity of care -Termination of care

Continuity of care. Services rendered from one provider to another, including data transfer and patient care, demonstrates the process of continuity of care. Termination is only when the care is officially stopped and no relationship is present between the patient and provider.

A MA should recognize that which of the following is the clinical purpose of contrast media in diagnostic imaging? -Indicates the location of bones -Makes body structures easier to see through -Highlights the inner contours of body structures -Protects internal organs from radiation

Contrast media is used to highlight the inner contours of body structures and to enhance visibility for diagnostic imaging of less-dense body structures.

When measuring a patient's respiratory rate, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to ensure an accurate reading? -Count the respirations while the patient thinks his pulse is being obtained. -Instruct the patient to breathe normally while counting his breaths. -Count the respirations for 15 seconds and multiply by 2. -Instruct the patient to take deep breaths while obtaining his pulse.

Count the respirations while the patient thinks his pulse is being obtained.

A MA is reviewing the dietary intake of a patient who is lactose intolerant. Which of the following foods should the assistant remind the patient to reduce or avoid? -Cream cheese -Green beans -Grilled chicken -Black coffee

Cream cheese

Which of the follwing terms refers to the range of fees charged by providers who have similar training and experience and practice in the same geographical area? -Usual -Reasonable -Customary -Capitation

Customary. A usual fee is the fee most commonly charged by a provider for a given service. A reasonable fee is a fee for services or procedures that require extra time and effort for the provider due to the level of complexity of the procedure. A capitation is the fixed amount of money paid to a provider by a third-party payer per individual enrollee for an established period.

Which of the following terms describes a collection of associated files that functions as a basis for retrieving information? -Cookies -Cache -Queries -Database

Databases are used in health care settings to document, track, and store patient information. Cookies track browser history to identify users and personalize their online experience. The cache tracks the websites that users visit to increase browser speed. Queries are used to process the information that a database documents, tracks, and stores.

Prior to performing a phlebotomy procedure, a MA should ask the patient to verify which of the following information? -Patient's account number -Patient's power of attorney -Patient's phone number -Patient's date of birth

Date of birth

A MA is performing a venipuncture. Which of the following pieces of information should be included on both the requisition form and the specimen label? -Insurance information -Patient's address -Date of birth -Provider's name

Date of birth. The patient's date of birth is necessary on both the requisition form and the specimen label.

Which of the following defense mechanisms is characterized by a patient's externalization of guilt, blame, or responsibility? -Denial -Apathy -Undoing -Projection

Denial: Denial is a defense mechanism characterized by a patient's avoidance of reality. This may include the patient's refusal to discuss a problem or receive any teaching about it. Apathy: Apathy is a defense mechanism characterized by a patient's lack of emotion, interest, feeling, or concern. It is a pretense of an indifference to the situation. Undoing: Undoing is a defense mechanism characterized by a patient's expression of the feeling that is opposite of what she is actually experiencing. Projection (Correct): Projection is a defense mechanism characterized by a patient's externalization of feelings of guilt, blame, or responsibility. Patients can project their ideas, feelings, or attitudes onto objects or other people.

A MA is assisting a patient whose insurance does not cover immunizations. To which of the following community resources should the MA refer the patient? -American Red Cross -Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -Child Protective Services

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS provides immunizations and other health services for people who lack necessary insurance coverage.

Which of the following diseases affecrs about 9% of the population of the US and is characterized by the body's inability to produce sufficient insulin? -Diabetes insipidus -Diabetes mellitus -Coronary artery disease -Polycystic kidney disease

Diabetes mellitus. It affects about 9% of the U.S. population. It is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and either a lack of insulin production or a resistance to insulin at the cellular level. Diabetes insipidus is a pituitary gland disorder characterized by a lack of ADH production. It does not affect insulin production.

A MA is scheduling diagnostic tests for a patient's liver and pancreas. Which of the following systems is being assessed? -Cardiovascular -Integumentary -Respiratory -Digestive

Digestive

A MA removes a needle from the antecubital space of a patient following a phlebotomy procedure and applies pressure. Which of the following steps should the assistant take next? -Apply a bandage -Label the tubes -Dispose of the needle -Confirm the ordered tests

Dispose of the needle in order to meet OSHA standards of safety. Then bandage, then label the tubes. Confirm the tests prior to perfoming the procedure.

A MA is preparing to apply a compression bandage to a client's extremity. The assistant begins applying the bandage at the farthest point from the clinet's trunk and moves to the nearest point. Which of the following pairs of terms describes this progression? -Distal to proximal -Posterior to anterior -Proximal to distal -Anterior to posterior

Distal to proximal

A patient presents to an emergency department with a large laceration to the wrist that is bleeding profusely. Which of the following actions should the MA take first? -Don gloves. -Elevate the extremity above the wound site. -Examine the wound site for foreign objects. -Place pressure directly on the wound with sterile gauze.

Don gloves. The assistant must don gloves prior to wound care to prevent further contamination. The rest are important, but are not the priority action.

A medical assistant is collecting data from a patient who reports back pain. Which of the following terms should the assistant use to describe the patient's pain in the intake notes? -Caudal -Cephalic -Medial -Dorsal

Dorsal

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physcial exam. The patient mentions that she is having serious problems at work and feels so much stress that she cannot focus on anything at work or at home. Based on the patient's anxiety level, which of the following findings should the assistant expect? -Drowsiness -Dry skin -Back pain -Rapid respirations

Drowsiness: A patient who has moderate to severe anxiety is more likely to exhibit hypervigilance and have difficulty sleeping. Dry Skin: A patient who has moderate to severe anxiety is more likely to experience profuse sweating, including in the palms of the hands. Back pain:A patient who has moderate to severe anxiety is more likely to experience chest pain than back pain. Rapid respirations (correct): A patient who has moderate to severe anxiety usually has increased pulse and respiratory rates.

When preparing a patient for Holter monitoring, which of the following actions should a MA take? -Vigorously dry the patient's skin prior to electrode placement. Apply the electrodes while the patient is in a standing position. ​Ensure tension is on the lead wires after electrodes are in place. Wash the patient's skin with soap and water prior to electrode placement.

Dry the skin. The assistant should abrade the skin with dry gauze to enhance the adhesiveness of the electrodes.

Which of the following terms should a MA use to tell a provider that a patient is having discomfort and difficulty breathing? -Dyspnea ​-Eupnea -Pneumothorax -Pneumonia

Dyspnea is a term used to indicate that a patient is experiencing difficult or painful breathing. Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung, pneumonia is inflammation of the lung.

A MA is caring for a patient who is frustrated and states, "My doctor doesn't have any idea how to treat my condition." Which of the following responses by the MA is an example of therapeutic communication? -"Your provider is doing everything she can to help you." -"Don't you want your provider to keep trying to help you get better?" -"Are you saying that you don't think your provider knows how to help you?" -"If you don't remain calm, we'll have to ask you to leave the office."

"Are you saying that you don't think your provider knows how to help you?" Recognizing and acknowledging a client's emotions and their sources allows for effective communication and is a key step in redirecting those emotions to solving any perceived problems. Do not contradict the patient's statements such as the first option.

A first-time patient is late arriving to the office. Which of the following should the medical assistant say first? -"Have a seat. We will be with you shortly." -"Hello. Welcome to our office." -"What is your best phone number? We couldn't reach you this morning." -"Please complete these forms and return them to the desk."

"Hello. Welcome to our office." ​​The assistant should greet and welcome the patient before checking him in, making appointments, or checking on a bill.

At work, a MA cared for a neighbor who sustained multiple injuries in a fall. After work, another neighbor asks the assistant what happened to the neighbor who fell. Following the American association of medical assistant (AAMA) code of ethics, which of the following responses should the assistant make? -"She broke a couple of bones, but she'll be fine." -"It was nothing serious. You'll see her soon enough." -"We'll see her every week or so during her recovery." -"I can't share any information about what happens at my job."

"I can't share any information about what happens at my job." It is the assistant's responsibility to remain within the legal scope of practice both within and outside of the clinical setting. This response by the assistant follows the AAMA Code of Ethics by maintaining patient confidentiality.

A MA receives a telephone call from a patient who seems anxious about the results of a test. Which of the following responses should the assistant make? -"The doctor is busy right now and will call you back. You don't really want me to give you the results, do you?" -"I'm afraid it's bad news. I would get a second opinion if I were you." -"Don't worry about it. Until we say you have something to worry about, try to relax." -"I know you are concerned about your test results. We'll call you as soon as your results come in."

"I know you are concerned about your test results. We'll call you as soon as your results come in." DUH.

A patient tells a 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? -"I think that you feel that your treatment is not effective." -"I'm sure that the provider can help you get better." -"That isn't fair. Our office treats many patients successfully." -"You could take a different medication and then you'll feel better."

"I think that you feel that your treatment is not effective." This response validates the patient's feelings. This also allows the assistant to restate the patient's words in order to verify an understanding of what is being communicated.

A MA requests that a patient pay her insurance copayment at the time she arrives for her appointment. The patient becomes defensive and asks why she should pay for care she has not yet received. Which of the following responses should the MA make? -"Didn't you expect to have to pay for your visit when you came?" -"Why wouldn't you want to pay now rather than later?" -"Unless you have paid your copayment, the doctor will not see you." -"I understand you're concerned, so you're welcome to pay at the end of your appointment."

"I understand you're concerned, so you're welcome to pay at the end of your appointment."

A 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? -"I will return the monitor after wearing it for 24 hours." -"I will discontinue my usual exercise routine." -"I will avoid removing the electrodes." -"I will record any symptoms I experience in the event log."

"I will record any symptoms I experience in the event log."

A 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? -"I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication." -"I will blow on the site to make sure the alcohol dries." -"I will consistently use the same site for my injections." -"I will hold the needle at a 15-degree angle for the injection."

"I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication." The patient should roll the bottle of insulin between his hands prior to injection to ensure the medication is suspended properly. Shaking the bottle of insulin is discouraged because it can cause bubbles to form in the insulin, leading to an inaccurate dose of medication.

A MA is explaining a venipuncture procedure to a patient. Which of the following statements should the MA make? -"I'll be collecting a blood sample from you today. There will be a small stick in your arm." -"I'm here to draw a blood sample for a test. It won't hurt at all." -"I'll be puncturing your vein with this needle. Hopefully, you won't feel the vacuum in the tube draw your blood." -"I'm going to draw a blood sample. I'm sure that you aren't going to faint."

"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.

A MA 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 MA that she does not know what an antitussive is. Which of the following responses should the MA make? -"It is a medication that reduces nasal membrane swelling." -"It is a medication that helps with coughing up mucus." -"It is a medication that relieves allergy symptoms." -"It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex."

"It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex." Decongestant is for nasal swelling, expectorants are for coughing up mucus, and antihistamines are for allergies.

A MA is talking with an older adult patient who has experienced several injuries at home over the past 6 months. The patient lives alone and has no family nearby. Which of the following responses should the MA make to help ease the patient's transition to assisted living or long-term care? -"Why wouldn't you want to be around others like yourself, even if only for the social benefits?" -"It seems like it is no longer safe for you to be at home alone. Let's talk about other options." -"If I were you, I'd tell your family they have to move to this area to help you at home." -"I'm going to call your daughter and tell her about some of the difficulties you are having."

"It seems like it is no longer safe for you to be at home alone. Let's talk about other options." The assistant is demonstrating effective communication techniques by being clear, direct, and respectful, as well as taking the patient's concerns into consideration.

A patient asks a medical assistant to explain the difference between a liniment and a medicated lotion. Which of the following responses should the assistant make? -"Medicated lotions are used to treat disorders in the muscles and bones." -"Liniments contain a higher portion of oil than medicated lotions." -"Liniments are used to control itching." -"Medicated lotions are emulsions used to protect dried or cracked skin."

"Liniments contain a higher portion of oil than medicated lotions." The assistant should recognize that liniments are made to contain a higher portion of oil than medicated lotions in order to protect dry and cracked skin. Medicated lotions control itching and inflammation while linaments protect dry and cracked skin.

A MA is reinforcing instructions with a patient about how to take a buccal tablet. Which of the following instructions should the MA give the patient? -"Swallow the tablet whole." -"Place the tablet under your tongue." -"Dissolve the tablet in water." -"Place the tablet between your gums and cheek."

"Place the tablet between your gums and cheek."

A MA is reinforcing teaching with a patient about pulse oximetry. Which of the following statements should the MA include in the teaching? -"Cold hands improve the test's accuracy." -"Remove your nail polish before the test." -"Clip the probe onto your second toe." -"This test will measure your pulmonary capacity."

"Remove your nail polish before the test." Nail polish can affect the reading. Probe should be clipped onto the earlobe, finger, or nose (not on toes), the test measures pulse and oxygen saturation, not pulmonary capacity, and cold hands decrease circulation.

Which of the following instructions should a MA give to a patient when administering an enteric-coated tablet? -"Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water." -"Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing." -"​Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water before drinking." -"Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce."

"Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water." Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved. The tablets need to arrive in the small intestines whole.

A MA is talking with a patient who reports forgetting whether or not she has taken her prescribed medication each day. Which of the following responses should the MA make? -"I'll check with the doctor, but I don't think missing an occasional dose will do any harm." -"Count how many pills are left in the bottle to figure out what you've taken." -"Try putting your medications in a weekly medication dispenser for the upcoming week." -"Ask a neighbor to come in every day and observe while you take your medication."

"Try putting your medications in a weekly medication dispenser for the upcoming week." The assistant is responsible for providing encouragement and guidance for patients when discussing medication compliance. Suggesting the use of a tool designed for maintaining medication compliance is within the assistant's scope of practice.

A MA is reviewing nutritional guidelines with a patient who is following a high-protein diet. Which of the following statements should the assistant make? -"An increased intake of sodium is necessary to metabolize protein." -"Without sufficient carbohydrates and fat, the body will burn protein for energy." -"The body uses dietary fiber to rebuild muscle." -"Half of your daily caloric intake should consist of protein."

"Without sufficient carbohydrates and fat, the body will burn protein for energy." Primarily, the amino acids found in protein are used to repair and build tissues. To prevent using protein as a source of energy, the patient should include sufficient amounts of carbohydrates and fats in his diet.

A MA is providing teaching to a patient who is to undergo Holter monitoring. Which of the following information should the assistant include? -"You can place a piece of tape over the electrode if it becomes loose." -"You can wear the monitor while you take a shower." -"You should refrain from doing your usual activities." -"Your diary should focus on your food intake."

"You can place a piece of tape over the electrode if it becomes loose" is correct. DO NOT have them take showers or baths, have them do their normal activities, and their journal should focus on everything such as emotional symptoms, sleep schedule, sexual activity, etc. and not just food intake.

A MA is assisting a provider with a gynecological examination on a patient. The patient says, "My religious beliefs do not allow me to use contraception." The assistant should expect the provider to make which of the following statements? -"You have the right to make choices regarding your health." -"You should reconsider your stance on contraception." -"I am your provider, so you need to listen to my advice." -"I am very concerned about the potential consequences to your health."

"You have the right to make choices regarding your health." The Patients' Bill of Rights establishes that patients have the right to determine which treatments they receive.

A MA is assisting a provider with an adult patient who sustained a wound from a dirty metal object. Which of the following orders should the assistant expect the provider to give for the patient? -"You do not need to receive a tetanus booster if you received the DTaP series as a child." -"You should receive a tetanus booster if your last one was administered more than 2 years ago." -"You should receive a tetanus booster if your last one was administered more than 5 years ago." -"You should receive a tetanus booster every time a laceration occurs."

"You should receive a tetanus booster if your last one was administered more than 5 years ago." Tetanus boosters should be administered routinely every 5 to 10 years. If the patient does not remember the date he received his last tetanus booster, then one should be administered.

A patient in the waiting room approached a MA and states, "I've been waiting 30 minutes to see my doctor. Can't you do something?" Which of the following responses by the assistant is an example of active listening? -"You sound frustrated about how long you've been waiting." -"You won't have to wait much longer. I promise." -"You don't want to leave and miss your appointment, do you?" -"Maybe you should file a complaint and reschedule the appointment."

"You sound frustrated about how long you've been waiting." One aspect of active listening is reflection, which involves the assistant identifying the main idea of a patient's statements and acknowledging the patient's feelings.

A 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 90/10 coinsurance and has met his deductible. What is the total amount the patient will pay the provider for this procedure? -$20 -$30 -$40 -$50

$20. The patient's deductible has been met and the patient's coinsurance is 90/10. The patient's responsibility of coinsurance is 10% of $200, which is $20. Therefore, the patient should pay a total of $20.

When performing an EKG on a patient, a MA notices a widended QRS complex on the patient's EKG strip. Which of the following is a possible cause of this type of artifact? -Atrial fibrilation -Bradycardia -Sinus dysrhytmia -Premature ventricular contraction

-Atrial fibrilation: Atrial fibrillation is an example of a cardiac dysrhythmia. This dysrhythmia would result in a variably irregular QRS complex, not a widened QRS complex. -Bradycardia: Bradycardia is slowed heart rate, which would result in a normal P wave with a ventricular rate of less than 60/min. This would not result in a widened QRS complex. -Sinus dysrhytmia: Sinus dysrhythmia is a variable change in heart rate that alternates from fast to slow in correlation with breathing patterns. The waves will have normal configurations. -Premature ventricular contraction (Correct): An abnormally widened QRS complex should alert the assistant to a ventricular dysrhythmia, such as premature ventricular contraction (PVC). A PVC is caused by an early contraction of the ventricles, which produces a widened QRS complex artifact.

A medical assistant is talking with a patient who has a new prescription for amoxicillin. The assistant should explain that this medication will aid in the destruction of which of the following types of micro-organisms? -Bacteria -Viruses -Fungi -Protozoa

-Bacteria (Correct): Amoxicillin is a antibiotic. -Viruses -Fungi -Protozoa

A medical student should identify which of the following types of micro-organisms is a mold when it is multicellular? -Bacteria -Viruses -Fungi -Protozoa

-Bacteria: single cells organisms -Viruses: genetic material that needs a host -Fungi (Correct): unicellular yeasts and multicellular molds -Protozoa: single cells parasites

Which of the following body systems experiences a decrease in activity caused by the sympathetic branch of the nervous system during "fight-or-flight" responses? -Cardiovascular -Respiratory -Muscular -Digestive

-Cardiovascular: The cardiovascular system experiences an increase in heart rate during a "fight-or-flight" response. -Respiratory: The respiratory system experiences a widening of the bronchioles to increase the flow of oxygen during a "fight-or-flight" response. -Muscular: The muscular system experiences an increase in blood flow to the skeletal muscles during a "fight-or-flight" response. -Digestive (Correct): The digestive system experiences a decrease in peristalsis during a "fight-or-flight" response. The movement of food is slowed down as it passes through the digestive system, preventing vomiting or defecation as a response to fear or trauma. The system will remain in this state until the individual feels safe.

Which of the following components of the body's cells help propel substances through passageways in the body? -Cilia -Flagellum -Cytoskeleton -Microvilli

-Cilia (Correct): hair-like projections that help move substances through tracts and paths in the body -Flagellum: allows the cell to move in a swimming-like motion -Cytoskeleton: maintains the cell's shape and protects it. -Microvilli: increase the cell's surface area.

A medical assistant should indentify which of the following microorganisms as having a helpful function in the human body? -Clostridium botulinum -Lactobacillus acidophilus -Treponema pallidum -Haemophilus influenzae

-Clostridium botulinum: food poisoning -Lactobacillus acidophilus (Correct): helps with digestion -Treponema pallidum: syphilis -Haemophilus influenzae: meningitis

A medical assistant should identify that which of the following types of bacteria has a structure with a shape similar to a comma? -Coccus -Spirillum -Vibrio -Bacillus

-Coccus: berry shaped, round -Spirillum: spiral -Vibrio (Correct): comma -Bacillus: rod-shaped

A medical assistant is observing a patient who is undergoing the Mini-Mental State Exam. To test the patient's ability to perform tasks in the area of language, the examiner asks the patient to do which of the following? -Copy a geometric design -Identify the city she is in -Spell her first name backward -Name the three objects stated earlier

-Copy a geometric design (Correct): When testing language, the examiner asks the patient to copy a design, such as overlapping pentagons. -Identify the city she is in: When testing orientation, the examiner asks the patient for specific location information, such as the city or state. -Spell her first name backward: When testing attention and calculation, the examiner asks the patient to count backward by 7, starting at 100, or to spell the word "world" backward. -Name the three objects stated earlier: When testing recall, the examiner asks the patient to name the three objects that the examiner named earlier in the test.

Which of the following components of the body's cells plays a part in cell division? -Cytoplasm -Centriole -Golgi Apparatus -Endoplasmic Reticulum

-Cytoplasm: material inside the cells that containes organells. They perfom the functions of the cell. -Centriole (Correct): organelles that work in pairs to divide cells. -Golgi Apparatus: sorts and combines carbs and proteins to form glycoprotiens -Endoplasmic Reticulum: provides passageways for moving substances within the cytoplasm

A MA is reviewing charges for an in-office procedure. Which of the following terms describes the maximum reimbursement a third-party payer will provide? -Deductible -Coinsurance -Fee schedule -Allowable amount

-Deductible: A deductible is the specific amount of money a patient must pay out of pocket before an insurance carrier begins paying. -Coinsurance: Coinsurance is a policy provision frequently found in medical insurance where an insurance company and the policyholder share the cost of covered charges in a specified ratio, such as 80:20. -Fee schedule: A fee schedule is a list of charges for procedures and services performed in the provider's office. -Allowable amount (Correct): The allowable amount is the maximum reimbursement a third-party payer will provide for a particular procedure or service.

A medical assistant is talking with a patient whose brother died of heart disease 1-month ago. The patient tells the assistant that she blames herself because she should have persuaded her brother to take better care of himself. The assistant should identify that the patient is in which of the followng of Kubler-Ross's stages fo grief? -Denial -Anger -Bargaining -Depression

-Denial: During this stage, the grieving person cannot or will not believe that the loss is happening or has happened. -Anger: During this stage, the grieving person might aim feelings of hostility at others, including health care staff, because they cannot cure the disease. -Bargaining: During this stage, the grieving person attempts to avoid the loss by making some kind of "deal," or wishing she had done so. Bargaining typically manifests before the loss has occurred. -Depression (Correct): During this stage, the reality of the situation takes hold, and the grieving person feels sad, lonely, and helpless. She might have feelings of regret and self-blame for not taking better care of herself or, in this case, not encouraging her brother to take better care of himself.

A medical assistant is talking with a young adult patient who says he has found a partner he loves but cannot seem to make a commitment to their relationship. The assistant should identify that the developmental crisis this patient is experiencing is which of the following? -Ego integrity v. despair -Intimacy v. isolation -Generativity v. stagnation -Identity v. role confusion

-Ego integrity v. despair: Ego integrity vs. despair is the developmental crisis typically seen in older adults (65 years and older). -Intimacy v. isolation (Correct): Intimacy vs. isolation is the developmental crisis typically seen in young adults (20 to 35 years). During this stage, young adults begin to think about partnership, marriage, family, and career. Achieving the developmental tasks of this stage results in the ability to feel mutual self-respect and love, intimacy, and commitment to others and to a career. -Generativity v. stagnation: Generativity vs. stagnation is the developmental crisis typically seen in middle adults (35 to 65 years). -Identity v. role confusion: Identity vs. role confusion is the developmental crisis typically seen in adolescents (12 to 20 years).

A medical assistant is talking with a patient who just learned that she has advanced breast cancer. The patient says, "It's just an infection. I am way too young to have cancer!". Which of the following actions should the assistant take to help this patient during this stage of grief? -Encourage the patient to express sadness -Redirect the patien'ts attention away from angry feelings -Reinforce education about the disease's process -Refer the patient to a support group

-Encourage the patient to express sadness: This patient is in the first stage of the grief process, denial. She might not be able to express sadness until she reaches the fourth stage, depression. -Redirect the patien'ts attention away from angry feelings: This patient is in the first stage of the grief process, denial. She is more likely to express anger in the second stage, anger. -Reinforce education about the disease's process (Correct): This patient is in the first stage of the grief process, denial. She is expressing disbelief that she has breast cancer. Helpful interventions at this stage are to verbally reinforce information about the disease and to give her written information about breast cancer that she can refer to when she is ready to find out more. It is also helpful at this stage to involve close family members or loved ones in her care. -Refer the patient to a support group: Although this is a helpful intervention, the patient is not yet ready to accept the services of others who understand or are dealing with a disease the patient is still denying that she has.

A patient who uses a wheelchair arrives at the office for an appointment and is visibly upset. Which of the following methods should the medical assistant use to establish positive therapeutic communication with the patient? -Face the patient at eye level -Speak in a quiet voice -Hold the patient's hand -Maintain a closed posture

-Face the patient at eye level (Correct): This action by the assistant makes the patient more comfortable and demonstrates sensitivity and empathy. -Speak in a quiet voice: Speaking too quietly or too loudly does not promote therapeutic communication with the patient. -Hold the patient's hand: Intimate contact can make the patient uncomfortable. The assistant should be sensitive and respect the patient's boundaries. -Maintain a closed posture: A closed posture indicates that the assistant is not open to or interested in what the patient is saying or feeling.

A medical assistant is talking with a patient who has Lyme disease. The assistant should explain that which of the following is the means of transmission for this infection? -Fomite -Droplet -Vector -Airborne

-Fomite: nonliving things -Droplet: cough or sneeze -Vector (Correct): a tick spreads Borrelia Burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease -Airborne: inhilation through nose or mouth

Which of the following health care delivery models emphasizes patient's involvement in organizing their own health care? -Hospice -Home health agency -Accountable care organizations (ACOs) -Patient-centered medical home (PCMH)

-Hospice: Hospice is organized care provided by nurses, nursing assistants, and volunteers to patients and their families for patients facing life-limiting illnesses -Home health agency: Home health agencies provide patients with in-home services by skilled health care professionals to minimize the effects of disabilities or diseases and to restore patients' overall health -Accountable care organizations (ACOs):ACOs are a collaboration of physicians and health care staff whose goal is to reestablish the cost and quality of health care to patients. -Patient-centered medical home (PCMH) (Correct): PCMHs are health care delivery models coordinated through a patient's primary care provider. The five core attributes of PCMHs are comprehensive care, patient-centered care, coordinated care, accessible services, and quality and safety.

A medical assistant is talking with a patient who has a new diagnosis of mononucleosis. The assistant should explain that which of the following viruses causes this infection? -Human papillomavirus -Parvovirus -HIV -Epstein-Barr

-Human papillomavirus: causes HPV or gential warts -Parvovirus: causes fifth disease -HIV: AIDS -Epstein-Barr (Correct): "kissing disease", from saliva

A MA is preparing a patient for an EKG. In which of the following locations should the assistant place the V4 lead? -In the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line -In the 5th intercostal space at the midaxillary line -Midway between V3 and V5 -In the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line

-In the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line: This is where you place V5 -In the 5th intercostal space at the midaxillary line: This is where you place V6 -Midway between V3 and V5: V3 is the only one placed in the middle of two leads. -In the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line (Correct): The assistant should use the patient's clavicle as a landmark to assist in the placement of V4.

Which of the following components of the body's cells provides the energy the cell needs to perform its specific functions? -Mitochondria -Centriole -Lysosome -Cilia

-Mitochondria (Correct): provides the cell with the energy needed to rebuild, transport, and reproduce. -Centriole: cell division -Lysosome: destoys and cleans out cellular waste -Cilia: hair like projections that create movement

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for the Mini-Mental State Exam. The examiner names three objects and asks the patient to repeat them. In doing so, the examiner is asking the patient to perform a task in which of the following areas? -Orientation -Registration -Attention and calculation -Language

-Orientation: To test orientation, the examiner asks the patient to identify the present time and place. -Registration (Correct): To test registration, the examiner names three unrelated objects and asks the patient to repeat all three of them. -Attention and calculation: To test attention and calculation, the examiner asks the patient to count backward from 100 by intervals of 7 or spell the word "world" backward. -Language: To test language, the examiner asks the patient to perform a series of actions, including following a three-step command.

Which of the following is an example of connective tissue? -Pancreas -Blood -Spinal cord -Skin

-Pancreas: The pancreas is an example of epithelial tissue and is part of the endocrine system. -Blood (Correct): Blood is a type of connective tissue. It transports substances throughout the body. Connective tissue is the most frequently occurring type of tissue in the body. -Spinal cord: The spinal cord is an example of nervous tissue and is part of the nervous system. -Skin: The skin is an example of epithelial tissue and is part of the integumentary system.

A medical assistant is talking with a patient who has a vaginal yeast infection. The assistant should explain that which of the following micro-organisms causes this type of infection? -Pneumocystus carinii -Legionella pneumophila -Helicobacter pylori -Candida albicans

-Pneumocystus carinii: causes pneumonia -Legionella pneumophila: same but from contaminated air conditioners -Helicobacter pylori: causes peptic ulcers -Candida albicans (Correct): also causes thrush

A medical assistant should understand that which of the following links initiates the chain of infection? -Portal of entry -Infectious agent -Susceptible host -Mode of transmission

-Portal of entry: The portal of entry is the manner in which the infectious agent enters a new host following the link of transmission. -Infectious agent (correct): The chain of infection starts with an infectious agent in its reservoir. -Susceptible host: The susceptible host is the final link in the chain of infection, where the infectious agent can multiply, depending on the host's state of health. -Mode of transmission: Mode of transmission is either direct or indirect and occurs after the infectious agent exits the reservoir.

Which of the following insurance plan models requires a referral from a primary care provider to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist? -Preferred provider organization (PPO) -Pay-for-performance -Health maintenance organization (HMO) -Exclusive provider organization (EPO)

-Preferred provider organization (PPO): The PPO model has more flexibility than the HMO model. Patients do not need a primary care provider's referral to see a specialist. -Pay-for-performance: The pay-for-performance model ensures health care providers are only compensated if they meet certain measures for quality and efficiency. -Health maintenance organization (HMO) (Correct): The HMO model contracts with a medical center or group of providers to provide both preventive and acute care for insured patients. HMOs require referrals for specialists, outpatient procedures, treatments, precertification and preauthorization, and hospital admissions. -Exclusive provider organization (EPO): The EPO model shares features of the HMO and PPO models. Patients can choose from a network of providers, but they do not need a referral to see a specialist.

A medical assistant is talking with a patient who just found out she has Pediculus humanus capitis. The assistant should explain that this is an infestation of which of the following multicellular parasites? -Pubic lice -Pinworms -Head lice -Tapeworms

-Pubic lice: Pthirus pubis, or the crab louse, is also known as pubic lice. -Pinworms: Enterobius vermicularis is also known as pinworms. It is the most common worm infestation in the United States. -Head lice (Correct): Pediculus humanus capitis is also known as head lice. It spreads by direct contact. -Tapeworms: Diphyllobothrium latum is also known as tapeworms.

The parent of a 5-year-old child tells a medical assistant that his daughter has begun sucking her thumb. He states, "She has not done this since she was a baby." The assistant should identify that the child is using which of the following defense mechanisms? -Rationalization -Regression -Supression -Sublimation

-Rationalization: Rationalization is an explanation that makes something negative or unacceptable seem justifiable or acceptable. -Regression (Correct): Regression is a return to an earlier, more childlike developmental behavior. It is not unusual for children who are facing a stressful situation to revert to more infantile behaviors, such as thumb sucking and bedwetting. -Supression: Suppression is the voluntary blocking of an unpleasant experience from one's awareness. -Sublimation: Sublimation is rechanneling unacceptable urges or drives into something constructive or acceptable.

Which of the following structures in a human cell sorts and synthesizes glycoproteins? -Ribosome -Cytoskeleton -Endoplasmic Reticulum -Golgi Apparatus

-Ribosome: Ribosomes contribute to protein synthesis by supporting the protein chains as ribonucleic acid builds them. -Cytoskeleton: The cytoskeleton is a network of microtubules and microfilaments that help maintain the cell's shape and mobility. -Endoplasmic Reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is a structure that provides networks of passageways for moving substances within the cytoplasm. -Golgi Apparatus (Correct): The Golgi apparatus sorts and combines carbohydrates and proteins to form glycoproteins.

A medical assistant is talkign with an older patient who expresses frustration about having looked forward to retirement but finds himself with "too much time on my hands". Before responding, the assistant should consider that which of the following is one fo the developmental tasks for this patient's age group? -Serving the community -Making good decisions -Having a good sense of self-worth -Finding mutual self-respect

-Serving the community: During middle adulthood, adults often raise children and some become grandparents. Achieving the developmental tasks associated with middle age results in professional and personal achievements and active participation in serving the community and society. -Making good decisions: During adolescence, teenagers try to figure out where they fit in and what direction their lives should take. Achieving the developmental tasks associated with adolescence results in emotional stability, commitment, and sound decision making. -Having a good sense of self-worth (correct): During older adulthood, most adults retire, which causes them to reevaluate their usefulness. Achieving the developmental tasks associated with older adulthood results in self-acceptance, a sense of self-worth, and coming to terms with having achieved some goals and not others. -Finding mutual self-respect: During young adulthood, young adults begin to think about family and career. Achieving the developmental tasks associated with young adulthood results in the ability to feel mutual self-respect and love toward others.

Which of the following organ structures within the digestive system is primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients? -Stomach -Small intestine -Bile duct -Esophagus

-Stomach: The stomach functions to produce secretions and digest proteins. It is not active in the absorption of nutrients. -Small intestine (Correct): The small intestine is primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients, which is the final process of digestion. -Bile duct: The primary function of the bile duct is to deliver bile from the gallbladder to the duodenum. It is not active in the absorption of nutrients. -Esophagus: The esophagus is primarily a passageway for food with a mucus lining that eases the passage of food. It is not active in the absorption of nutrients.

A medical assistant is talking with the parents of a 1-year-old infant about developmental achievements and milestones to expect. The assistant should be aware that, according to the infant's developmental stage, a lack of achievement of the tasks of that stage can result in which of the following negative outcomes? -Suspiciousness -Anger with self -Inadequacy -Guilt

-Suspiciousness (Correct): Trust vs. mistrust is the psychosocial crisis for infants. The developmental tasks for infants are to form attachments with and develop trust in their caregivers, and then generalize those bonds to others. Not achieving these tasks leads to suspiciousness and struggles with interpersonal relationships. -Anger with self: Anger with self is a negative outcome of the stage of autonomy vs. shame and doubt. Other negative outcomes include a lack of self-confidence and no pride in the ability to perform. -Inadequacy: Inadequacy is a negative outcome of the stage of industry vs. inferiority. Another negative outcome is the inability to compromise and cooperate with others. -Guilt: Guilt is a negative outcome of the stage of initiative vs. guilt. Other negative outcomes include feelings of inadequacy, defeat, and deserving punishment.

A mecdical assistant is collecting initial data for an older adult patient at a clinic visit. Which of the following should suggest to the assistant that the patient needs a mental status evaluation? -The patient has lost a significant amount of weight -The patient reports a decrease in energy -The patient repeatedly asks the same question -The patient states that she is not sleeping well

-The patient has lost a significant amount of weight: Significant weight loss can be caused by a variety of conditions, including several medical conditions. Because weight loss is a symptom of depression, it might prompt a depression screening, but it should not prompt a mental status evaluation. -The patient reports a decrease in energy: Decreased energy can be caused by a variety of conditions, including several medical conditions. Because decreased energy is also a symptom of depression, it might prompt a depression screening, but it should not prompt a mental status evaluation. -The patient repeatedly asks the same question (Correct): Repetition can be a sign of memory impairment; the patient does not remember that she already asked that question. This could indicate a cognitive condition such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia and should prompt a mental status evaluation. -The patient states that she is not sleeping well: Reduced or disrupted sleep can be caused by a variety of conditions, including several medical conditions. Because difficulty sleeping is also a symptom of depression, it might prompt a depression screening, but it should not prompt a mental status evaluation.

Which of the following glands in the endocrine system is located just below the larynx and consists of two lobes, one on each side of the trachea? -Thyroid gland -Hypothalamus gland -Pituitary gland -Adrenal glands

-Thyroid gland (Correct): The thyroid gland is located in the neck just below the larynx and consists of two lobes, one on each side of the trachea. -Hypothalamus gland: The hypothalamus gland is located in the inferior midportion of the brain. -Pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus in the brain. -Adrenal glands: The adrenal glands are located in the upper portions of each kidney.

Which of the following glands is part of both the immune system and the endocrine system? -Thyroid -Pineal -Thymus -Pituitary

-Thyroid: The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, but it is not part of the immune system. -Pineal: The pineal gland is part of the endocrine system. It is involved with circadian cycles in the body and influences the onset of puberty, but it is not part of the immune system. -Thymus (Correct): The thymus is part of both the endocrine system and the immune system -Pituitary: The pituitary gland is part of the endocrine system and helps control growth, blood pressure, and metabolism, but it is not part of the immune system.

Which of the following planes divides the body into upper and lower portions? -Transverse -Coronal -Sagittal -Midsagittal

-Transverse (Correct): The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower portions. -Coronal: The coronal plane divides the body into equal front and back portions. -Sagittal: The sagittal plane divides the body into asymmetrical left and right sides. -Midsagittal: The midsagittal plane divides the body into bilaterally symmetrical left and right sides.

A MA notices rhythmic sharp spikes throughout an EKG. The assistant should identify that which of the following artifacts is occurring? -Wandering baseline -Interrupted baseline -AC interference -Somatic tremor

-Wandering baseline: The assistant should identify that wandering baseline occurs when the patient is not remaining still and can be recognized by a stylus shift away from the baseline of the recording. -Interrupted baseline: The assistant should identify that interrupted baseline occurs when there is a break in the connection due to a lead wire becoming detached, frayed, or broken. Interrupted baseline is characterized by breaks in the recording. -AC interference (Correct): The assistant should identify that AC interference is occurring. To avoid this artifact, the assistant should check the lead wires, move the patient's bed away from the wall, turn off other electronics in the room, and ensure proper grounding of the right leg electrode. -Somatic tremor: The assistant should identify that somatic tremor, also known as a muscle artifact, is caused by an involuntary muscle movement. Somatic tremor is characterized by an erratic, fuzzy baseline.

A provider requests that a patient see a specialist for hyperthyroidism. The assistant should expect to contact which of the following specialty clinics for this consultation? -Gastroenterology -Urology -Endocrinology -Cardiology

Endocrinology. An endocrinologist specializes in treating patients who have a hormonal disorder, such as diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism.

Which of the following patients should a medical assistant recognize as the top priority to receive immediate care? -A patient has sustained an animal bite on her left leg and has a low-grade fever -Patient has had an episode of syncope, but he is responsive and able to answer questions -Patient has a laceration on her right forearm and is bleeding from the site -Patient has epistaxis and it taking warfarin

Epistaxis. They are at risk for hemorrhage. The blood should be seen after this one however.

A MA sees a coworker take a pain medication from a locked cabinet. The assistant knows that the coworker is a single mother who has a child who was recently injured. Which of the following types of ethical situations does this problem create for the MA? -Ethical dilemma -Locus of authority issue -Dilemma of justice -Ethical distress

Ethical distress occurs when the ethically correct action is indicated, but some type of barrier prevents the assistant from following through with that action. The assistant knows she should report her coworker, but she feels she cannot because it could lead to her coworker losing her job and being charged for theft. Ethical dilemmas occur when there are two or more acceptable solutions, and only one option can be chosen. Locus of authority issues occur when two or more authority figures disagree on how a situation should be handled. Dilemmas of justice occur when benefits cannot be fairly distributed to health care consumers.

To provide culturally competent care, which of the following actions should a MA take first when encountering patients? -Learn a few phrases for greeting patients from the predominant cultures in the area. -Examine personal religious and cultural values and beliefs to identify any biases. -Prepare contact information for medical interpreters who can assist with communication. -Plan to use demonstrations to indicate what the patient has to do during the visit.

Examine personal religious and cultural values and beliefs to identify any biases. The first step the assistant should take when providing culturally competent care is to understand his own individual beliefs and value system.

A MA should identify which of the following as a characteristic of anorexia nervosa? -Excessive exercising -Binging and purging -Use of laxatives or diuretics -Erosion of tooth enamel

Excessive exercising

A MA is coding an office visit during which the provider reviewed the systems related to a patient's chief complaint but did not discuss the patient's family or social history. Which of the following procedure codes should the MA use for this visit? -Detailed history -Comprehensive history -Problem-focused history -Expanded problem-focused history

Expanded problem-focused history An expanded problem-focused history includes the systems related to the chief complaint but does not include a family or social history. Problem focused does not review the systems related to the problem.

A MA is preparing a patient who has congestive heart failure (CHF) for an exam by the provider. Which of the following manifestations should the MA expect? -Palpitations -Headaches -Chest pain -Shortness of breath

Expected manifestations of CHF include shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema.

A MA receives a splash of potentially infectious material to his eyes while collecting a urine specimen. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to prevent the spread of infection? -Rinse his eyes with mild soap and water for 5 min. -Flush his eyes at an eyewash station for at least 15 min. -Apply a cool compress to his eyes for 1 hr. -Massage his eyes with a clean cloth for 10 min.

Eyewash station for 15. That is why they have them...?

Which of the following health care professionals is legally responsible for the outcomes of a MA's duties and performance? -Registered nurse -Family practitioner -Office manager -Pharmacy technician

Family practitioner

Which of the following types of providers is qualified to assess patients of all ages with a wide variety of acute to severe medical conditions? -Internist -Specialist -Pediatrician -Family practitioner

Family practitioner. Internests are for adults, specialists are for specific body system illnesses, and pediatricians are for infancy through adolescence.

A MA is reviewing a patient's medical history prior to the patient's appointment. Which of the following laboratory results indicated the need to schedule an extension of the current visit? -Hematocrit 42.2% -BUN 10 mg/dL -Potassium 4.3 mEq/L -Fasting blood glucose 168 mg/dL

Fasting blood glucose 168 mg/dL

A MA is reviewing a patient's medical history prior to the patient's appointment. Which of the following laboratory results indicates the need to schedule an extension of the current visit? -Hematocrit 42.2% -BUN 10 mg/dL -Potassium 4.3 mEq/L -Fasting blood glucose 168 mg/dL

Fasting blood glucose 168 mg/dL. 70 to 99 mg/dL is considered normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, and anything over 126 mg/dL is considered diabetes. A hematocrit value of 42.2% is within the expected reference range of 37% to 54%. A BUN level of 10 mg/dL is within the expected reference range of 7 to 25 mg/dL. A potassium level of 4.3 mEq/L is within the expected reference range of 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L.

A MA is using a butterfly needle set to obtain a blood sample from a vein in a patient's hand. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Hold the needle by its wings. -Insert the needle into the skin at a 45° angle. -Release the tourniquet after 2 min. -Activate the safety device before removing the needle.

Holding the butterfly needle by its wings helps the assistant control the needle. Insert at 10-15 degrees, release tourniquet after 1 min., and safety device after needle is removed.

A provider examines an older adult patient who is disabled and has a lesion on her arm. A MA should anticipate a referral for this patient to which of the following ancillary services? -Diagnostic services -Home health care -Rehabilitation services -Hospice care

Home health care organizations provide assistance with medications, wound care, and other services that need to be provided in a patient's place of residence. Home health care is the most appropriate service to provide daily wound care for this patient.

A patient who walks with difficulty as a result of nerve damage on one side of his body enters a clinic for a first visit. After the patient identifies himself to the medical assistant and states that he has an appointment, which of the following responses should the assistant in the front office make? -Are you walking this way as a result of an accident? -Would you prefer to wait in one of our inner offices? -How can I make you more comfortable while you wait? -I'm so sorry for what you must have gone through.

How can I make you more comfortable while you wait? The other three lack empathy and make direct acknowlegment of the issue, which can be seen as rude.

Which of the following methods should a MA use when storing a disinfected endoscope? -Hung vertically -Flat on a clean, dry surface -In an airtight container -In its original container

Hung vertically: The assistant should store the endoscope vertically so that any residual fluid can drain and the equipment can dry.

A provider requests a rhythm strip in addition to a regular EKG tracing for a patient. The MA should identify that which of the following leads provides the clearest recording of the heart rhythm. -I -II -III -V2

II provides the clearest recording of the heat rhythm. The others also record it, but none are as clear as II.

A MA 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? -Third finger of left hand -Median antecubital vein -Cephalic vein ​-Left heel

If a child is under 12 months of age, an assistant should select the child's heel as the collection site for routine testing, even if there is a well-developed vein available. The heel stick is sufficient and causes less trauma.

A MA is measuring a patient's oxygen saturation with a pusle oximeter. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Report a reading of 97% to the provider. -Wash the site with soap and warm water. -Instruct the patient to take several deep breaths while the sensor is in place. -Check capillary refill in the patient's finger.

If capillary refill is adequate, the assistant should apply the sensor to the patient's finger. If not, an earlobe or the nose should provide an accurate measurement.

A MA is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection for a patient. Which of the following needle sizes should the MA choose? -1/2- to 5/8-inch needle, 25 gauge -1- to 2-inch needle, 18 gauge -3/8- to 5/8-inch needle, 27 gauge -1/2- to 1-inch needle, 21 gauge

1/2- to 5/8-inch needle, 25 gauge. The assistant should select this needle size for a subcutaneous injection. The assistant should use a 1/2- to 5/8-inch needle to reach the subcutaneous layer. Subcutaneous refers to the adipose tissue below the skin and above the muscle. Using a smaller gauge and needle size allows low viscosity medications to be inserted through a smaller hole and allows for minimal tissue damage. 1- to 2-inch needle, 18 gauge and 1/2- to 1-inch needle, 21 gauge needles are for intramuscular. 3/8- to 5/8-inch needle, 27 gauge is for intradermal.

A MA is reviewing a prescription for oral liquid medication. The prescription calls for 10mg of diazepam oral solution. Available is diazepam oral solution 5mg/5mL. How many mL of the solution are required for each dose? -4.5 mL -7.5 mL -10 mL -12.5 mL

10 mL

What is the ratio of applied leads to recorded leads for a standard EKG machine? -10:10 -3:6 -10:12 -9:12

10:12. Nine of the electrodes are responsible for the recording, and the 10th electrode (on the right leg) is a ground, but 12 leads are recorded in an EKG. Therefore, the ratio of applied to recorded leads is 10:12. 3:6 is for a multichannel EKG.

A MA is caring for a patient who is 5'7" tall. Which of the following is the patient's height in centimeters? -170 cm ​-145 cm ​-114 cm ​-26 cm

170 cm. When making this conversion, the assistant should first convert 5' 7'' to 67 inches. Next, the assistant should convert inches to centimeters by multiplying by 2.54. The result is 170.18 cm, which rounds to 170 cm.

Which of the following concentrations of bleach solution should a MA use as a disinfectant in a clinical setting? -1:10 -1:5 -1:20 -1:1

1:10

A MA is providing teaching to a patient who its starting lisinopril. The assistant should instruct the patient to report which of the following effects to the provider immediately? -Nausea -Orthostatic hypotension -Facial swelling -Taste disturbance

If the patient develops facial swelling or swelling of the eyes, lips, or tongue, the provider should be notified immediately because it can be an indication of a life-threatening allergic reaction to the medication.

A MA is checking in a patient who does not speak the same language as the assistant. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Ask a bilingual staff member to assist with communication. -Address the patient by her first name. -Use medical terminology when speaking to the patient. -Avoid using body gestures when communicating.

If there is a staff member present who speaks the same language as the patient, the assistant should ask that staff member to assist with communication. The assistant should address the patient by her title and last name unless the patient gives the assistant permission to use her first name.

A MA is preparing a patient for a rectal exam. The assistant should help the patient into which of the following positions? -Fowler's -Lithotomy -Trendelenburg -Sim's

In Sims' position, the patient is lying on one side with her upper leg drawn toward her abdomen. Sims' position is optimal for a rectal examination because it facilitates both physical examination and visualization. Lithotomy is when they lie on their back with their knees bent while Trendelenburg is lying on the back with head lower than legs.

A MA is preparing a business correspondence. Which of the following is a characteristic of the modified block letter style? -Each paragraph is indented. -The signature is in all capital letters. -All lines are flush with the left margin. -The complimentary closing is centered on the page.

In a modified block letter style, the complimentary closing, date line, and signature are centered on the page. In a modified block letter style with indented paragraphs, each paragraph is indented. In a block letter style, all lines start flush with the left margin. In a simplified letter style, the signature is in all capital letters.

A MA is faxing a prescription to a patient's pharmacy. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Send the prescription without a cover page. -Shred the confirmation of transmission message to ensure the patient's privacy. -Request that the provider verify the prescription after faxing it to the pharmacy. -Call the pharmacy to confirm receipt of the faxed prescription.

In order to guarantee that all necessary information for the patient's prescription has been correctly communicated, the assistant should call the patient's pharmacy to confirm the faxed prescription was received. All faxed documents should have a cover page, always file transmissions into the medical record of the patient, and the provider should sign the prescription before it is sent.

A MA is preparing to collect a patient's temperature via the tympanic membrane. In which of the following locations should the MA place the thermometer? -On the forehead -In the ear -Under the tongue -Under the arm

In the ear.

A MA is reviewing OSHA regulations regarding sharps container placement. In which of the following locations should the assistant place a sharps container? -In the reception area -Centrall located between exam rooms -In the exam room -At the nurses' station

In the exam room: Sharps containers should be placed in locations closest to patient treatment areas. The assistant should place the sharps container in the exam room.

A MA is composing business correspondence using the simplified letter style. Which of the following features should the assistant use? -A complimentary closing -A subject line in all capital letters -Indented paragraphs in the body of the letter -Center aligned dateline and salutation

In the simplified letter style, the subject line is in all capital letters and replaces the salutation.

A MA is caring for an infant who suddenly becomes unresponsive for unknown reasons. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Check for a foreign object in the mouth with a blind finger sweep. -Perform abdominal thrusts. -Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. -Perform five back blows.

Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If an infant suddenly becomes unresponsive, the assistant should immediately initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 2 min prior to activating emergency response measures.

According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, an adolescent experiences which of the following stages? -Initiative v. guilt -Industry v. inferiority -Autonomy v. shame and doubt -Identity v. role confusion

Initiative v. guilt: In this stage, preschoolers actively try out new skills but, if ignored or reprimanded, they might feel guilty or afraid to show initiative. Industry v inferiority: In this stage, school-age children find satisfaction in completing projects and being recognized for their accomplishments. If they feel they are unable to please their parents or get approval from their peers, they can develop feelings of inferiority. Autonomy v. shame and doubt: In this stage, toddlers are beginning to show independence. Shame and doubt might occur if parental expectations are not met or parents are overprotective. Identity vs. role confusion (correct): In this stage, adolescents experience hormonal and physical changes and are trying to figure out who they are. If identity and sense of direction are not established, they suffer role confusion.

A MA is administering heparin subcutaneously to a patient. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Spread the skin taut over the injection site. -Insert the needle at a 30° angle. -Inject the medication slowly. -Massage the site after removing the needle.

Inject the medicine slowly. The assistant should insert the needle quickly, release the skin, and then slowly inject the medication. Pinch the skin, do not make it taut.

Which of the following actions should a MA take to verify the quality of venipuncture supplies before beginning a blood draw? -Determine that the tourniquet is the proper size. -Check the vacuum of the tube. ​​-Inspect the integrity of the needle's seal. ​​-Verify that the adapter is the correct color.

Inspecting the needle's seal helps ensure the sterility of the needle.

A MA receives a denial of payment for a patient's cholecystectomy. The reason stated is "non-covered service". If this procedure was deemed emergent by the provider, which of the following actions should the MA take? -Submit an appeal for the denied claim. -Submit a new claim. -Resubmit the claim with a different procedure code. -Instruct the patient to contact the insurer about the denial of payment.

Instruct the patient to contact the insurer about the denial of payment. The assistant serves as an advocate on behalf the patient in terms of treatment and care. In an instance of denial of payment due to a noncovered service, it is the responsibility of the patient to contact the insurer to discuss any existing disputes regarding payment.

A MA is performing a fecal occult blood test using a guaiac card. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Smear a thick layer of stool onto the test card window. -Add the developing reagent onto the stool specimen. -Read the test results after 5 min. -Interpret a blue color as a positive result.

Interpret a blue color as a positive result. Read the results after 1 min., add the reagent to the card and not the sample, and only use a small amount of thinly smeard fecal material.

Which of the following EKG artifacts is caused by a disconnected electrode and results in the tracing going into the margins of the paper? -Wandering baseline -AC interference -Interrupted baseline -Somatic tremor

Interrupted baseline. It's caused by an electrical disconnection or a detached electrode and results in the tracing moving into the margins of the paper. Wandering baseline is from porrly attached electodes or patient movement. AC interference is from electrical currents or wiring from nearby equipment. Somatic tremore is from muscle movements that creates jagged peaks.

Which of the following routes of administration should a MA use when performing a tuberculin skin test? -Intramuscular -Intradermal -Intravenous -Subcutaneous

Intradermal. The assistant should use the intradermal route to administer a tuberculin skin test. This route of administration applies the medication to the epidermal layer of the skin and allows for subsequent evaluation of the reaction to the tuberculin testing agent.

Which of the following routes of administering should a MA use when performing a tuberculin skin test? -Intramuscular -Intradermal -Intravenous -Subcutaneous

Intradermal. This route of administration applies the medication to the epidermal layer of the skin and allows for subsequent evaluation of the reaction to the tuberculin testing agent.

Which of the following is outside of a MA's scope of practice? -Perform clinical duties under the direct supervision of the provider. ​-Order additional laboratory tests to confirm the patient's condition. ​​-Provide directions to a patient about preparation for a diagnostic test. -Reinforce instructions about medications and special diets.

It is outside of a medical assistant's scope of practice to order additional laboratory tests without a provider's prescription.

A MA is writing a piece of professional correspondence to a consulting provider. In which of following ways should the MA record the date on the letter? -January 1st, 2020 -January 1, 2020 -1st of January, 2020 -01/01/2020

January 1, 2020

A MA is reviewing a patient's recent medical history and notes that she has a healing fracture of the distal femur. Where on the patient's body should the MA expect to find the injury? -Just above the knee -Just above the elbow -Just below the hip -Just below the shoulder

Just above the knee. The femur is the large bone that connects the hip to the knee. The term distal refers to a point farthest away from the trunk of the body. Therefore, the distal femur would be located just above the knee.

A MA needs to type a professional business letter from the office. Which of the following formats is appropriate? -Keep flush with the left margin -Leave two lines between the closing and typed signature -Center the inside address and greeting -Omit the date and the typed signature

Keep flush with the left margin. In block letter style, the entire text is left aligned. There should ne three lines between the closing and signature, they should be centered (not the greeting and address), and the salutation and closing are omitted in this style.

Which of the following disposal methods should a MA use in accordance with OSHA guidelines for handling biohazardous waste? -Dispose of soiled bandages in a covered trash receptacle. -Contact a local waste management company for disposal instructions. -Label chemicals with their names and data before disposal. -Place used syringes in a red biohazard bag.

Label chemicals with their names and data before disposal.

A MA is obtaining samples for a CBC test. Which of the following tubes should the assistant select? -Royal blue -Lavender -Yellow -Gray

Lavender as it is for hematology. A royal blue tube is used for chemistry trace elements tests. It is not the appropriate tube for a CBC test. A yellow tube is used for blood or bodily fluid tests. It is not the appropriate tube for a CBC test. A gray tube is used for chemistry tests, specifically glucose and alcohol level tests. It is not the appropriate tube for a CBC test.

A MA is obtaining a sample for a sedimentation rate test. Which of the following tubes should the assistant use for blood collection? -Serum separator -Green -Lavender -Light blue

Lavender. The lavender tube contains EDTA, which helps to remove calcium and prevent coagulation. Green tubes contain the additive heparin, which helps prevent coagulation. Light blue tubes are used for pediatric specimen collection.

Which of the following groups of EKG leads are bipolar? -​Leads V1, V2, and V3 -Leads V4, V5, and V6 ​-Leads aVR, aVL, and aVF -Leads I, II, and III

Leads I, II, and III are three bipolar limb leads that make up Einthoven's Triangle. Leads V1-V6 are unipolar, and the other three are not bipolar.

Which of the following items in a medical office are considered aministrative office supplies? -Computers, telephones, and chairs -Letterhead, envelopes, and business cards -Examination table paper, stethoscopes, and otoscopes -File cabinets, storage bins, and shelves for records

Letterhead, envelopes, business cards, stationery, copy paper, pens, and pencils are considered administrative office supplies necessary for the administration of the practice. Computers, telephones, File cabinets, storage bins, and shelves for records, and chairs are considered administrative office equipment, not supplies.

A MA is removing sutures from a patient who has a laceration on his left lower leg. After setting up the sterile field, which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Discard each suture immediately after removal. -Lift the first knot away from the skin. -Cut the knot to remove it from the suture. -Use bandage scissors to cut the suture.

Lifting the first knot away from the skin allows room for the assistant to slip one tip of the suture scissors under the suture.

A MA is preparing to perform an EKG recording on a patient. The assistant should recognize that which of the following information is true of limb leads and electrodes? -Limb leads are unipolar. -Leads V1 through V6 are limb leads. -Limb leads are placed on the fleshy areas of the skin. -The left leg lead wire serves as the ground.

Limb leads are placed on the fleshy areas of the skin. Limb leads are bipolar, and the right leg serves as the ground.

Which of the following positions is appropriate for a pelvic exam? -Lithotomy -Prone -Supine -High-Fowler's

Lithotomy

A MA is administering an intradermal injection for allergy testing. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Locate the area two to three finger-widths below the antecubital space. -Pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger. -Insert the needle with the bevel pointed down. -Inject the solution rapidly with the needle positioned at a 30° angle to the skin.

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. Skin should be taut for intradermal injections with a 15 degree angle.

A MA is using a scale with a height bar to measure a patient's height. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Raise the height bar when the patient is standing on the scale. -Have the patient face the weight indicators on the scale. -Have the patient stand up straight and look to one side. -Lower the horizontal bar gently so that it rests on the top of the patient's head.

Lower the horizontal bar gently so that it rests on the top of the patient's head. This position will show an accurate measurement of the patient's height on the vertical extension bar.

Which of the following body systems provides the framework to protect the body from pathogenic organisms and maintain fluid balance? -Musculoskeletal -Gastrointestinal -Integumentary -Lymphatic

Lymphatic

A 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 MA complete as a result of the incident? -Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) -OSHA Form 301 -CMS-1500 claim form -Quality control log

MY ANSWER The assistant should recognize that the OSHA Form 301 is an incident report used when reporting details about a work-related injury or illness. ABN is for noncovered charges, CMS is for claims, and Quality log is for documenting the testing of equipment and materials.

A MA is transcribing a prescription for magnesium sulfate into a patient's medical record. Which of the following should the MA use to document this medication? -MS -MgS04 -Magnesium -Magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate. When transcribing a prescription for magnesium sulfate, the medication name should always be spelled in full.

Which of the following approaches should a MA take when discussing a patient's compliance to dietary guidelines? -Maintain an empathetic tone. -Deliver the information quickly. -Avoid providing written instructions. -Maintain a closed posture.

Maintaining an empathetic tone promotes respect between the assistant and the patient.

A MA is testing a patient's visual acuity using a Snellen chart. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Position the patient 40 feet from the chart. -Make sure the patient does not lean forward during the test. -Have the patient close her left eye behind an occluder when testing the right eye. -Ask the patient to read the smallest line first and then proceed to the largest.

Make sure the patient does not lean forward during the test. If the patient leans forward, the distance from the chart will be altered and the test results will be inaccurate. Both eyes should be open during the whole test, stand 20 feet away, and begin with the largest letters.

A medical assistant witnesses a coworker knowingly commit an unlawful and wrongful act. The assistant should identify this act as which of the following types of negligence? -Misfeasance -Malpractice -Malfeasance -Misdemeanor

Malfeasance is performed when a person knowingly commits an unlawful and wrongful act. Misfeasance is the performance of a legal act in an improper manner. Malpractice occurs when treatment provided to a patient does not meet expected levels of care. It is also known as medical professional liability, and it includes all liability that can occur during medical care.

Which of the following veins should a MA recognize as the preferred vein for routine phlebotomy? -Basillic -Cephalic -Median cubital -Median antebrachial

Median cubital vein. The median antebrachial should be used as an alternative.

Which of the following roles provides an opportunity to obtain certification or registration based on state regulations but does not require a license to secure employment within the health care industry? -Medical assistant -Physician assistant -Diagnostic radiologist -Anesthesiologist

Medical assistants are eligible to obtain registration or certification on an optional basis, but it is not yet required to secure employment within the health care industry. The health care facility makes the decision if the assistant needs to be certified for the position. The other options needs a doctorate and licence.

Which of the following community resources should a MA recommend to an elderly patient who lost his partner 3 months ago? -Department of Health and Human Services -Parks and Recreation Department -Organized support groups -Hospice care centers

Medical assistants serve as patient advocates to recommend organized support groups based on the needs of patients and their family members.

The MA drops an instrument on the floor while setting up a sterile tray for a procedure. he picks up the instrument and places it back on the sterile field. A few days after the procedure, the patient calls the office, concerned that the area surrounding the procedure site is infected. Which of the following torts has the MA committed? -Abandonment -Negligence -Battery -Defamation

Medical negligence, also known as malpractice, is a tort in which a medical professional did not perform an essential action or performed an improper one, resulting in harm to a patient. The assistant's failure to maintain a sterile field was a negligent act, resulting in the patient's infection.

A MA is explaining to an older patient that she will require a lower dosage of a medication than a younger adult. The assistant should explain that this difference in dosage is promarily because of the effect that aging has on which of the following pharmokinetic processes? -Absorption -Distribution -Metabolism -Excretion

Metabolism is the process of breaking down a medication into a form that the body can use. How the body metabolizes a medication depends on many factors, including a patient's age. Infants and older adults have the least efficient metabolisms; thus, medication dosages must be lowered to compensate. Absorption relies more on the route the med is taken.

A MA is monitoring an infant patient for microcephaly. Which of the following describes the anthropometric measurement that the MA should perform? -Length -Weight -Chest circumference -Head circumference

Microcephaly refers to an abnormally small head. Therefore, the assistant should measure the infant's head circumference when monitoring for microcephaly.

Which of the following cell structures is the source of energy for a cell? -Endoplasmic reticulum -Ribosomes -Golgi apparatus -Mitochondria

Mitochondria assist with converting energy from nutrients into a form that can be used by cells.

While measuring a patient's pulse, the medical assistant should recognize that which of the following patient factors can contribute to an erroneous pulse rate? -Blood pressure -Weight -Movement -Hydration

Movement

When pain signals are received by the brain, what body system is alerted to initiate a movement response? -Muscular -Cardiovascular -Digestive -Integumentary

Muscular

Which of the following body systems contains cardiac, skeletal, and smooth tissues? -Lymphatic -Integumentary -Muscular -Endocrine

Muscular

Using knowledge of prefixes and suffixes, a medical assistant should identify which of the following terms as a procedure that involves an incision into the eardrum? -Otodynia -Rhinorrhea -Myringotomy -Lithotripsy

Myringotomy. Myringo means eardrum.

A MA is reviewing the list of medications a patient reports currently taking. The MA should recognize that which of the following medications is available in a sublingual form? -Propranolol -Nitroglycerin -Metoprolol -Atorvastatin

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that is used to treat angina or chest pain. It is available in a sublingual tablet and sublingual spray. Propranolol and Metoprolol are for high blood pressure and heart disease. Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol.

Which of the following dressings should a MA use on a partial-thickness burn? -Skin closure application -Nonadherent dressing -Lubricated mesh gauze -Sterile gauze dressing

Nonadherent dressing. The assistant should use a nonadherent dressing on a partial-thickness burn. This type of dressing allows the wound to be exposed to air and heal. The assistant should use skin closure applications for small lacerations. The assistant should use lubricated mesh gauze to protect wounds from contamination. The assistant should use sterile gauze dressing for wounds to aid in the absorption of secretions and drainage (not burns).

A MA is performing an allergen skin test on a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Notify the provider immediately if the patient demonstrates signs of anaphylaxis. -Allow the patient to choose her thigh or stomach for the injection or application site. -Stop the test immediately if the patient wheezes and sneezes. -Continue allergen testing on areas where the patient has developed wheals or hives.

Notify if sings of anaphylaxis. Patients exposed to potential allergens are at risk for a severe allergic reaction. A provider should always be on site when a test is administered and the assistant should notify the provider immediately if signs of anaphylaxis develop. A MA should choose the site with the most space available. Do not continue after wheals form because that is what you are looking for and nothing more. Wheezing is expected.

The laboratory report on a patient indicated a hemoglobin level of 7g/dL. Which of the following is the first action for the MA to take? -Notify the provider. -Inform the patient. -Record the results in the medical record. -Repeat the test to ensure accuracy.

Notify the provider. Because the results indicate a critically low level of hemoglobin, the assistant should notify the provider.

When reviewing a patient's blood work results, a MA notices a fasting blodd glucose of 200mg/dL. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Notify the patient's provider of the results. -Inform the patient that the results confirm diabetes. -Schedule the patient for a same-day appointment. -Send the provider an urgent alert.

Notify the provider. The assistant must maintain scope of practice and notify the provider that the patient's fasting blood glucose is outside the expected reference range. The glucose is not within the critical value range, so no urgent notification should be made.

Which of the following structures in a human cell contains the cell's genetic information? -Nucleus -Cytoplasm -Plasma membrane -Nucleolus

Nucleus

A MA is educating a patient about how to interpret food labels. The assistant should inform the patient that the FDA requires nutrition labels to include measurements of which of the following nutritional elements? -Cholesterol -Xylitol -Thiamine -Polyunsaturated fat

Nutrition labels must contain the number of milligrams of cholesterol, sodium, and potassium per serving.

When a MA is documenting data in patient's progress notes, which abbreviation is acceptable to use? - > - O2 - MgSO4 - µg

O2 is the abbreviation for oxygen and is approved for use in medical chart notation.

A MA notices that the medical office is not providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff. Which of the following regulatory agencies should the MA contact? -OSHA -CLIA -The Joint Commission -Department of Health and Human Services

OSHA OSHA regulates workplace safety. CLIA regulates laboratory testing and quality control, not workplace safety. The Joint Commission oversees quality within medical facilities, not workplace safety.

Employers are accountable for providing a safe and healthy workplace for employees by setting and enforcing standards. This environment is achieved by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. Which of the following regulatory agencies oversees this standard? -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) -National Institutes of Health (NIH) -Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

OSHA is an agency of the Department of Labor and has a primary focus of protecting individuals in the workplace by establishing and enforcing safety regulations through training, outreach, education, and assistance. The primary focus of the CDC is to be a reference for information and statistics associated with health care and to conduct research on health-related issues. NIH is a division of HHS and has a primary focus of conducting biomedical research concerning the causes and prevention of disease. They also provide telehealth information to the health care industry. HHS is a department that protects the health of all Americans and has a primary focus of offering multiple programs, which include free immunizations and financial assistance for low-income families, as well as overseeing Medicare and Medicaid.

Where should a MA place the electrode for lead V5? -On the left midaxillary line, horizontal to V4 -On the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V4 -On the left midclavicular line, fifth intercostal space -On the right margin of the sternum, fourth intercostal space

On the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V4. This is the proper placement for lead V5.

Using knowledge of positonal and directional prefixes and terms, a MA should identify that the term "contralateral" has which of the following meanings? -Directed downward -On the opposite side -Directed upward -On the same side

On the opposite side

A MA is encouraging a patient to increase her intake of fiber. Which of the following foods should the assistant recommend? -Chicken breast -Cottage cheese -Eggs -Apples

One cup of chopped apple with its skin provides 3 g of fiber. The assistant should recommend this food to the patient.

Which of the following elements is essential for successful teamwork? -Related short-term and long-term goals -Large number of team members -Similar abilities and skill sets -Suppression of negative information

One of the essential elements of successful teamwork is having short-term and intermediate goals that relate to the team's long-term goals.

A MA is loading prepackaged hemostats into an autoclave. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to ensure sterilization? -Layer the packages so that they overlap one another. -Alternate the packages with unwrapped instruments. -Organize the packages loosely without touching the walls of the autoclave. -Submerge the packages in disinfectant before placement in the autoclave.

Organize the packages loosely without touching the walls of the autoclave: To ensure optimal sterilization of all surfaces, the packaged instruments should be spread out and organized as loosely as possible within the autoclave. Steam penetration is optimized when there is sufficient space between packages.

Which of the following conditions is defined as a loss of bone density? -Osteomyelitis -Osteoporosis -Rheumatoid arthritis -Scoliosis

Osteoporosis is defined as a loss of bone density. This condition has a variety of causes, including a lack of calcium intake. Osteoporosis is most commonly identified through a bone density scan. Osteomylitis is inflammation of the bone, RA is joint swelling, and Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine.

A provider prescribes oxycodone for a patient after abdominal surgery. Which of the following describes this type of medication? -Oxycodone is a Schedule I controlled substance and has a low potential for abuse. -Oxycodone is a Schedule V controlled substance and has a high potential for abuse. -Oxycodone is a Schedule IV controlled substance and has a low potential for abuse. -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 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' compensation. The MA should recognize that which of the following parties is responsible for payment of the bill? -Paid in full by the patient -Paid in full by the patient's private insurance -Paid in full by workers' compensation -Paid in part by private insurance and in part by workers' compensation

Paid in full by workers' compensation. The assistant should recognize that in instances in which a patient is eligible for workers' compensation, the workers' compensation should be accepted as payment in full by the clinic. Any remaining balance should be written off by the clinic. Therefore, neither the patient nor the patient's private insurance should be billed.

Which of the following body structures is a part of both the digestive system and the endocrine system? -Appendix -Pancreas -Liver -Gallbladder

Pancreas: The pancreas is part of both the digestive and endocrine systems. It functions in the endocrine system by producing insulin and glucagon, which maintain blood glucose levels and store glucose for energy. It also functions in the digestive system by contributing to the breakdown of enzymes. The other three are only digestive.

A MA is examining the skin on a patient's forearm where the patient reports developing a rash. The MA 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 observations in the medical record? -Papules -Macules -Vesicles -Pustules

Papules. Papules are solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. A common cause is allergic eczema. Macules are flat areas of skin that are a different color than the surrounding skin. They have no elevation or depression. A common example of a macule is a freckle. Vesicles are small fluid-filled blisters. A common cause is a herpes viral infection. Pustules are pus-filled blisters. A common example of pustules is acne.

A MA is classifying services that a patient requires. The MA should identify which of the following as an ancillary diagnostic service? -Cardiology -Pathology -Oncology -Gerontology

Pathology. Ancillary diagnostic services, such as pathology and radiology, provide confirmation of patient diagnoses.

A MA works at an urgent care center that uses open hours scheduling. Which of the following describes this form of scheduling? -Three patients are scheduled for the same time and are taken to be seen as they arrive. -Patients arrive at their convenience and are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. -Each patient arrives at an assigned time with enough time reserved for the reason of the visit. -Patients who have the same disorders are seen on a specific day or for a specific block of time during the day or week.

Patients arrive at their convenience and are seen on a first-come, first-served basis First one is eave scheduling, third is time-specific, and last is cluster scheduling.

A MA is preparing a patient for an examination. Which of the following findings should the assistant recognize as an indication of anorexia nervosa? -Protruding bones -Reports of painful menstrual periods -Reports of constant hunger -Erosion of tooth enamel

Patients who have anorexia nervosa demonstrate excessive weight and muscle loss, which allows bones to protrude.

A MA is collecting information from a patient prior to a physcial examination. Which of the following details disclosed by the patient should the assistant recognize as an indication of bulimia nervosa? -Laxative use -Ritualistic behavior -Starvation -Counting calories

Patients who have bulimia nervosa consume large quantities of food and purge it by vomiting, over-exercising, or using laxatives.

A MA should identify that which of the following manifestations differentiates binge eating disorder from bulimia nervosa? -Chronic overeating -Avoiding self-induced vomiting -Losing weight -Buying large amounts of food

Patients who have bulimia nervosa self-induce vomiting; however, patients who have binge eating disorder do not.

A 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 assistant recommend as the best source of insoluble fiber? -Cooked white rice -Pears with skin -Strawberries -Popcorn

Pears with skin. The skin is what really makes it more fiberous than the others.

Which of the following information should a MA include when creating a list of community-based organizations related to a patient's physical health care needs? -Board of directors -Volunteer opportunities -Physical addresses -Cost of services

Physical addresses of the organizations are important to provide, especially for patients who have difficulty with transportation and want local resources. Costs are always different for organizations, so it would be hard to gather this list.

Which of the following professionals assists patients with improving mobility, strength, and range of motion? -Occupational therapist -Emergency medical technician -Physical therapist -Radiology technician

Physical therapist

A patient has had a CVA. Which of the following types of therapy will assist him with regaining motor functions and independence? -Respiratory therapy -Massage therapy -Physical therapy -Behavioral therapy

Physical therapy

During a surgical procedure, a provider requests sterile solution from a MA. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Pick up the sterile solution bottle, remove the cap, and hand the bottle to the provider. -Open the bottle, pour the contents into a container, and set the container on the sterile field. -Place a sterile container on the field and pour a small amount of sterile solution into the container. -Draw the sterile solution up in a syringe and place the syringe on the sterile field for the provider.

Place a sterile container on the field and pour a small amount of sterile solution into the container.

A MA is cleaning a room following a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to ensure proper biohazardous waste handling of used gauze pads? -Place the gauze pads in a red polyethylene bag. -Dispose of the gauze pads in a covered trash bin. -Soak the gauze pads in a sterilizing solution. -Place the gauze pads in a sharps container.

Place the gauze pads in a red polyethylene bag (because they are contaminated, duh).

A patient in a clinic is experiencing symptoms of a myocardial infarction. The provider instructs a MA to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. Which of the following actions should the assistant make? -Apply the medication to the patient's skin. -Place the medication under the patient's tongue. -Insert the medication into the patient's rectum. -Inject the medication into one of the patient's muscles.

Place the medication under the patient's tongue.

A MA is administering an injection, and the patient faints. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Elevate the patient's head above his heart. -Apply a warm compress to the patient's neck. -Offer the patient something to drink. -Place the patient in a supine position.

Place the patient in a supine position. The assistant should place the patient in a supine position to allow the patient's legs to be raised above the level of his heart. Never offer a drink if the patient is unconscious unless they have a prescription. And appla a cool washcloth to the patient's forehead.

Which of the following is a state of cellular rest that is represented by a flatline on an EKG strip? -Myocardial infarction -Polarization -Premature atrial contraction -Somatic tremor

Polarization is the resting state that causes an flatline. Myocardial infarction causes a larger than normal Q wave and an elevated ST segment. Premature atrial contractions do not give a flatline and somatic tremors are involuntary muscle movements that result in fuzzy, irregular baselines.

Which of the following professionals specializes in evaluating mental illness, physcial illness, and disability through analyzing patient health needs and providing health education to patients of all ages? -Preventative medicine specialist -Pathologist -Pediatrician -Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist

Preventative medicine specialist

A MA is reviewing laboratory requisitions. For which of the following patient conditions should the MA perform a capillary collection rather than a venipuncture? -Edema in the fingers -HIV-positive -Previous thromboses -Hypothyroidism

Previous thromboses. The assistant should consider a capillary puncture when the amount of blood needed is minimal and a patient has a history of thromboses.

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 the MA use for the procedural coding for the visit? -Problem-focused examination -Expanded problem-focused examination -Detailed examination -Comprehensive examination

Problem focused. Problem-focused examinations are limited to the single body area or system mentioned in the chief complaint. Expanded problem-focused examinations include the body area or system mentioned in the chief complaint as well as related body areas or systems. Detailed examinations are more extensive than problem-focused examinations because they include the related body areas or systems as well as the patient's present and past medical history. Comprehensive examinations are a complete examination of multiple body systems.

A provider instructs a MA to position a patient for an exam of the patient's dorsal cavity. The assistant should place the patient in which of the following positions? -Lithotomy -Prone -Supine -Semi-Fowler's

Prone

A MA is preparing to obtain vital signs from an adult patient during a routine physical examination. Which of the following arteries should the assistant use to palpate the patient's pulse? -Carotid -Radial -Brachial -Femoral

Radial. Carotid is for emergencies, brachial is for blood pressure, and femoral is for patients experiencing cardiac arrest or circulatory issues as the heart is not functioning properly.

Which of the following tests is granted "waived status" under Clinical Improvement Amendments (CLIA)? -Rapid strep test -Urine microscopy analysis -Thyroid-stimulating hormone -White blood cell differential

Rapid strep test. Thyroid hormon tests and white blood cell tests are not CLIA waived because they require a blood draw. Urine microscopy requires a provider to use a microscope, so it also is not CLIA.

Which of the following actions should the MA take when obtaining the head circumference of an infant? -Place the infant in a prone position. -Allow the parent or guardian to obtain the reading if it soothes the infant. -Record the measurement to the nearest 0.6 cm (1/4 in). -Position the measuring tape around the head just below the infant's ears.

Record the measurement to the nearest 0.6 cm (1/4 in). The assistant should record the infant's head circumference to the nearest 0.6 cm (1/4 in).

Which of the following duties is a medical assistant allowed to perform independently? -Prescribe medication -Record vital signs -Give medical advice -Provide medication samples

Record vital signs

A MA receives a call from a patient requesting a refill for fentanyl patches for chronic pain. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Call the prescription in to the patient's pharmacy. -Tell the patient to schedule an office visit. -Fax the prescription to the patient's pharmacy. -Refer the patient's request to the provider.

Refer the patient's request to the provider. The assistant should recognize fentanyl as a Schedule II drug that requires a written prescription from the provider. The first step when reviewing a refill request is to contact the provider.

A MA is discussing information with a patient about a new medication that the provider prescribed. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Instruct the patient to stop taking the medication when the symptoms resolve. -Reinforce teaching about the frequency of medication administration. -Tell the patient to disregard new adverse effects. -Tell the patient to modify the dose as necessary.

Reinforce teaching about the frequency of medication administration. The assistant should reinforce information with the patient about new prescriptions and how to take them. When a patient does not understand the directions for taking a medication, this increases the risk that the desired treatment outcome will not be achieved.

A MA is collecting a health history from an older adult patient who exhibits moderate hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Keep her hands still to avoid distracting the patient. -Speak with a raised pitch when clarifying information. -Use longer sentences to keep the patient's attention. -Remain within the patient's view to allow lip-reading.

Remaining within the patient's view allows for lip-reading and association of facial expressions with verbal communication. This technique promotes successful communication with patients who exhibit moderate hearing loss.

Which of the following methods is used to notify a provider of the denial of a claim by an insurance carrier? -Remittance advice -Coordination of benefits -Eligibility for insurance -CMS-1500 claim form

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 coordination of benefits is the method of determining what each third-party payer will pay for services provided while ensuring that overpayment does not occur. Eligibility for insurance informs a patient and provider of what services are and are not covered for reimbursement through the insurer. A CMS-1500 claim form is used to submit claims only.

Using knowledge of roots and suffixes, a MA should identify that the term "oophorectomy" has which of the following meanings? -Brain disorder -Breakdown of blood cells -Opening of the windpipe -Removal of ovaries

Removal of ovaries

A MA is preparing a patient for an EKG. Which of the following instructions should the assistant provide to the patient? -"Avoid food or drink for 4 hours prior to the test." -"Remove all clothing from the waist up." -"Apply moisturizing lotion to the electrode placement sites." -"Maintain a full bladder for the duration of the test."

Remove all clothing from the waist up. Due to the placement of necessary electrodes for the EKG recording, the patient will need to disrobe from the waist up and expose her lower legs.

A MA is performing a suture removal on a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to remove the sutures? -Remove each suture after cutting next to the knot. -Remove sutures from the center of the wound moving outward. -Remove the sutures in the opposite order of insertion. -Remove the sutures after placing adhesive skin closures.

Remove each suture after cutting next to the knot. The assistant should grasp the knot using forceps and cut next to the knot to remove each suture.

A MA should recognize that which of the following is recommended regarding fingernail care and hand hygiene? -Wash hands under running water with the fingers pointing upward. -Keep reusable cloth towels at handwashing stations. -Trim natural fingernails to 1.27 cm (0.5 in) past the tip of the finger. -Remove artificial fingernails when working with high-risk populations.

Remove the artificial nails. They should never be worn in a healthcare setting, especially when working with high risk populations. Fingernails should be not longer than .25 in.

To avoid hemoconcentration during venipuncture, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take? -Apply an ice pack to the area. -Remove the tourniquet before 1 min has elapsed. -Instruct the patient to keep his arm bent. -Insert the needle into the vein with the bevel down.

Remove the tourniquet. Blood flow will continue to stop with it on, thus hemoconcentration.

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? -Measuring a patient's blood pressure -Assisting a provider with the removal of a cyst -Applying medicated nose drops as indicated by a provider -Providing a patient with cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Removing the cyst. OSHA designates assisting with minor surgical procedures as a Category I task, which means the assistant is at risk for exposure to blood, bodily fluids, body tissues, and the possibility of splashes and spills. These tasks require an assistant to wear complete personal protective equipment.

Which of the following actions should a MA take when closing the clinical area at the end of the day? -Restock medical supplies in the examination rooms. -Prepare and cover a sterile field for the next day. -Discard the examination rooms biohazard bags in the dumpster. -Refrigerate all collected blood specimens for retrieval the next day.

Restock medical supplies in the examination rooms.

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? -Review that day's encounter forms to determine if another patient received the services. -Instruct the patient to pay for the services to avoid collection procedures. -Ask the provider to write off the charges on the patient's account. -Determine if the patient has a previous balance.

Review that day's encounter forms to determine if another patient received the services.

When reviewing a patient's medical history, a medical assistant should identify which of the following terms as a medical disorder that involves inflammation of the joints? -Rheumatoid arthritis -Multiple sclerosis -Osteoporosis -Carcinoma

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, and deformity in the joints, especially in the hands and feet.

A primary care provider suspect that a patient has fibromyalgia. A MA should expect the provider to refer the patient to which of the following specialists? -Gynecologist -Ophthamologist -Gastroenterologist -Rheumatologist

Rheumatologist A rheumatologist specializes in treating patients who have diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, including fibromyalgia.

A MA is preparing to administer a medication that should be taken at least 2 hr. after a meal. The assistant asks the patient when he last ate. Which of the following rights of medication administration is the assistant demonstrating? -Right time -Right route -Right technique -Right documentation

Right time. As part of the right time check, the assistant must make sure that medication administration adheres to any timing specifications.

A low-fiber, high-fat diet is a risk factor for which of the following diseases? -Cirrhosis -Crohn's disease -Cholelithiasis -Colorectal cancer

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a low-fiber, high-fat diet; genetic or family history; and being 55 years of age or older. Cholelithiasis (gallstones) are from bile salt and cholesterol. Crohns is an inflammation of the ileum, and Cirrhosis is chronic liver disease caused by alcohol.

After a patient leaves an examination room, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to prepare the examination table for the next patient? -Wipe the table with a 50% solution of household bleach. -Roll up the disposable paper on the table tightly and quickly. -Crumple the paper before disposing of it. -Place the pillow on top of the fresh paper on the table.

Roll up the disposable paper on the table tightly and quickly. Rolling the paper tightly minimizes the transmission of any contaminants on the paper. The assistant should dispose of the paper quickly and place it in a biohazardous waste container if it is wet or soiled.

A MA is responsible for cleaning the instruments used in minor surgery. Which of the following is the first step in this process? -Sanitization -Chemical sterilization -Disinfection -Autoclave

Sanitization is the first step of cleaning instruments. All instruments that come into contact with a patient's skin should be sanitized before proceeding with disinfection and sterilization.

A 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? -Gown -Mask -Goggles -N95 Respirator

Scabies requires contact precautions; therefore, the assistant should wear gloves and a gown. Other patient conditions that require contact precautions include hepatitis A, rotavirus, and herpes zoster (shingles).

A MA is transcribing a prescription for fentanyl pathes for a patient. The assistant should identify that this medication has specific requirements becuase it is classified in which of the follwoing schedules of controlled substances? -Schedule I -Schedule II -Schedule III -Schedule IV

Schedule II includes medications that have a high potential for abuse, including morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. When prescribing Schedule II medications, providers must give patients a handwritten prescription with no refills.

A provider has requested a dissecting instrument on a sterile tray that a medical assistant is preparing. Which of the following instruments should the assistant include on the tray? -Retractors -Thumb forceps -Scissors -Probes

Scissors are considered cutting and dissecting instruments because they include a sharp blade or surface that can cut, dissect, or scrape.

A MA is reinforcing teaching with a patient about the use and care of a transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the MA include in the teaching? -"Do not shower with the patch on." -"Select a different application location for each new patch." -"Apply lotion to your skin before applying the patch." -"Remove the old patch 1 hour before applying a new patch."

Select a different location each time. The assistant should instruct the patient to rotate the location of application for each new patch to help avoid skin irritation. Areas of excess body hair and scaring should be avoided in order to maximize medication absorption.

A MA is preparing a patient who has shortness of breath for an EKG. In which of the following positions should the assistant place the patient? -Prone -Semi-Fowlers -Supine -Sims

Semi-Fowlers. The assistant should place the patient in semi-Fowler's position. The assistant can elevate the head of the bed up to 45° (Fowlers) if the patient is experiencing dyspnea.

Which of the following methods of filing paper medical records involves placing newer reports on top of older reports? -Alphabetic -Purging -Shingling -Numeric

Shingling is a method of filing in which a new report is laid on top of an older report, resembling the shingles on a roof. Purging is moving active files to an inactive status.

A MA is preparing a patient who has congestive heart failure (CHF) for an examination by the provider. Which of the following manifestations should the MA expect? -Palpitations -Headaches -Chest pain -Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

A MA is preparing a patient who has psoriasis to be examined by the provider. When inspecting the patient's skin lesions, the MA should expect to observe which of the following characteristics? -Yellow, waxy -Gray, crusty -Silvery, scaly -Brown, flat

Silvery and scaly. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by pink or red lesions, with scaly patches that have a silvery appearance.

In which of the following positions should a MA place a healthy patient in preparation for a rectal exam? -Lithotomy -Sims' -Supine -Trendelenburg

Sims

Where do cardiac electrical impulses originate in the heart? -Atrioventricular node -Bundle of His -Purkinje fibers -Sinoatrial node

Sinoatrial node Impulses are initiated in the sinoatrial node and are then conducted to the atrioventricular node.

A patient's EKG tracing shows an unexpected P wave, QRS complex, and T wave configuration. There are five complete cardiac cycles on a 6-second strip. The assistant should recognize that this represents which of the following cardiac rhythms? -Sinus bradycardia -Atrial fibrillation -Ventricular fibrillation -Sinus tachycardia

Sinus bradycardia (Correct): This patient would have a heart rate of 50/min. A heart rate of less than 60/min is considered bradycardia. This patient's cardiac waves are all within the expected reference range, so this is a sinus bradycardia. Sinus tachycardia is indicated by a heart rate of greater than 100/min. However, this patient's EKG tracing indicates a heart rate of 50/min.

Which of the following organs produces vitamin D, provides protection, and helps regulate body temperature? -Liver -Lung -Skin -Brain

Skin

Which of the following factors puts a patient at high risk of experiencing a CVA? -Hypoglycemia -Hypotension -Pyloric stenosis -Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the trachea to narrow or close during sleep, which temporarily causes breathing to stop. It is a risk factor for CVA.

Which of the following diseases caused a historical pandemic that led to the creation of the first vaccine? -Smallpox -Influenza -Tetanus -Malaria

Smallpox The development of the first vaccine was a result of a smallpox pandemic in the 18th century.

Which of the following medical record documentation templates is organized by the entity that supplied the data? -Source-oriented -Problem-oriented -SOAP format -CHEDDAR format

Source-oriented documentation is organized by the entity that supplied the data. In problem-oriented format, each problem is listed with information organized into the following sections: database; problem list; educational, diagnostic, and treatment plan; and progress notes. In SOAP documentation, the symptoms are included in the subjective section, the signs are included in the objective section, the diagnosis or impression is included in the assessment section, and the treatment is included in the plan section. CHEDDAR documentation is formatted according to the chief complaint, history, examination, details of problems, drugs and dosage, assessment, and return visit or referral.

A MA is reviewing the laboratory results of a urine specimen provided by an adult patient at the clinic. Which of the following values is outside of the expected reference range? -pH 7.9 -pH 5.1 -Specific gravity 1.014 -Specific gravity 1.042

Specific gravity of 1.042. This value is outside of the expected reference range for an adult patient's urine. The expected reference range for the specific gravity of an adult patient's urine is 1.005 to 1.030. pH should be between 4.5 to 8.0.

A MA is speaking with a patient. Which of the following might occur as a barrier to communication? -Empathy -Rapport -Stereotyping -Active listening

Stereotyping. This is a barrier to communication. Stereotyping occurs when an assistant makes incorrect assumptions about a patient based on personal prejudices. The other three are not barriers.

A MA needs to remove all living micro-organisms from a contaminated towel clamp. Which of the following methods should the MA use to cleanse this instrument? -Disinfection -Sanitization -Sterilization -Ultrasonic

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, through physical or chemical methods. This is the method the assistant should use to cleanse the towel clamp. Disinfecting something removes pathogenic organisms, but not bacteria. Sanitizing something reduces the level of micro-organisms.

A patient informs a MA that he gets headaches when he reads from a computer monitor. The MA should place this information in which of the following locations when using the SOAP approach to organizing medical records? -Subjective -Objective -Assessment -Plan

Subjective Subjective data includes patient symptoms, non-measurable data, and patient statements. Therefore, the patient's report of headaches when reading from a computer screen would be documented in the Subjective (S) section of the record. Objective is observable and measurable while Assessment is specifically the providers diagnosis.

Which of the following procedures requires a MA to use aseptic technique? -Cryosurgery -Sonogram -Sigmoidoscopy -Suturing

Suturing: Suturing requires surgical aseptic technique. The procedure is invasive, and the risk for infection is higher than it is during noninvasive procedures.

A MA is speaking with a patient who recently underwent a right-sided radical mastectomy and lymphadenectomy. The assistant should inform the patient that which of the following is a manifestation of lymphedema? -Palpable nodules in the left breast -Swelling of the right arm -Scaly patches on the skin -Migraine headaches

Swelling of the right arm. Following removal of lymph tissue, lymphedema can cause tissue on the affected side to swell with fluid, due to inhibited reabsorption by the lymphatic system.

A MA is caring for a patient who is experiencing chills, nausea, and dizziness. The patient's face appears pale. The MA should recognize that the patient is exhibiting manifestations of which of the following medical emergencies? -Seizure -Transient ischemic attack (TIA) -Syncope -Myocardial infarction

Syncope The assistant should recognize that syncope is usually caused by a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain. The patient can experience chills, nausea, dizziness, and numbness in the extremities. A pale appearance is also a common manifestation. The assistant should recognize that a TIA is caused by circulatory issues in the brain. The symptoms of a TIA are temporary and include cephalgia, vertigo, and temporary paralysis of one side of the body.

During a routine venipuncture, the patient becomes pale and diaphoretic. What condition is most likely to occur in this patient? -Syncope -Seizure -Nausea -Shock

Syncope. Cold, pale, sweaty, or moist skin is for shock.

A MA is performing an EKG on a patient. Which of the following describes the appropriate placement of the electrodes? -Tabs downward on the arm -Tabs downward on the knee -Tabs upward on the chest -Tabs downward on the lower leg

Tabs downward on the arm Tabs should be placed downward to reduce tension and pulling on the electrodes. Basically, tabs should be toward the heart. So if they are on the leg, they should be upward because the heart is above them.

A MA is performing an EKG on a patient who has a heart rate of 105/min. The assistant should identify this finding as an indication of which of the following conditions? -Sinus rhythm -Atrial fibrilation -Bradycardia -Tachycardia

Tachycardia. It is a heart rate above 100 while Bradycardia is less than 60. Sinus rhythm is a normal range of 60 to 100. Atrial fibrilation is an irregular heartbeat.

A MA is providing instructions to a female patient prior to a stress test. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include? -"Eat a large meal before coming to the test." -"You should wear a dress on the day of the test." -"Take your medications on the day of the test." -"You can wear sandals when completing the test."

Take your medications. The patient should continue to take her prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by the provider. Because it is a stress test, sandals and a dress are not appropriate for the amount of running that will happen. Eating would not help either.

A MA is performing an ear irrigation for a patient. The patient reports dizziness. The assistant should recognize that these symptoms could be caused by which of the following? -Pressure from the water has caused the cerumen to move. -The speed at which the water is being introduced is too slow. -Trapped air is increasing the pressure against the tympanic membrane. -The temperature of the water is too cold.

Temp is too cold. Using water that is too cold for an ear irrigation can lead to dizziness. The assistant should use water at body temperature for ear irrigation.

A MA is transcribing a prescription from a provider for a medication that must be taken hourly. Which of the following abbreviations should the assistant identify as the correct notation of when and how often the patient should take the medication? -qd -qh -qs -qid

The "q" means every, and the "h" means hour. Combining these two letters correctly indicates when and how often the patient should take the medication. d means daily, qs means quantity sufficient, and qid means four times a day.

Which of the following moral codes should a MA reference when facing an ethical dilemma? -AMA Code of Ethics -Hippocratic Oath -Code of Hammurabi -Percival's Code

The AMA Code of Ethics was written in 1846 and includes nine separate categories of ethical dilemmas concerning allied health professionals. The Hippocratic Oath is an oath taken by a provider when beginning the practice of medicine. The Code of Hammurabi is the earliest written code for medical practice involving ethical conduct, but it is no longer relevant. Percival's Code was written in 1803 and is concerned with sociologic matters. Percival's Code was acknowledged in the AMA Code of Ethics.

When coding with the ICD 10 CM, where should the medical assistant begin the process of looking up a diagnosis code for breast cancer? -The Tabular List -The Alphabetic Index -The Chapter List -The Subcategory Index

The Alphabetic Index. The ICD-10-CM contains the Alphabetic, or Alpha Index of diseases, conditions, and related terms. The Tabular List of the ICD-10-CM is divided into 21 chapters that specify groups of diseases and injuries. The Chapter List contains the descriptions and code ranges of each chapter in the ICD-10-CM.

Which of the following resources provides a standard language for services provided during a medical visit? -Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services -Current Procedural Terminology manual -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision

The Current Procedural Terminology manual provides a standard language for reporting services provided during a medical visit. The CMS provides regulations for the billing of Medicare and Medicaid services. The CDC provides education and guidance about disease control and prevention to the public. The ICD-10 coding manual provides a list of diagnostic coding for insurance and research purposes.

When reviewing a patient's medical record prior to an appointment with a primary care provider (PCP), it is important for a medical assistant to verify that which of the following items is in the chart? -Current medication list -Updated insurance card -Specialist authorization form -Diagnostic test results

The PCP will need to review any diagnostic tests performed since the last appointment to determine that current treatments are effective. The assistant should verify that the diagnostic test results are available in the patient's chart.

Which of the following resources provides information about the use of chemicals in a medical facility? -Safety data sheet (SDS) -OSHA Form 301 -Emergency action plan -Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

The SDS is the safety data sheet. It provides information regarding chemicals used in a medical facility and how to respond to a spill or exposure. OSHA is for work-related injuries, CFR is medical law from the federal government.

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? -Good Samaritan Act -HITECH Act -Whistleblower Protection Act -Patients' Bill of Rights

The Whistleblower Protection Act protects employees from retaliation when reporting suspected unsafe activities in the workplace. The Good Samaritan Act protects those who assist others in an emergency in a voluntary capacity from the fear of a lawsuit if an injury occurs. The HITECH Act supports electronic health records.

Which of the following abbreviations should a MA use when documenting initial assessment data collected prior to a patient's wellness examination? -HPI -p/o -VS -f/u

The abbreviation VS stands for vital signs and is a notation that precedes measurements of physiological functioning, specifically temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. It can also include pain severity and oxygen saturation. HPI is history of present illnesses, p/o is postoperative status, and f/u is follow up.

Which of the following is a MA's primary role in MRI in the office setting? -Communicating the results of the imaging to the patient -Administering contrast media intravenously -Instructing a patient about examination preparations -Positioning the imaging equipment

The assistant is responsible for instructing patients about necessary preparations for MRI. This action is within the assistant's scope of practice.

When assisting a provider with a punch biopsy of a mole, which of the following tasks should a MA expect to perform? -Receive and prepare tissue specimens for processing. -Swab fluids from the biopsy site. -Retract the edges of the biopsy site. -Place sutures at the incision site.

The assistant is responsible for receiving and preparing tissue specimens obtained from a punch biopsy for processing by the laboratory.

A MA is preparing to perform a Mantoux test. Which of the following routes should the assistant use for this injection? -Intradermal -Subcutaneous -Intramuscular -Intravenous

The assistant should administer the Mantoux test ( a TB test) intradermally at a 15° angle. For a Mantoux test, the forearm is the ideal site because of the ease in reading the result 48 to 72 hr later. Subdermal is too deep.

When communicating on the telephone with a patient, which of the following actions by a MA demonstrates the use of appropriate technique for outgoing calls? -Placing the patient on hold when accessing information -Speaking with an unchanging pitch -Holding the receiver a minimum 5 cm (2 in) from the mouth -Allowing the patient to be the one to end the call

The assistant should allow the patient to end the call. This allows the patient the opportunity to ask clarifying questions before ending the call. The assistant should hold the receiver of the telephone no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) from the mouth.

When drawing blood cultures, a MA should prepare a patient's skin using which of the following products? -Hydrogen peroxide -Glutaraldehyde -Sterile water -Iodine solution

The assistant should cleanse the patient's skin with an iodine solution, which inhibits the reproduction of bacteria that might contaminate the sample. Glutaraldehyde is used on equipment, never on skin. And HP is just a disinfectant.

A MA is administering an intramuscular immunization to a patient. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Select the patient's forearm as the site of injection. -Cleanse the site in a circular motion from the center outward. -Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine solution. -Hold the needle and syringe at a 45° angle to the skin.

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.

A MA is engaging in conversation with a patient who was recently terminated from the practice. The patient has come to the office and is demanding an explanation. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Dissociate from the conversation. -Sympathize with the patient. -Defend the provider's decision. -Acknowledge the patient's concern.

The assistant should display active listening and empathy for the patient by acknowledging his concern.

During the admission process, a patient explains the manifestations of his chief complaint to the MA. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Provide advice about temporary relief measures. -Document the patient's concerns in the medical record. -Reassure the patient that there is no immediate cause for worry. -Evaluate the relevance of the patient's concerns.

The assistant should document all patient concerns in the medical record to properly communicate the information to the provider.

When completing documentation in a patient;s paper medical record, a MA realizes she made an error. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Leave the error in the medical record. -Draw a line through the error and initial it. -Erase the entry in the medical record. -Use correction fluid to correct the entry.

The assistant should draw a line through the error, insert the correction, write the date next to the correction, and initial or sign the correction.

A MA is disposing of the syringe and needle she used to inject a seasonal influenza vaccine. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Recap the needle before disposing of it in the biohazardous sharps container. -Use a gauze square to break off the needle and place it in the biohazardous sharps container. -Drop the syringe, needle first, into the biohazardous sharps container. -Replace the biohazardous sharps container once it is half full.

The assistant should drop the whole syringe and needle into the container. The assistant should not push the syringe and needle into the sharps container because it could result in a needlestick injury from other sharps in the container.

Which of the following information should the MA enter into the appointment calendar when scheduling a patient for a skin rash? -Diagnosis code for dermatitis -Daytime phone number -Date of birth -Patient's identification number

The assistant should enter the patient's name, daytime telephone number, and a brief description of the purpose of the patient's visit into the appointment calendar.

A MA is explaining how to understand nutritional information on food labels to a patient. Which of the following statements should the assistant make? -"Your standard calorie consumption per day should be less than 1,000 calories." -"The ingredients are listed in ascending order of weight." -"The amount of each nutrient is expressed in weight per serving and as a percentage of the daily value." -"Sugar alcohol is a required component of a food label."

The assistant should explain to the patient that the amount of each nutrient is expressed in weight per serving and as a percentage of the daily value.

A MA receives a chemical splash in her eyes. Which of the following actions should the MA take first? -Check the material safety data sheet. -Call emergency services. -Complete an incident report. -Flush the eyes with tepid water.

The assistant should flush her eyes with tepid water between 15.5° and 37.8° C (60° and 100° F) for at least 15 min.

A MA is cleaning an exam room after assisting a provider with a biopsy. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Place the caps back on the needles to reduce the risk of puncturing the sharps container. -Break off the tops of any unused ampules and discard the liquid. -Hold sharps by the blunt end to avoid a needlestick injury. -Dispose of the sharps container once it is completely full.

The assistant should hold sharps by the blunt end to avoid an injury. Restock unused ampules, never recap a needle, and dispose of the sharps container once it is 2/3 full.

A MA should identify that which of the following abbreviations is used in place of the word "prescription" in a patient's chart? -Rx -Tx -Sx -Hx

The assistant should identify Rx as the abbreviation that means prescription. Tx is treatment, Sx is symptoms, and Hx is history.

A MA is measuring the vital signs of an adult patient. The MA should identify which of the following blood pressure readings as stage 2 hypertension? -110/80 mm Hg -135/80 mm Hg -150/95 mm Hg -120/85 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 MA is instructing a patient about collecting stool specimens at home for occult blood testing. Which of the following statements should the MA make about the patient's medications? -"Discontinue all your medications 72 hours before the test." -"Take a laxative 24 hours prior to the test." -"Take 500 milligrams of a vitamin C supplement daily." -"Discontinue any NSAIDs a week before the test."

The assistant should instruct the patient to stop taking NSAIDs a week before the test, as NSAIDs can cause a false positive result. NSAIDs (tylenol) can sit in the folds of the stomach and cause minor bleeds, causing blood to be in the stool that's not from the intial bleed that's being investigated.

When measuring the vital signs of a 10-year-old child, a MA recognizes indications of abuse. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Notify the child's school counselor. -Question the child. -Question the child's parent. -Notify the child's provider.

The assistant should notify the child's provider. The provider will conduct a medical examination of the child to further investigate the indications of abuse.

A provider notifies a MA that she will be arriving 20min late to the office. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Cancel the next scheduled patient's appointment. -Tell the next scheduled patient that she must see a different provider. -Notify the next scheduled patient about the delay. -Have the next scheduled patient wait in an exam room.

The assistant should notify the next scheduled patient about the delay by attempting to call the patient or informing the patient upon her arrival at the office.

A MA is providing discharge instructions for a patient who is visually impaired. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Use a low tone of voice when communicating with the patient. -Notify the patient when entering the room. -Use body gestures when communicating with the patient. -Provide small-font printed material for the patient.

The assistant should notify the patient upon entering the room to prevent startling the patient.

A patient calls into the office to report that her medication is "not working." Which of the following responses should the MA make? -"I will notify the provider about your situation." -"You should keep taking the medication until it works." -"You should double the dose of the medication." -"I will call the pharmacy to authorize a refill for your medication."

The assistant should notify the provider about the patient's situation.

A 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? -Instruct the patient to sit with his legs crossed. -Position the patient's cuffed arm above the level of his heart. -Apply the cuff to the patient's arm with the weaker palpated pulse. -Place the stethoscope's diaphragm over the patient's palpated artery.

The assistant should place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the patient's brachial artery and then apply pressure. Applying pressure directly over the artery will allow the assistant to obtain a more accurate reading.

A MA is preparing a patient who has bilateral below-the-knee amputations for an EKG. Which of the following sites should the MA select for electrode placement? -Lower arms -Elbows -Abdomen -Knees

The assistant should place the electrodes on the abdomen or thighs of a person who has a below-the-knee amputation.

Which of the following actionsshould the MA take when obtaining the length of an infant during a well-child visit? -Remove the infant's diaper. -Wrap the infant in a blanket for warmth. -Position the infant on his back. -Keep the infant's knees flexed.

The assistant should place the infant on his back on an examination table with a paper cover, and then draw a line on the paper at the infant's head and a line at the heel of the extended legs.

A MA is preparing to administer a liquid, oral medication to a patient. Which of the following methods should the assistant use to ensure the correct dose is delivered? -Pour the medication to the prescribed dose in the medicine cup on a flat surface. -Add slightly more than the prescribed dose to account for the medication adhering to the sides of the cup. -Pour the medication into the container's lid for easy administration. -Measure the dose at the top of the meniscus in the medicine cup.

The assistant should place the medicine cup on a flat surface at eye level and pour the medication to the prescribed dose mark.

A MA is measuring the circumference of an infant's head. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Position the infant prone on the examination table. -Place the measuring tape so it covers the infant's ears. -Place the zero mark of the measuring tape against the infant's forehead. -Mark the measuring tape and record the measurement after the visit.

The assistant should place the zero mark of the measuring tape on the infant's forehead.

A MA is performing inventory for a clinic. Which of the following actions should the MA take while performing inventory? -Prepare a purchase order. -Dispose of all unused medical supplies. -Review the clinic's overhead costs. -Send an invoice to the supply vendor.

The assistant should prepare a list of all supplies that require replacement and prepare a purchase order for those supplies. The overhead costs of the clinic include staff wages and business expenses. These are not a relevant consideration when performing an inventory of medical supplies. The assistant should create a purchase order and send it to the vendor. After receipt of the purchase order, the vendor creates and sends invoices to the clinic.

A MA is performing an ear irrigation for an adult patient who has a cerumen impaction. Which of the following steps should the assistant complete prior to administering the irrigation solution? -Cool the irrigation solution to 15.6° C (60° F). -Place the patient in the prone position. -Pull the pinna of the ear up and back. -Insert a cotton-tipped applicator into the ear canal.

The assistant should pull the pinna of the ear up and back to manipulate the external ear canal, allowing the irrigation solution to circulate through it and drain more easily. You want the solution at room temperature (37C), have the patient in a sitting position, and wait until the end of the procedure for the cotton applicator.

A MA receives a call from a reference laboratory reporting a fasting blood glucose of 450 mg/dL for a patient. According to protocol, which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Notify the provider of the test results. -Place the results on the provider's desk for review. -Have the provider speak to the laboratory. -Contact the patient to have her come into the office.

The assistant should recognize a fasting blood glucose between 300 to 750 mg/dL as outside the expected reference range. According to these results, the assistant should notify the provider of the test results.

A MA is instructing a patient on the collection of a clean-catch urine specimen for culture and sensitivity (C&S). Which of the following instructions should the assistant give the patient? -"Void into a clean container and then transfer it into a sterile container." -"Void into a sterile container directly after cleaning the perineum." -"Void into a container from home and bring it to the office." -"Void a small amount of urine into the toilet and then void the next portion into a sterile container."

The assistant should recognize that a clean-catch specimen for C&S requires the patient to void a small amount of urine into the toilet before voiding into a sterile container.

Which of the following items included on the CMS-1500 claim form should a MA recognize as indicating the medical necessity of a procedure? -Modifier -Diagnosis code -Charges -Place of service

The assistant should recognize that a diagnosis code indicates the medical necessity for the performance of a procedure or provided treatment. Without a supported diagnosis, the provider will not receive reimbursement for the procedure.

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? -Fungal -Bacterial -Parasitic -Helminthic

The assistant should recognize that pediculosis, also known as lice, is a common parasitic infection that is highly contagious.

A MA is preparing a patient who has intermittent peripheral cyanosis for an examination by the provider. The MA should understant that healthy perfusion of the hands and feet depends on adequate interaction between which of the following two body systems? -Muscular and digestive -Integumentary and lymphatic -Endocrine and skeletal -Circulatory and respiratory

The assistant should recognize that the respiratory system works in conjunction with the circulatory system to provide oxygen to the body.

A MA is assisting a provider with the collection of a stool specimen. The assistant should identify that which of the following statements about the fecal occult blood testing process is true? -The specimen should be developed 1 min after collection. -The result is positive if a trace of blue color is detected on the edge of the smear. -Four drops of developer should be applied to the specimen. -The results can be interpreted immediately after the developer is applied.

The assistant should recognize that the test result is positive if any trace of blue color is detected on or at the edge of the smear. Wait 3-5 min before developing the specimen, apply only 2 drops, not 4, and interpret the results 1 min after the developer is applied.

A MA recommends the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method to a patient who calls the office to report an injury. Which of the following injuries is the patient likely to have sustained? -Head contusion -Shoulder dislocation -Ankle sprain -Restless leg syndrome

The assistant should recommend the RICE method to a patient who reports an ankle sprain. This method helps to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.

A MA is approached by a patient who is angry and yelling. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Display emotion. -Remain calm. -Avoid apologizing. -Speak loudly.

The assistant should remain calm and offer to help the patient.

To avoid having patients underestimate the specific amount of nutrients in a food product, a medical assistant should remind patients to check which of the following labeling components? -Percent of daily value -Total amounts of caloric intake per day -Ingredient order -Serving size

The assistant should remind patients to check the serving size and the number of servings in the package on the food label. It is common to mistake the list of calories and nutrients as the amount in the entire package, when it might only be a small percentage.

Prior to a patient's follow-up appointment, which of the following information should a medical assistant report to the provider? -Anthropometric measurements -The date of an upcoming mammogram appointment -Recent laboratory results -A change in the patient's insurance policy

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 is helping a patient check out. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Ask the patient for photo identification. -Review the patient's medical record. -Have the patient fill out a registration form. -Verify the patient's insurance policy.

The assistant should review the patient's medical record to check for further instructions from the provider. This information helps the assistant to schedule a follow-up appointment for the patient if necessary. The other three are when the patient checks in.

A MA is collecting a urine specimen from a patient for a drug screening. Which of the following actions should the MA take to adhere to the chain of custody for this specimen? -Ensure the specimen has a volume of 20 mL. -Record the specimen's temperature 8 min after collection. -Send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection. -Ask the provider to supervise the collection and shipment of the specimen.

The assistant should send the specimen and completed requisition to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection. Required volume is 30-45mL, record temp after 4min.

A MA is checking in a patient who is hearing impaired. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Speak loudly to the patient. -Use firm touch to get the patient's attention. -Stand within the patient's field of vision. -Minimize hand gestures when speaking to the patient.

The assistant should stand within the patient's field of vision to communicate with a patient who is hearing impaired.

A MA is preparing to create a report about patients who have a family history of breast cancer. Which of the following types of software will allow the MA to sort, retrieve, and combine information for this report? -Database management -Accounting and billing -Appointment scheduling -Word processor

The assistant should use a database management system to sort and retrieve information quickly. A database allows the assistant to track specific information and create customized applications to sort the information and create reports. Accounting and billing is for creating finanical reports.

A MA is preparing sterilization for hemostats before an invasive procedure. Which of the following techniques should the MA use? -Autoclave -Gas -Dry heat -Chemical

The assistant should use an autoclave to sterilize the hemostats. Instruments that penetrate skin or tissue should be sterilized by an autoclave, which uses wet heat and is effective against spores. Gas is for larger equipment.

A patient believes that her health care privacy has been violated. A MA should know that the patient's complaint must be filed within how many days? -30 -90 -180 -365

The complaint must be filed within 180 days of when the perceived privacy violation occurred.

A MA notes a wandering baseline throughout an EKG tracing. The assistant should recognize that which of the following electrocardiograph issues could have resulted in this occurrence. -The electrode pads were defective or poorly attached. -The machine was missing the grounding prong for the outlet. -The machine did not have the proper standardization settings set. -The cable tips were loose or had become separated.

The electrode pads were defective or poorly attached (Correct): Any interference in the transmission of impulses, either through poor skin contact or lead wire issues, can cause a wandering baseline in the tracing. The machine was missing the grounding prong for the outlet: This would result in AC interference, not a wandering baseline. The machine did not have the proper standardization settings set: This would result in an inaccurate tracing that could lead to misinterpretation of the results, not a wandering baseline. The cable tips were loose or had become separated: This would result in an inaccurate tracing. It would create an up-and-down tracing on the paper, not a wandering baseline.

In which of the following locations should a MA place the electrode for lead V4? -The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line -The fourth intercostal space, left sternal border -The left midaxillary line, lateral to V5 -The anterior axillary line, lateral to V6

The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. Second option is for V2, third is for V6, and last is for V5.

A MA receives instructions from a primary care provider to refer a patient to a dermatologist. Which of the following actions should the MA take first? -Give the patient a copy of the authorization code. -Complete a patient referral form. -Obtain prior authorization. -Document the date of referral approval.

The first action the assistant should take is to complete a patient referral form. The second action the assistant should take is to obtain prior authorization to receive approval for the referral to a specialist. The third step the assistant should take is to give the patient a copy of the authorization code. The final step the assistant should take is to document the date of referral approval for tracking purposes.

A MA is preparing a community resource library. Which of the following actions should the MA take first? -Collect feedback from patients about their experiences with the resources. -Update the community resource information. -Compile a list of local community agencies. -Make a spreadsheet that has the contact information of services.

The first step the assistant should take is to research, identify, and create a list of available local community resources and services.

When performing the palpatory method for obtaining blood pressure, which of the following indicates the level at which the MA should inflate the cuff? -30 mm Hg above the radial pulse cessation -30 mm Hg above the brachial pulse cessation -30 mm Hg above the reappearance of the radial pulse -30 mm Hg above the reappearance of the brachial pulse

The palpatory method requires the assistant to inflate the cuff 30 mm Hg above the cessation of the radial pulse.

A MA is preparing to perform a pulmonary function test on a patient who is dressed in a suit and tie. When preparing the patient for the test, the assistant should instruct the patient to do which of the following? -Sit with his legs crossed. -Undress from the waist up. -Loosen his tie and top buttons. -Point his chin slightly toward his chest.

The patient should remove his jacket and loosen any clothing that is tight to avoid restricting breathing capacity. The chin should be elevated for the procedure with legs uncrossed.

At what time of day will a patient's body temperature be at its lowest? -In the late afternoon -Before bedtime -In the morning -At midday

The patient's body temperature is at its lowest in the morning and increases throughout the day, reaching its highest temperature in the late afternoon.

An adolescent is covered by two insurance policies under her divorced parents who have birthdays in May and August and have joint custody. Which policy is the primary policy for the adolescent?

The policy of the parent who has the earliest birth month. According to the third-party payer guidelines, the primary insurance policy is determined by which parent has the earliest birth month. This is also known as "the birthday rule."

Which of the following viral diseases resulted in an epidemic in the US and presents with symptoms that include weakness and paralysis of muscles, fever, and headache? -Polio -Measles -Rubella -Rabies

The polio virus affected thousands of people in the U.S. A vaccine was developed in 1952 that greatly reduced the incidence of the disease on a national scale. Measles is a rach with discharge, Rubella is a rash with swollen lymph glands, and Rabies is profuse salivation and excitement.

Which of the following laboratory results should the MA recognize is abnormal? -Sodium 138 mEq/L -Red blood cell count 5.2/mm3 -Platelets 350/mm3 -Potassium 3 mEq/L

The pottassium should be between 3.5 to 5mEq/L ​This sodium level is within the expected reference range of 135 to 145 mEq/L. The expected reference blood cell range for a male patient is 4.7 to 6.1/mm3. The expected reference range for a female patient is 4.2 to 5.4/mm3. This platelet value is within the expected reference range of 130 to 400/mm3.

Using knowledge of prefixes and suffixes, a medical assistant should identify that the term presbyopia has which of the following meanings? -Age-related vision loss -Weakened bones -Drooping eyelid -Kidney infection

The prefix "presby" means old age, and the suffix "opia" means vision. Together, these word parts create presbyopia, which means the loss of near vision that develops with aging due to the loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye.

A MA reviews the results of a urine pregnancy test and sees that a blue line did not appear in the control area. This indicates which of the following? -The pregnancy test is positive. -The pregnancy test is not valid. -The pregnancy test specimen is not concentrated. -The pregnancy test is negative.

The pregnancy test is not valid. The assistant should recognize that the color of the control line must change to validate quality control. Therefore, the pregnancy test is not valid. The assistant should recognize that if a blue line appears in the control and test areas, the result of the pregnancy test is positive. The assistant should recognize that a negative pregnancy test is characterized by a blue line in the control area, but not in the test area.

A MA is talking with a patient who is experiencing home displacements following a hurricane. To which of the follwoing resources should the MA refer the patient for information, support, and links to community services? -Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) -American Red Cross -National Council on Aging -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The primary purpose of the American Red Cross is to provide crucial disaster response services. The American Red Cross also coordinates mental health resources for survivors of disasters.

A MA is part of a team that is caring for a patient who is being discharged from the hospital. Which of the following actions would contribute to a successful transition of care? -The provider discontinues all medications started in the hospital and relays the information to the rest of the team. -The assistant schedules a meeting with the medical staff members of the team. -The provider receives laboratory results and reviews them alone prior to filing. -The assistant follows up with the patient 1 week after discharge from the hospital.

The provider discontinues all medications started in the hospital and relays the information to the rest of the team. Communication between all members is imperative for a successful transition of care. All parties must be aware of what is being done for the patient and communicate that information to the patient and family members. Following up should happen within 24 to 48 hours after being discharged, not a week.

When informed consent is required for a procedure, which of the following steps should occur prior to the patient signing the form? -The medical assistant should explain the procedure to the patient. -The medical assistant should describe the risks of the procedure to the patient. -The provider should review alternative procedures with the patient. -The provider should review the patient's insurance coverage for the procedure.

The provider should include information about alternative procedures before informed consent is obtained from a patient. The MA does not explain the procedure or describe the risk factors. The provider also does not review the insurance coverage (admin does).

Which of the following routes for taking a patient's temperature is the most accurate? -Axillary -Rectal -Oral -Temporal

The rectal route is the most accurate method for obtaining a patient's temperature because the rectum is the most closed cavity. Oral is most common, temporal gives similar results as oral, and axillary is least accurate.

A MA is assisting a provider with an abdominal exam. When the provider palpates the major portion of the liver, the MA should recognize that he is palpating which of the following quadrants? -Right upper -Right lower -Left upper -Left lower

The right upper quadrant contains the major portion of the liver. It is also the quadrant that contains the gallbladder.

Which of the following is a MA's role in pulmonary function testing (PFT)? -Coach the patient through the test. -Check the patient's vital signs during the test to ensure stability. -Administer the proper medication prior to the test. -Instruct the patient in the use of the inhaler used in testing.

The role of the assistant is to coach and encourage the patient during the test. Vital signs are taken before the test, meds are not necessary, and an inhaler is not used in this test.

A MA has requested a preauthorized for a patient's referral to a specialist. Which of the following is a reason for the claim submitted by a specialist to be denied? -The approved visits are listed in the authorization comments section. -The patient previously submitted and received a self-referral. -The specialty provider's national provider identifier (NPI) is not included in the authorization. -The service is provided after the expiration date.

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. NPI is not required.

Which of the following medical record content areas includes a patient's demographic data? -Objective -Assessment -Subjective -Plan

The subjective content area includes personal demographics, along with medical, family, and social history. The plan content area includes the provider's documentation of how the diagnosis will be treated. The assessment content area includes the provider's diagnosis based on findings from the objective and subjective content areas. The objective content area includes physical examination findings and test results.

When considering the anatomy of the body, which of the following statements is correct? -The heart is superficial to the ribs -The patella is distal to the tibia -The stomach is superior to the diaphram -The thumb is lateral to the index finger

The thumb is lateral to the index finger

A MA is converting a prescription for 30mL of liquid from milliliters to tablespoons. The assistant should calculate that this amount of medication converts to how many tablespoons? -1 tbsp -1.5 tbsp -3 tbsp -2 tbsp

There are 15mL in 1 tbsp. Therefore, the answer is 2.

Which of the following laboratory values should a MA immediately report to a patient's provider? -Blood glucose 500 mg/dL -Potassium 4.1 mEq/L -Hematocrit 42% -Hemoglobin 15 g/dL

This blood glucose level is higher than the expected reference range of 70 to 110 mg/dL. The expected reference range for potassium for an adult patient is 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L. The expected reference range for hematocrit for a male patient is 42% to 52% and 36% to 45% for a female patient. The expected reference range for hemoglobin for a male patient is 15 to 17 g/dL and 12 to 16 g/dL for a female patient.

A MA is speaking with a patient who recently received a terminal diagnosis. The patient states, "I regret not taking better care of myself. Now I won't be able to accomplish what I wanted to do with my life." The assistant should identify that the patient is in which of the following stages of grief? -Anger -Bargaining -Depression -Acceptance

This patient is in the depression stage of grief. This stage of grief is often characterized by patients expressing regret over unfulfilled goals or about not having taken better care of their health.

Which of the following actions is important for a MA to take to serve patients effectively? -Avoid referencing patients' barriers to wellness. -Instruct the patient to refer to family members for assistance options. -Work independently from the clinical staff. -Assist the patient with locating appropriate community resources.

To be effective, the assistant should serve patients by helping them locate the appropriate community resources for their needs.

When removing sutures, why is it important for a medical assistant to place the removed sutures on a gauze pad? -To present to the provider for pathology evaluation -To maintain the sterility of the sutures -To help select the procedure code for billing purposes -To determine the number of sutures removed

To determine the number of sutures removed The assistant should place removed sutures on a gauze pad and count them to determine the number of sutures removed and compare it to the number of sutures placed. Sutures that are left in place can cause an infection.

Which of the following describes the purpose of a patient's discharge summary in a provider's office? -To give a complete record of the patient's hospitalization -To document information necessary for continuity of care -To complete authorization requests for hospitalization -To provide the patient with information about her diagnosis

To document information necessary for continuity of care. The purpose of a discharge summary is to give the provider a brief description of the patient's illness, treatment, and condition during hospitalization.

A MA is caring for a patient who has a new medication prescription from a provider. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to facilitate patient understanding and medicaiton compliance? -Instruct the patient to discontinue the medication once symptoms subside. -Review the dosage and administration instructions with the patient. -Recommend possible over-the-counter replacements for the medication. -Inform the patient that side effects are expected and do not need to be reported.

To facilitate patient understanding and medication compliance, the assistant should review any and all instructions concerning medication administration and dosage with the patient.

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? -To prove that the office was not negligent -To explain the loss of revenue ​-To deny future appointments ​-To demonstrate confidentiality

To prove non negligence. Documenting this information is a legal responsibility and covers the clinic for liability. Because the patient said she would reschedule, this communication breaks the physician-patient contract and places responsibility for any postoperative care issues on the patient, not the provider.

A MA is arranging medication in a storage cabinet according to the routes of administration. The assistant should categorize methyl salicylate liniment in which of the following routes? -Oral -Otic -Topical -Opthalmic

Topcial. A liniment is a liquid or semiliquid preparation that contains oil, alcohol, or water for application to the skin, often as a counterirritant or to relieve joint or muscle pain. Therefore, the assistant should categorize methyl salicylate liniment as a topical medication.

Which of the following parenteral medication routes should a MA administer for a slow release of medication into the bloodstream? -Transdermal -Sublingual -Buccal -Inhalation

Transdermal. Transdermal patches are infused with medication that is slowly absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream. The other options are very quick.

Which of the following terms describes the act of unlawfully increasing the reimbursement amount from a third-part payer? -Downcoding -E/M codes -Add-on codes -Upcoding

Upcoding describes the unlawful act of billing services at a higher rate than contracted to receive a larger reimbursement from a third-party payer. This is also known as overcoding, code creep, and overbilling. Downcoding describes the unlawful act of a third-party payer paying for services at a lower rate than the contract agreement. Evaluation and management codes are CPT codes that comprehensively cover services rendered by outpatient and inpatient care facilities. Add-on codes are a type of CPT code that is added to describe category codes in further detail.

Which of the following providers specializes in the management and treatment of interstitial cystitis? -Immunologist -Cardiologist -Pathologist -Urologist

Urologists specialize in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the urinary tract, including interstitial cystitis.

A MA receives a telephone call from a patient who is hesitant about discussing a new medical concern unless the conversation is with the provider. The MA should use which of the following techniques to address the patient's reluctance? -Tell the patient he has nothing to worry about. -Ask the patient why he does not trust the assistant with the information. -Use a reflective statement to recognize the patient's concerns. -Provide examples of patients who have similar concerns to reassure the patient.

Use a reflective statement to recognize the patient's concerns. Reflection is an active listening technique that demonstrates to the patient that the assistant is listening to what is being said and is taking the patient's feelings into consideration. The assistant should use this communication technique to express recognition of the patient's concerns

A MA is caring for a patient who has conjunctivitis. Which of the following actions should the assistant take when performing eye instillation? -Ensure the medication is instilled in the upper conjunctiva. -Instruct the patient to look down when instilling the medication. -Use gloves when instilling the medication. -Use a separate bottle of medication for each eye.

Use gloves. When instilling medication into the eyes, the assistant should wear gloves to prevent introducing pathogens into the patient's eyes. Wearing gloves will also help prevent the assistant's exposure to potentially pathogenic organisms.

A MA is contacting a patient to schedule a repeat Papanicolaou test due to abnormal results. The MA should identify that which of the following factors can interfere with the test results? -Engaging in intercourse 48 hr prior to the test -Douching 1 week prior to the test -Using an over-the-counter vaginal cream prior to the test -Taking prescribed oral birth control pills

Using an over-the-counter vaginal cream prior to the test Do not engage in intercourse 24hr before the test, keep taking prescribed medicine, and do not douche 2 to 3 days before the test.

A MA 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 MA take first? -Close the doors and windows. -Turn off the oxygen in the adjacent examination rooms. -Use the office fire extinguisher. -Evacuate staff and patients from the immediate area.

Using the RACE acronym, the first action the assistant should take is to remove staff and patients who are in immediate danger from the fire.

A MA is performing a 12-lead EKG on a patient. Which of the following electrodes should the MA place to the left of the sternum at the fourth intercostal space? -V4 -V3 -V2 -V1

V2 The assistant should place the V2 precordial electrode to the left of the sternum at the fourth intercostal space.

A MA is witnessing a patient sign an informed consent form. Which of the following is the responsibility of the MA acting as a witness? -Ensure the patient understands the procedure. -Validate the patient's signature. -Evaluate if the patient is competent. -Recommend alternative treatments to the patient.

Validate the patient's signature. The assistant should validate the patient's signature when acting as a witness.

A MA is caring for a child who has varicella zoster virus. The MA should recognize that varicella is transferred through which of the following modes of transmission? -Airborne =Bloodborne -Vector-borne -Foodborne

Varicella zoster virus, also known as chickenpox, is spread by airborne and contact transmission. Contaminated particles can be inhaled through tiny droplets that are exhaled by the infected person.

A MA has completed a blood collection. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to ensure proper specimen processing? -Verify that the requisition form has been completed. -Provide the patient with postprocedure instructions. -Place all specimens in the refrigerator. -Centrifuge all blood tubes collected.

Verify the requsition form.

Which of the following is used to indicate homeostasis in the body? -Height -Weight -Pulse Oximetry -Vital Signs

Vital Signs: Vital signs are indicators of the body's ability to maintain homeostasis. Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.

A MA should identify that which of the following vitamins is fat soluble? -Niacin -Folate -Vitamin C -Vitamin A

Vitamin A The assistant should identify that vitamin A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, which means these vitamins are stored in the adipose tissue. DEAK! Rememebr DEAK

A MA is providing pateint education on bone loss and calcium regeneration. Which of the following supplements should the assistant recommend for the patient? -Vitamin A -Vitamin C -Vitamin D -Vitamin E

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the absorption of calcium and aids in building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin A helps with healthy skin and vision, C helps build strong tissues for infection, and E is for red blood cell protection.

A MA 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 MAuse to increase circulation at the collection site? -Hold the patient's hand above his heart. -Squeeze the patient's finger. -Warm the patient's hand. -Apply a tourniquet above the patient's wrist.

Warming the hand can help increase circulation and bring capillaries to the surface of the hand. Never squeeze older patients extremities because they are fragile, holding hand above heart decreases circulation.

A MA is providing teaching to a patient about the importance of water intake. Which of the following information should the assistant include? -It is important to drink at least 1 L of water daily. -Water provides minimal nutritional value for the body. -Severe dehydration can cause an increase in blood volume. -Water helps regulate body temperature.

Water helps regulate body temperature through perspiration. Water also transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, lubricates many bodily structures, and helps remove waste from the body. You need 2L a day not 1.

A MA is washing infectious debris off several sharp surgical instruments. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Keep all hinged instruments closed. -Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the surface of the instruments. -Soak the instruments in a bleach solution to sterilize them prior to sanitization. -Wear utility gloves while sanitizing the instruments.

Wear utility gloves so your hands are safe. You would not want to keep the instruments closed because then they are not being completely washed, you want a firm brush and not a soft one, and sterilization happens after sanitation.

A MA is checking a patient's hearing using the Weber test. Which of the following actions should the MA take? -Position a vibrating tuning fork over the patient's mastoid process. -Invert a vibrating tuning fork while the patient still hears sound. -Instruct the patient to raise his hand when he no longer hears any sound. -Ask the patient if he hears the vibration louder in one ear than the other.

When performing the Weber test, the assistant should ask the patient if he hears the vibration louder in one ear than the other. The Weber test is used to determine if a patient's hearing is better in one ear than the other. You place a stuck tuning fork over the bridge of the nose or forehead.

A MA has blood pressure cuff inflated and partially open the valve to deflate as he listens with a stethoscope. When should he read the diastolic pressure? -When the sound disappears -When repetitive sounds begin -When the sounds change from strong to muffled -When the sounds change from swishing to sharp

When the sound disappears. The assistant should measure the patient's diastolic pressure when the sound disappears, also known as the Korotkoff V sound. Repetitive is the systolic. Strong to muffled is Korotkoff IV, and swishing to sharp is Korotkoff III???

A MA is preparing to administer a vitamin injection to a patient. As part of verifying the right medication, which of the following actions should the assistant take? -Calculate the medication's dosage. -Check the medication label's expiration date. -Ensure the patient has consented to receiving the injection. -Find out why the provider prescribed the medication.

When verifying the right medication, the assistant must guarantee that the medication can be administered. The medication might be ineffective or even dangerous if the expiration date has passed.

A provider has instructed a medical assistant to prepare a wound for suturing. When performing basic wound care, which of the following steps should the assistant take to ensure proper cleansing of the wound area? -Wipe the center of the wound with an antiseptic swab, moving toward the edges in a circular motion. -Scrub the wound with an antiseptic swab in a back-and-forth motion for 5 min. -Flood the wound with hydrogen peroxide prior to wiping it with sterile gauze. -Cleanse the wound for a minimum of three times using alcohol prep pads.

Wipe the center of the wound with an antiseptic swab, moving toward the edges in a circular motion.

Which of the following steps should a medical assistant take to follow aseptic guidelines when administering injections? -Don full personal protective equipment (PPE). -Wipe the injection site with an alcohol pad. -Dispose of the syringe with the needle pointed upward. -Use the same needle for drawing and injecting.

Wipe the infection with an alcohol wipe. PPE is not needed for injections, the needle should point downward when you are disposing it, and never use the same needle twice idiot.

Which of the following techniques should a MA use when bandaging a wound? -Wrap the wound from distal to proximal. -Bandage fingers and toes to prevent further injury. -Extend the wound dressing 3 to 5 inches beyond the bandage. -Moisten and apply ointment before bandaging.

Wrap the wound from distal to proximal. Bandages should extend 1 to 2 inches beyond the dressing. The area should be clean and dry prior to bandaging.

Which of the following tubes should a MA select first when adhering to the proper order of draw? -Red -Yellow -Green -Gray

Yellow.

A MA is preparing for a physical examination. The patient reports difficulty falling asleep. The assistant should anticipate that the provider will prescribe which of the following medications? -Esomeprazole -Loperamide -Metformin -Zolpidem

Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic that is prescribed to treat insomnia by increasing relaxation and inducing sleep. Metformin lowers blood glucose levels, loperamide releives diarrhea, and esomeprazone reduces stomach acid.

A MA is transcribing a prescription for a medication that a patient should take before meals. Which of the following abbreviations should the MA use to indicate when the patient should take the medication? -pc -hs -ac -prn

pc means before meals. ac means after, prn means as needed, and hs means hour of sleep.

Which of the following should a MA identify as the purpose of a Category II code in procedural coding? -Indicates special circumstances -Works as a temporary code -Tracks provider performance measures -Identifies preventive measures

​A Category II code is used to track provider performance measures, such as preventive care for cancer disorders and substance use treatment plans. Special circumstances or modifiers are Cat. 1, temporary codes are Cat. 3, and a A code is for preventative treatements or measures.

A MA should follow chain of custody guidelines for which of the following types of laboratory results? -Digoxin levels ​-Blood cultures ​-Parentage testing ​-Lead levels

​Chain of custody guidelines apply to drug screens, forensic studies, blood alcohol levels, and parentage testing.

When choosing a diagnosis code, a MA should consider which of the following actions in order to avoid an insurance denial? -​Coding the appropriate modifier with the diagnosis code ​-Coding to the highest level of specificity -Coding using bundled codes -Coding with an HCPCS

​Coding to the highest level of specificity Coding to the highest level of specificity ensures that the third-party payer is receiving the most specific diagnostic code. If a less specific code is used, the claim can be denied due to a pending request for further information.

Which of the following techniques should a MA use for the routine cleaning of EKG cables? -Disinfection -Sanitization -Sterilization -Soaking

​Disinfection. This is the proper technique to use when cleaning EKG cables. Disinfection is effective on surfaces that come in contact with micro-organisms and will not damage EKG cables.

A MA is preparing to calculate a patient's heart rate from an EKG tracing. Which of the following methods should the MA use for this circulation? -​Calculate the mean rate and divide 1,500 by that rate. -Count the number of small boxes in two cardiac cycles. ​-Divide 1,500 by the number of small boxes between two R waves. ​-Count the number of large boxes between the P and T waves.

​Divide 1,500 by the number of small boxes between two R waves. The assistant should use the 1500 method to calculate a full cardiac cycle.

Which of the following additives should be used when performing a CBC? -​SPS ​-EDTA ​-Lithium heparin ​-Sodium citrate

​EDTA ​EDTA is the proper additive for hematology studies. SPS is the proper additive for bacterial studies. ​Lithium heparin is the proper additive for chemical studies. ​Sodium citrate is the proper additive for coagulation studies.

A patient presents to an office for treatment. After reading the consent form, she expresses concerns about the treatment. Who is responsible for counseling the patient? -Administrative assistant -MA -Provider -Administrative manager

​Provider. ​A provider is the only one of these personnel who can practice medicine and give medical advice.

A MA observes a hematoma developing at the site of a venous blood draw. The MA should do which of the following? -Observe the site to see if the hematoma worsens. -Ask the patient to apply pressure to the area. ​-Release the tourniquet and stop the draw. ​-Call for a nurse and assess the patient's condition.

​Release the tourniquet and stop the draw. Once a hematoma begins, the assistant should stop the draw to prevent further damage. The assistant should apply pressure to the area to prevent further hematoma development.

A provider places an open sharps container in the linen hamper by mistake. Which of the following is the appropriate action for the medical assistant to take? -Question the provider. ​-Dispose of the linen hamper's contents as a biohazard. -Disinfect the contents of the linen hamper with bleach. ​-Prepare a report for OSHA.

​The linen hamper's contents must be considered a biohazard and should be disposed of properly.

A MA must invert anticoagulent tubes to prevent which of the following? -​Hemolysis ​​-Clotting -Hemoconcentration ​​-Reflux

​​Clotting. The assistant should invert the anticoagulant tubes to prevent clotting.