CCMA Practice Questions
A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient who is going home after having extensive suturing to a laceration. What instructions should the assistant include?
"Be sure to call your provider if you have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit."
A first-time patient is late arriving to an office. What should the medial assistant say first?
"Hello. Welcome to our office."
A medical assistant is providing instruction to a patient on how to take an extended-release medication PO. Which statement made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
"I can crush or chew the pill if it is too hard for me to swallow."
A medical assistant receives a telephone call from a patient who seems anxious about the results of a test. What response should the assistant make?
"I know you are concerned about your test results. We'll call you as soon as our results come in."
A medical assistant is explaining a venipuncture procedure to a patient. What statement should the assistant make?
"I'll be collecting a blood sample from you today. There will be a small stick in your arm."
A medical assistant is reviewing a provider's instructions as the patient is preparing to leave the office. The provider recommends that the patient purchase an over-the-counter antitussive, but the patient tells the assistant that she does not know what an antitussive is. Which response should the assistant make?
"It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex."
A medical assistant receives a call from a patient who is irate about a letter she received from her insurance carrier denying a claim. What statement should the assistant make?
"Let's see if there is something we can do at out end. I'll ask our claims specialist to review the claim."
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for wearing a Holter monitor. Which instructions should the assistant include?
"You should avoid using an electric blanket during monitoring." - using an electric blanket while wearing a Holter monitor can interfere with the recording
A medical assistant should recognize which blood pressure reading as indicative of an adult whose blood pressure level is classified as elevated?
128/78 mm Hg
a medical assistant is preparing 1 g/kg of activated charcoal for a patient who weighs 176 lb. How many grams of charcoal should the assistant prepare?
79g - to convert from lb to kg, multiply 176 lb by 0.45. The correct answer is 79.2, which is rounded to 79.
A medical assistant is assisting a patient who is obese with an insulin injection. Which is the correct angle for this patient's injection.
90 degrees - subcutaneous injections are generally administered at a 45 degree angle. However, for a patient who is obese, the subcutaneous injection should be administered at a 90 degree angle for this patient.
A medical assistant discovers an unidentifiable liquid on the floor of one of the clinic's treatment rooms. Which material should the assistant use to remove and dispose of the liquid?
A clean up kit
A medical assistant is performing spirometry testing for a patient who has shortness of breath. Which result of the spirometry test indicates a successful maneuver?
A fast and steady flow with no variability.
A medical assistant in an outpatient facility is preparing a patient for a venipuncture. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to confirm the patient's identity? A) Ask the patient to state and spell their full name and provide their date of birth B) Ask the patient for their provider's name C) Ask the patient to state their age and address D) Ask the patient to verify their examination room number
A)
A patient contents the facility to report a burn injury to her right arm. A medical assistant should identify which of the following pieces of information as necessary when screening for a possible emergency situation? A) The cause of the patient's burn B) The patient's location when the burn occurred C) The date of the patient's most recent tetanus immunization D) The patient's current insurance benefits
A)
A pulse oximeter can register an artificially low oxygen saturation measurement for a patient who has which of the following conditions? A) cold fingers B) Hyperventilation syndrome C) carbon monoxide poisoning D) Anemia
A)
According to OSHA guidelines, a medical assistant should dispose of blood-soiled gauze dressings in which of the following? A) Red biohazard bag B) Sharps container C) Trash can with clear leak-proof liner D) Purple medical waste container
A)
As a medical assistant is collecting a blood sample, the patient begins to faint. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to help ensure the patient's safety? A) Position the patient flat on her back B) use an ammonia capsule to revive the patient C) Apply a warm cloth to the patient's forehead D) Have the patient remain in the office for 5 min.
A)
The provider orders the medical assistant to prepare a tablespoon of medication for a patient. How many millimeters of medication should the assistant draw up? A) 15mL B) 5 mL C) 30 mL D) 2.5 mL
A)
When speaking with a patent who has moderate hearing loss and reads lips, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to aid in communication with the patient? A) Use hand gestures B) Speak loudly C) Speak slowly D) Over-enunciate words
A)
When unloading an autoclave machine, a medical assistant notices spots on the instruments. The assistant should recognize that this is a result of which of the following? A) Mineral deposits from tap water B) Improper cleaning of the chamber C) Clogged chamber drain D) Exposure to hard chemicals
A)
Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use to confirm a patient's understanding of insulin administration? A) Observe the patient as she performs a self-demonstration B) Provide the patient with written instructions C) Offer the patient a website to visit for directions D) Repeat the instructions to the patient
A)
A medical assistant is monitoring a patient during a stress test. The patient becomes increasingly short of breath and teachycardic. Abnormalities appear in his EKG rhythm. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first? A) Discontinue the test B) Instruct the patient to take slow, deep breaths. C) Ask the patient if he is experiencing chest pain. D) Obtain the patient's vital signs
A) - the assistant should stop the test and immediately notify the provider. Shortness of breath, tachycardia, and abnormalities in an EKG rhythm are all indications of an impending cardiac event
Which of the following laboratory values should a medical assistant immediately report to a patient's provider? A) Blood glucose 500 mg/dL B) Potassium 4.1 mEq/L C) Hematocrit 42% D) Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
A) - this blood glucose level is higher than the expected reference range of 70 to 110 mg/dL Expected range for Potassium for an adult patient - 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L Expected range reference range for hematocrit for a male patient is 42% r\to 52% and 36% to 45% for a female patient. Expected reference for hemoglobin for a male patient is 15 to 17 g/dL and 12 to 16 d/dL for a female patient
A medical assistant is measuring a patient's blood pressure with an aneroid sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? A) Make sure the midpoint of the patient's arm is at the level of the patient's heart B) Use a cuff whose bladder ensiles only 60% of the patient's upper arm. C) Make sure the lower edge of the cuff is 1.3 cm (0.5 in) above the antecubital space D) Wrap the cuff loosely around the patient's arm
A) - this helps make sure the reading is accurate
A prover requests a medical assistant to initiate a referral for a patient to a mental health facility. Which of the following pieces of information is required for the assistant in the initial referral? A) Diagnosis B) Current medications C) Age D) Family history
A) - this provides the reason for the requested service
In which of the following positions should a medical assistant place a patient when obtaining a rectal temperature? A) Sims' B) Knee-chest C) Lithotomy D) Dorsal recumbent
A) Sims' position is used for examining the rectum and vagina, performing enemas, and obtaining rectal temperatures
A medical assistant is examining the skin on a patient's forearm where the patient reports developing a rash. The assistant notes multiple solid elevations that are less that 0.5cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which of the following terms should he use to document his observations in the patient's medical record? A) Paules B) Macules C) Vesicles D) Pustules
A) - Papules are solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm (0.2in) in diameter. A common cause is allergic eczema.
Which of the following terms should a medical assistant use to tell a provider that a patient is having discomfort and difficulty breathing? A) Dyspnea B) Eupnea C) Pneumothorax D) Pneumonia
A) Dyspnea - Dyspnea is a term used to indicate that a patient is experiencing difficult or painful breathing.
Which is the following organs is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen? A) Gallbladder B) Spleen C) Appendix D) Stomach
A) Gallbladder - the gallbladder is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The right upper quadrant includes the gallbladder, the right lobe of the liver, and the duodenium.
A medical assistant 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 assistant take? A) Hold the needle by its wings. B) Insert the needle into the skin at a 45 degree angle. C) Release the tourniquet after 2 min. D) Activate the safety device before removing the needle.
A) Hold the needle by its wings - Holding the butterfly needle by its wings helps the assistant control the needle.
A medical assistant should complete documentation in a patient's medical record at which of the following times? A) Immediately following a procedure B) Prior to a procedure C) During a procedure D) After completing all procedures for the day
A) Immediately following a procedure - The assistant should document the results of a procedure immediately following completion of the procedure. This ensures accuracy and timeliness.
A medical assistant is administering an intradermal injection for allergy testing. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? A) Locate the area two to three finger-widths below the antecubital space. B) Pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger. C) Insert the needle with the beval pointed down. D) Inject the solution rapidly with the needle positioned at a 30 degree angle.
A) 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 the skin.
A medical assistant observes a provider failing to perform hand hygiene before beginning to remove sutures from a patient's hand. The patient's hand later becomes infected. The assistant should identify that which of the following legal torts has occurred? A) Negligence B) Assault C) Slander D) Abandonment
A) Negligence - Negligence is the failure to exercise proper care for a patient, such as a provider or assistant not performing hand hygiene before starting a procedure.
The laboratory report on a patient indicates a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL. Which of the following is the first action for the medical assistant to take? A) Notify the provider B) Inform the patient C) Record the results in the medical record D) Repeat the test to ensure accuracy
A) Notify the provider - Because the results indicate a critically low level of hemoglobin, the assistant should notify the provider.
A patient reports getting a bill that included services she did not receive. Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to reconcile these charges? A) Review that day's encounter forms to determine if another patient received these services. B) Instruct the patient to pay for the services to avoid collection procedures C) Ask the provider to write off the charges on the patient's account. D) Determine if the patient has a previous balance
A) Review that day's encounter forms the determine if another patient received the services - The purpose of the encounter form is to account for current charges, payments, and balances for each patient. The assistant can review these documents to determine that the patient was seen on the indicated date of service and what services the patient received.
A medical assistant is reviewing a Medicare claim denial. The assistant determines that there are charges that exceed the usual, customary, and reasonable fees. What action should the assistant take?
Adjust the patient's record to reflect no unpaid charges and write off the balance
A medical assistant is performing hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub. The assistant should recognize that what information about alcohol-based hand rubs is correct?
Alcohol-based hand rub should be applied to one hand and then rubbed between both hands.
When performing a first aid procedure to control bleeding of a wound, what action should a medical assistant take?
Apply layers of sterile gauze
A medical assistant is checking a patient's hearing using the Rinne test. What action should the assistant take?
Ask the patient to raise his hand when he no longer hears any sound
According to OSHA guidelines for universal precautions, which type of patient contact would require a medical assistant to wear gloves, a mask, a face shield, and protective apparel?
Assisting a provide with the removal of a cyst.
A medical assistant is preparing sterilization for hemostats before an invasive procedure. Which technique should the assistant use?
Autoclave
A medical assistant is adding information to a patient's computerized problem-oriented medical record (POMR). Into which of the following sections of the POMR should the assistant enter the patient's health history and laboratory results? A) Problem list B) Database C) Progress notes D) Diagnostic and treatment plan
B)
A medical assistant is composing business correspondence using the simplified letter style. Which of the following features should the assistant use? A) A complimentary closing B) A subject line in all capital letters C) Indented paragraphs in the body of the letter D) Center aligned dateline and salutation
B)
A medical assistant is to use the Snellen chart to test an adult patient's visual acuity. The assistant should instruct to stand which of the following distances away? A) 10 feet B) 20 feet C) 14 inches D) 30 inches
B)
A patient requests a female provider to perform her examination due to religious conviction. A female provider is not available. Which of the following is the appropriate response by the medical assistant? A) Decline treatment of the patient B) Assist the patient in locating g a provider to accommodate the patient's needs C) Reassure the patient that the male provider ill be respectful D) Instruct the patient to visit an emergency room
B)
Which of the following routes for taking a patient's temperature is the most accurate? A) Axillary B) Rectal C) Oral D) Temporal
B)
A medical assistant is reviewing the list of medications a patient reports currently taking. The assistant should recognize that which of the following medications is available in a sublingual form? A) Propranolol B) Nitroglycerin C) Metoprolol D) Atorvastatin
B) - Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that is used to treat angina or chest pain It is available in a sublingual tablet and sublingual spray
A medical assistant is speaking with a patient who has seasonal allergies. Which of the following health care providers should the assistant identify as being able to make a diagnosis and initiate the necessary treatment? A) Pharmacist B) Physician assistant C) Respiratory therapist D) Registered nurse
B) - as a licensed health care prover, a physician assistant is able to manage patient care, make a diagnosis. and initiate treatment, which includes writing prescriptions for medication
A medical assistant is administering eye ointment to a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? A) Hold the ointment tube parallel to and above the patient's eye B) Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac C) Apply the ointment from the outer canthus to the inner canthus D) Have the patient keep her eye open after application
B) - ointment should be applied along the conjunction sac from the inner canthus to the outer canthus
A medical assistant is preparing to sanitize contaminated equipment. Which of the following pieces of equipment can a medical assistant sanitize and reuse without needing to disinfect or sterilize it? A) Nasal specula B) Otoscope C) Curettes D) Suture removal instruments
B) - pieces of equipment that require only sanitation bus not disinfection and sterilization include otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, stethoscopes, penlights, and tuning forks.
A medical assistant is making a new sign-in sheet for the patients who have appointments that day. Which of the following information should the sign-in sheet include? A) Insurance policy number B) Provider's name C) Patient's date of birth D) Reason for the visit
B) - the sign-in sheet should include the provider's name to make sure the patient receives the proper care in a timely manner
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination when he notices that the patient's eyes are moving back and forth in a constant, involuntary manner. Which of the following terms should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patient's medical record? A) Strabismus B) Nystagmus C) Conjunctivitis D) Hordeolum
B) -Nystagmus is the constant involuntary movement of the eyes in a circular, vertical, or horizontal patter. Nystagmus can be caused by brain injury or by the adverse effects of medications.
Which of the following should a medical assistant provide to a patient regarding transdermal patch use and care? A) "Only sponge baths are allowed while wearing the patch." B) "Make sure to rotate patch placement to avoid skin irritation." C) "Keep all used patches for inspection at your next appointment." D) "Apply each new patch at a different time during the day."
B) "Make sure to rotate patch placement to avoid skin irritation." - To avoid skin irritating the skin, the patient should rotate the placement of the path to different locations of the body with each new patch application.
A medical assistant is administering an intramuscular immunization to patient. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take? A) Select the patient's forearm as the sight of injection. B) Cleanse the site in a circular motion from the center outward. C) Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine solution. D) Hold the needle and syringe at a 45 degree angle to the skin.
B) Cleanse the site in a circular motion from the center outward. - The assistant should cleanse the site from the center outward before letting the site dry. This technique helps to make the center of the site as pathogen-free as possible.
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination and is helping the patient into the dorsal recumbent position. The assistant should identify that this position is described by which of the following? A) Lying face down, with the legs supported by the table. B) Lying face up, with the legs bent and feet flat on the table C) Sitting upright, with the table at a 90 degree angle. D) Sitting semi upright, with the table at a 45 degree angle.
B) Lying face up, with the legs bent and feet flat on the table. - The assistant should recognize that positioning the patient face up, with the legs bent and feet flat on the table is the dorsal recumbent position.
A medical assistant is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient who has the Epstein-Barr virus. The assistant should identify that this micro-organism can cause which of the following conditions? A) Polio B) Mononucleosis C) Gastroenteritis D) Fifth disease
B) Mononucleosis - Mononucleosis is a contagious disease that is caused by the Epstein- Barr virus
Which of the following dressings should a medical assistant use on a partial-thickness burn? A) Skin closure application B) Non adherent dressing C) Lubricated mesh gauze D) Sterile gauze dressing
B) Non adherent dressing - The assistant should use a non adherent dressing on a partial-thickness burn. This type of dressing allows the wound to be exposed to air and heal.
A medical assistant is assisting in the treatment of a patient who experienced a chemical burn. Which of the following steps should the assistant take? A) Apply ice to the burn B) Remove and chemical-covered clothing C) Cleanse the burn with hydrogen peroxide D) Apply an adhesive bandage to the burn
B) Remove any chemical-covered clothing - The assistant should remove anything that could cause further burns, such as clothing that is contaminated with chemicals.
A medical assistant is observing a patient after administering an antibiotic injection. The patient develops an itchy rash with pinkish, raised lesions. Which of the following terms should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patient's medical record? A) Anaphylaxis B) Urticaria C) Rhinitis D) Erythema
B) Urticaria - Urticaria is a rash on the skin that consists of hives or wheals, which are itchy, raised lesions. It is a sign of an allergic reaction.
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination. Which of the following should the assistant take first? A) Give the patient a paper gown B) Verify the patient's identity C) Record the patient's vital signs D) Assist the patient into Fowler's position
B) Verify the patient's identity - The first action the assistant should take is the verify the patient's identity. The assistant should ask the patient to state and spell his full name as well as provide his date of birth. The assistant should then compare this information to the patient's medical record.
A medical assistant is preparing a CMS-1500 insurance claim form for a patient who was treated for a burn injury. Which of the following pieces of information is required on the form? A) Physical address where the injury occurred B) Patient's health savings account number C) Current procedural terminology code D) patient's medical record number
C)
A prover asks a medical assistant to administer oxygen to a patient who is experiencing respiratory distress. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take when administering oxygen to the patient? A) Open the cylinder on the tank two clockwise turns B) Set the flow meter to 8 L/min C) Insert the tips of the cannula into the patient's nostrils D) Instruct the patient to open a window when smoking
C)
In which of the following positions should a medical assistant place an 18-month-old patient when administering ear drops to the right ear? A) Right ear facing down with the earlobe pulled down and back B) Right ear facing up with the pinna pulled up and back C) Right ear facing up with the earlobe pulled down and back D) Right ear facing down with the pinna pulled up and back
C)
Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to safeguard a patient's protected health information? A) Record the reason for the visit on the sign-in sheet B) Discuss patient information quietly with a provider in the hallway C) Log off computers when not in use D) Store paper charts on an open shelf at the front desk
C)
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 assistant should recognize that which of the following parties is responsible for payment of this bill? A) Paid is full by the patient B) Paid in full by the patient's private insurance C) Paid in full by worker's compensation D) Paid in part by private insurance and in part by worker's compensations E) Paid in full by Lord Farquad
C) - the assistant should recognize that in instances in which a patient is eligible for worker's 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.
When assisting provider with a vaginal examination and Papanicolaou (pap) test, a medical assistant should identify that which of the following instruments is necessary? A) Cryoprobe B) Senn retractor C) Cyobrush D) Adson forceps
C) - this instrument is necessary because the provider uses the cytobrush for obtaining a specimen for a Pap test.
A medical assistant I drawing five blood collection tubes. When should the assistant release the tourniquet? A) after the needle is removed B) after a flash of blood is seen in the hub of the first tube C) Within 1 min of application D) Between 2 and 3 min after application
C) - tourniquet application elating more than 1 min increase the risk of hemoconcentration
A medical assistant is caring for a patient who has a body max index (BMI) of 23. The patient should be categorized as which of the following? A) Obese B) Underweight C) Normal weight D) Overweight
C) Underweight - less than 18.5 Normal range for healthy adult - 18.5 to 24.9 Overweight -25.0 to 29.9 Obese - over 30
A medical assistant is preparing a patient to have cryosurgery following an abnormal Papanicolaou test. Which of the following statements should the assistant make to explain the procedure? A) "Cryosurgery is a laser surgery that kills the abnormal cells." B) "Cryosurgery involves a probe that cauterizes and kills abnormal cells." C) "Cryosurgery involves an extremely cold probe to freeze and kill abnormal cells") D) "Cryosurgery is a procedure performed with a scalpel to cut out abnormal cells".
C) "Cryosurgery involves an extremely cold probe to freeze and kill abnormal cells." - This is an accurate description of cryosurgery, which involves a low-temperature probe to freeze tissue to destroy abnormal cells.
A medical assistant is talking with an older adult patient who sustained a foot fracture in a fall. She reports managing most tasks at home well but has difficulty navigating with her crutches and is currently home bound. To which of the following resources should the assistant refer the patient? A) Hospice services B) Legal Aid Society C) Meals on Wheels D) American Red Cross
C) Meals on Wheels - Meals on Wheels is a program designed to support older adult patients who are considered home bound by delivering meals daily. This is an appropriate resource for the assistant to recommend to this patient due to her home bound status/
Which of the following stages of the cardiac cycle on an EKG strip represents ventricular depolarization? A) T wave B) ST segment C) QRS complex D) P wave
C) QRS segment - The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.
A medical assistant is collecting a urine specimen from a patient for a drug screening. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to adhere to the chain of custody for this specimen? A) Ensure the specimen has a volume of 20 mL B) Record the specimen's temperature 8 min after collection C) Send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as collection D) Ask the provider to supervise the collection and shipment of the specimen.
C) Send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection - The assistant should send the specimen and completed requisition to the testing laboratory on the same fay as collection
A pharmacist calls the clinic to confirm an e-prescription request to fill a patient's medication order. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? A) Verbally authorize the e-prescription after confirming the order with another medial assistant. B) Authorize the e-prescription to last until the patient's next appointment. C) Verify the order with the provider prior to confirming the e-prescription. D) Contact the patient for verification of the e-prescription.
C) Verify the order with the provider prior to confirming the e-prescription - The assistant should confirm the accuracy of the e-prescription with the provider and then authorize the order with the pharmacist.
A medical assistant is preparing to perform capillary collection from an older adult patient who has poor circulation in his hands. Which of the following techniques should the assistant use to increase circulation at the collection site? A) Hold the patient's hand above his heart. B) Squeeze the patient's finger. C) Warm the patient's hand. D) Apply a tourniquet above the patient's wrist
C) Warm the patient's hand - warming the hand can help increase circulation and bring capillaries to the surface of the hand.
A patient loses consciousness. The EKG tracing reveals ventricular fibrillation. Which action should a medical assistant take first?
Call for help and begin CPR.
A medical assistant is preparing a patient ho has intermittent peripheral cyanosis for an examination by the provider. The assistant should understand that healthy perfusion of the hands and feet depends on adequate interaction between which of the following two body systems?
Circulatory and respiratory
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a procedure to have a mole excised. Which action should the assistant take?
Cleanse the site with surgical soap and an antiseptic
Which step for a fingerstick should a medical assistant complete first?
Confirm the identity of the patient
A medical assistant receives a phone call from a parent of a child who has possibly ingested a household cleaner. Which action should the assistant take?
Contact the local poison control center
A medical assistant is preparing to apply ointment to several abrasions on a patient's leg. Which of the following supplies should the medical assistant use to remove the medication from the jar? A) A gloved finger B) A syringe C) A cotton ball D). A tongue blade
D)
A medical assistant is reviewing discharge information with a patient who is postoperative following cryosurgery to the cervix. Which of the following statements should the assistant include? A) "You can reuse sexual activity 3 days after your procedure." B) "It is normal for pain to last for up to 1 week after your procedure." C) "Your menstrual cycle will cease for 3 to 4 months following the procedure." D) "You may experience a watery discharge for up to 1 week after your procedure."
D)
Which of the following cell structures is the source of energy for a cell? A) Endoplasmic reticulum B) Ribosomes C) Golgi apparatus D) Mitochondria
D)
Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use to put a 7-year-old child at ease prior to administering an injection? A) Show the child the needle that will be used for the procedure B) Use medical terminology when discussing the procedure with the child C) Tell the child that the procedure will not hurt D) Explain the procedure to the child in simple steps
D)
Which of the following terms describes the body's internal adaption and change to keep body functions in balance? A) peristalsis B) hematopoiesis C) Physiology D) Homeostasis
D)
A provider prescribes oxycodone for a patient after abdominal surgery. Which of the following describes this type of medication? A) Oxycodone is a Schedule I controlled substance and has a low potential for abuse B) Oxycodone is a Schedule V controlled substance and has a high potential for abuse C) oxycodone is a Schedule IV controlled substance and has a low potential for abuse D) Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance and has a high potential for abuse
D) - Oxycodone is a schedule II controlled substance with significant restrictions. Schedule II substances have a high risk of abuse and dependency.
Which of the following types of written correspondence can be signed by a medical assistant? A) A medical report for an insurance carrier B) A referral letter for a patient to an outside provider C) A letter containing medical advice to the parents of a child D) A notification letter to a patient about surgery arrangements
D) - an assistant can sign a notification letter to patient about surgery and medical facility arrangements
A medical assistant is obtaining information for a patient's medical history and physical examination.The patient reports intermittent episodes of ringing in his ears. which of the following terms should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patient's medical record? A) Presbycusis B) Otosclerosis C) otalgia D) Tinnitus
D) - tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound in the ears. Possible causes include effects of medication as well as aging.
When performing diagnostic coding, how many characters are used to provide the highest level of specificity with an ICD-10-CM code? A) Two characters B) Four characters C) Five characters D) Seven characters
D) - when performing diagnostic coding with an ICD-10-CM code, the highest level of specificity is provided by using seven characters. The seventh character is used to provide the encounter determination, which can be initial, subsequent, or sequel.
The parent of a child who has pinworms is asking a medical assistant for more information about his child's condition. The assistant should begin by explaining that pinworms are which of the following types of micro-organism? A) Fungi B) Bacteria C) Protozoa D) Helminths
D) - Helinths are parasites called "worms" that live in host organisms, such as animals and humans. A pinworm is an example of a Helminth
A patient at an urgent care facility reports that she vomited and saw blood in the vomitus. Which of the following terms should a medical assistant use to document the patient's report? A) Melena B) Hemoptysis C) Hematuria D) Hematemesis
D) - Hematemesis is a term used to document blood in the patient's vomitus
A medical assistant has a request to collect a routine CBC from a healthy 10-month-old infant. Which of the following is the most appropriate collection site? A) Third finger of left hand B) Median antecubital vein C) Cephalic vein D) left heel
D) - if. child is under 12 months of age, an assistant should select the child' 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 medical assistant discovers a garbage can fire has started in the break room of the medical office. According to the RACE acronym for emergency response, which of the following actions should the assistant take first? A) Close the doors and windows. B) Turn off the oxygen in the adjacent examination rooms. C) Use the office fire extinguisher D) Evacuate staff and patients from the immediate area.
D) 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 medical assistant receives a chemical splash in her eyes. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first? A) Check the material safety data sheet. B) Call emergency services. C) Complete an incident report. D) Flush the eyes with tepid water.
D) Flush the eyes with tepid water. - The assistant should flush her eyes with tepid water between 15.5 and 37.8 degrees celcius (60-100 F) for at least 15 minutes.
A medical assistant has requested a preauthorization for a patient's referral to a specialist. Which of the following is a reason for the claim submitted by the specialist to be denied? A) The approved visits are listed in the authorization comments section. B) The patient previously submitted and received a self-referral. C) The specialty provider's national provider identifier (NPI) is not included in the authorization. D) The service is provided after the expiration date.
D) The service is provided after the expiration date. - The assistant should recognize that an authorization 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.
What information should the medical assistant enter into the appointment calendar when scheduling a patient for a skin rash?
Daytime phone number
A medical assistant is reviewing the progress notes of a patient's record that uses the SOAP format. What would the medical assistant find in the assessment section?
Diagnosis
A provider asks a medical assistant to reinforce teaching with a patient about her new diagnosis. Which action should the assistant take?
Document the patient's response to the teaching - the assistant should document the education session including the materials covered, patient's response, plans for future sessions, and necessary community referrals
A medical assistant in an acute care facility is checking in a patient who has a deep laceration. The patient tells the assistant that he cannot accept blood transfusions due to his religious beliefs. Which action should the assistant take?
Document the statement in the patient's chart
A medical assistant is disposing of the syringe and needle she used to inject a seasonal influenza vaccine. Which action should the assistant take?
Drop the syringe, needle first, into the bio hazardous sharps container.
A medical assistant is reviewing the medical history of a patient who regularly comes into contact with coal and wood dust. The assistant should recognize that this patient is at an increased risk for developing which disorder?
Emphysema - Emphysema can be caused by coming into contact with coal and wood dust, which causes damage to the alveoli in the lungs.
A medical assistant is checking a patient out of the clinic. In which document should the assistant locate information about provider referrals or follow-up appointment requests for the patient?
Encounter form
The primary code in the CPT coding system consists of how many digits?
Five digits
Which body system should be evaluated for a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis?
Gastrointestinal
A medical assistant is preparing to draw venous blood samples. The assistant is required by OSHA regulations to wear which piece of personal protective equipment while performing this procedure?
Gloves
A medical assistant is asked to assist a provider with an orthopedic examination. Which instruments should the assistant prepare for the examination?
Goniometer
A medial assistant is educating an older adult patient on wound care. What should the assistant do to ensure patient understanding?
Have the patient repeat the information
A medical assistant is collecting data from a patient who is experiencing heatstroke. Which manifestation should the assistant expect to find?
Hot skin
Which is a CLIA-waived laboratory test?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test
A medical assistant is preparing to collect a patient's temperature via the tympanic membrane. In which location should the assistant place the thermometer?
In the ear
At what time of day will a patient's body temperature be at its lowest?
In the morning
Which action should a medical assistant take to verify the quality of venipuncture supplies before beginning a blood draw?
Inspect the integrity of the needle's seal
Which EKG artifacts is caused by a disconnected electrode and results in the tracing going into the margins of the paper?
Interrupted baseline
A medical assistant is caring for a patient who has come in contact with concrete debris. Upon inspection of the eye, the assistant sees debris on the surface of the sclera. What action should the assistant take?
Irrigate the eye starting at the inner canthus and flowing to the outer canthus. - When removing debris from the patient's eye, the assistant should irrigate the eye beginning at the inner canthus and allowing the solution to flow to the outer canthus. this allows the debris to move away from the cornea and decreases the chance of causing further injury to the patient's eye.
A medical assistant is assisting with the examination of an older adult patient who has a curvature of the thoracic spine. Which term should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patient's medical record?
Kyphosis - Kyphosis or humpback, is a curvature of the thoracic spine that is a common result of aging. Kyphosis can also be caused by vertebral disk problems resulting from osteoporosis (loss of bone density).
Which group of EKG leads are bipolar?
Leads I, II, and III
A patient is entitled to which medical records?
List of medications with diagnosis
A medical assistant is using a scale with a height bar to measure a patient's height. Which action should the assistant take?
Lower the horizontal bar gently so that is rests on the top of the patient's head.
A medical assistant is preparing to use a glucometer to measure a patient's blood glucose level. Which action should the medical assistant take?
Obtain the blood sample after inserting the test stripe into the glucometer.
Where should a medical assistant place the electrode for lead V5?
On the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V4
A medical assistant is preparing the room for a patient's general physical examination. The assistant should recognize that which instrument should be available to the provider for the examination?
Otoscope
The parent of a child who has peduculosis is asking a medical assistant for more information about her child's condition. The assistant should begin by explaining that pediculosis is which type of infection?
Parasitic - lice
A medical assistant should follow chain of custody guidelines for which type of laboratory results?
Parentage testing
A medical assistant is measuring the circumference of an infant's head. What action should the assistant take?
Place the zero mark of the measuring tape against the infant's forehead.
When assigning a CPT code, what is the purpose of a modifier?
Provides additional information or circumstances for a procedure
Prior to a patine's follow-up appointment, which information should a medical assistant report to the provider?
Recent laboratory results
A medical assistant is discussing information with a patient about a new medication that the provider prescribed. Which action should the assistant take?
Reinforce teaching about the frequency of medication administration
Which method is used to notify a provider of the denial of a claim by an insurance carrier?
Remittance advice - this document itemizes all paid, denied, and allowable charges for a patient. This document notifies the provider of any and all claim denials
A medical assistant is preparing a patient who has psoriasis to be examined by the provider. When inspecting the patient's skin lesions, the assistant should expect to observe which characteristic?
Silvery, scaly
Which medical record documentation template is organized by the entity that supplied the data?
Source-oriented
A medical assistant needs to remove all living micro-organisms from a contaminated towel clamp. Which method should the assistant use to cleanse this instrument?
Sterilization - this destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, through physical or chemical methods
During a routine venipuncture, the patient becomes pale and diaphoretic. What condition is most likely to occur in this patient?
Syncope
In which location should a medical assistant place the electrode for lead V4?
The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
When informed consent is required for a procedure, which step should occur prior to the patient signing the form?
The provider should review alternative procedures with the patient.
A medical assistant is reporting a patient fall that occurred in the front lobby of the clinic. What is the purpose of the assistant preparing an incident report?
To avoid future re occurrences
What should a medical assistant identify as the purpose of a Category II code in procedural coding?
Tracks provider performance measures - a category II code is used to track provider performance measures, such as preventive care for cancer disorders and substance use treatment plans
Which action should a medical assistant take when performing aseptic hand washing?
Turn off the faucet with a paper towel - the assistant should use a paper towel as a barrier to prevent touching contaminated surfaces, such as the faucet. If available. the assistant can also use the sink's foot pedal mechanism to turn off the sink.
A patient arrives at the clinic with a tick bite on his leg. The provider asks a medical assistant to help remove the tick. Which action should the assistant take?
Use tweezers to pull the tick away from the skin slowly.
A medical assistant is administering cough syrup to a patient. Which action should the assistant take?
View the medication cup at eye level when pouring - holding the cup below eye level can result in the assistant pouring too much syrup into the medication cup.
When preparing a patient for Holter monitoring, which action should a medical assistant take?
Vigorously dry the patients skin prior to electrode placement
Which type of appointment system allows flexibility to allow for the most consistent patient flow?
Wave scheduling
A medical assistant has a blood pressure cuff inflated and partially opens the valve to deflate as he listens with a stethoscope. When should he read the diastolic pressure?
When the sound disappears
A medical assistant is collecting multiple blood samples from a patient. Which of the following vacuum tubes should the assistant fill first.
Yellow (blood culture)
Is the following outside of a medical assistant's scope of prctice? Order additional laboratory tests to confirm the patient's condition
Yes
A medical assistant is measuring the vital signs of an adult patient. Should the assistant identify the following blood pressure reading as stage 2 hypertension? 150/95 mm Hg
Yes - stage 2 hypertension is indicated by a systolic pressure of greater than 140 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of greater than 90 mm Hg
A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient about the self-administration of insulin injections. Does the following patient segment indicate an understanding of the teaching? "I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication."
Yes - 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 discourages because it can cause bottles to form in the insulin, leading to an inaccurate dose of medication.
A provider is performing a routine rectal examination on a patient. Which supplies should a medical assistant have available during the examination?
lubricating jelly
A medical assistant is witnessing a patient sign an informed consent form. What is the responsibility of the assistant acting as a witness?
validate the patient's signature
Which technique should a medical assistant use when bandaging a wound?
wrap the wound from distal to proximal
Is the following task within the scope of practice for a medical assistant in a clinical setting? Removing sutures from a healing laceration
yes