ma practice 3

The service is provided after the expiration date

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

Document the statement in the patient's chart

A medical assistant in an acute care facility is checking in a patient who has a deep laceration. The patient tells the assistant that he cannot accept blood transfusions due to his religious beliefs. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Document the statement in the patient's chart b. Obtain a specimen for blood type cross and match c. Inform the point that a transfusion is mandatory for his treatment d. Have the patient sign an Against Medical Advice (AMA) form

Ask the patient to state her full name and date of birth

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 identify? a. Ask the patient to state her full name and date of birth b. Ask the patient for her provider's name c. Ask the patient to state her age and address d. Ask the pr to verify her examination room number

Database

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

Cleanse the site in a circular motion from the center outward

A medical assistant is administering an intramuscular immunization to a patient. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take? a. Select the patient's forearm as the site 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

Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac

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

Kyphosis

A medical assistant is assisting with the examination of an older adult patient who has a curvature of the thoracic spine. Which of the following terms should the assistant use when documenting this finding in the patient's medical record? a. Lordosis b. Subluxation c. Kyphosis d. Scoliosis

Normal weight

A medical assistant is caring for a patient who has a body mass index (BMI) of 23. This patient should be categorized as which of the following? a. Obese b. Underweight c. Normal weight d. Overweight

Irrigate the eye starting at the inner canthus and flowing to the outer canthus

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. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Use a clean, dry piece of gauze to sweep the debris out of the eye b. Position a bulb syringe on the lid of the eye during extraction c. Irrigate the eye starting at the inner canthus and flowing to the outer canthus d. Irrigate the eye by flushing it with cold tap water

Encounter form

A medical assistant is checking a patient out of the clinic. In which of the following documents should the assistant locate information about provider referrals or follow-up appointment requests for the patient? a. Encounter form b. CMS- 1500 claim form c. OSHA form 301 d. Informed consent

Send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection

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 the collection d. Ask the provider to supervise the collection and shipment of the specimen

Hot skin

A medical assistant is collecting data from a patient who is experiencing heat stroke. Which of the following manifestations should the assistant expect to find? a. Hot skin b. Bradycardia c. Excessive sweating d. Slow breathing

Yellow (blood culture)

A medical assistant is collecting multiple blood samples from a patient. Which of the following vacuum tubes should the assistant fill first? a. Light blue (sodium citrate) b. Green (heparin) c. Gray (sodium fluoride) d. Yellow (blood culture)

Diagnosis

A medical assistant is completing a progress note using the SOAP format. Which of the following patient information should the assistant include in the assessment section? a. Family history b. Laboratory results c. Chief complaint d. Diagnosis

A subject line in all capital letters

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

Drop the syringe, needle first, into the biohazardous sharps container

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

Within 1 min of application

A medical assistant is 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

Have the patient repeat information

A medical assistant is educating an older adult patient on wound care. Which of the following should the assistant do to ensure patient understanding? a. Speak louder to the patient b. Stand beside the patient c. Have additional medical staff present to explain information d. Have the patient repeat information

Papules

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 than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which of the following terms should he use to document his observations in the patient's medical record? a. Papules b. Macules c. Vesicles d. Pustules

I'll be collecting a blood sample from you today. There will be a small stick in your arm

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

Provider's name

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

Make sure the midpoint of the patient's arm is at the level of the patient's heart

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 encircles 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

Place the zero mark of the measuring tape against the infant's forehead

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

Discontinue the test

A medical assistant is monitoring a patient during a stress test. The patient becomes increasingly short of breath and tachycardia. 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

Tinnitus

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

A fast and steady flow with no variability

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

Current procedural terminology code

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

Nystagmus

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

Verify the patient's identity

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination. Which of the following steps 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

Cleanse the site with surgical soap and an antiseptic

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a procedure to have a mole excised. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Administer the anesthetic to the patient b. Don sterile gloves and gown c. Cleanse the site with surgical soap and an antiseptic d. Open a sterile pack and place instruments on the counter

You should avoid using an electric blanket during monitoring

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for wearing a Holter monitor. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include? a. You should avoid using an electric blanket during monitoring b. You can bathe and shower as usual during monitoring c. You will be required to wear the monitor for 2 to 4 hours d. You should avoid your regular exercise routine during monitoring

Circulatory and respiratory

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

Silvery scaly

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 of the following characteristics? a. Yellow waxy b. Gray crusty c. Silvery scaly d. Brown flat

A tongue blade

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

Warm the patient's hand

A medical assistant is preparing to perform a capillary collection from an older adult patient who has poor circulation in his hands. Which of the following techniques should the assistant use to increase circulation at the collection site? 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

Otoscope

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 speculum b. Otoscope c. Curettes d. Suture removal instruments

Obtain the blood sample after inserting the test strip into the glucometer

A medical assistant is preparing to use a glucometer to measure a patient's blood glucose level. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Obtain the blood sample after inserting the test strip into the glucometer b. Touch the testing pad on the test strip to make sure the surface is smooth c. Apply the first drop of blood that appears after the puncture to the test strip d. Smear the blood on the test pad

I can crush or chew the pill if it is too hard for me to swallow

A medical assistant is providing instruction to a patient on how to take an extended-release medication PO. Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? a. I can crush or chew the pill if it is too hard for me to swallow b. I should drunk plenty of water when taking the extended-release pill c. extended - release pills provide a consistent amount of medication for my body to use over a period of time d. I should take my pill at the same time each day

I only smoke a half a pack each day, so i'll just cut it out completely

A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient about lifestyle modifications to help regulate his hypertension. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching? a. I'll cut back my salt intake to 4 grams per day b. I'll watch my potassium intake and keep it low c. I'll restrict my exercise regimen to only 2 days per week d. I only smoke a half a pack each day, so i'll just cut it out completely

Adjust the patient's account to reflect no unpaid charges and write off the balance

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

It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex

A medical assistant is reviewing a provider's instructions as the patient is preparing to leave the office. The provider recommends that the patient purchase an over-the-counter antitussive, but the patient tells the assistant that she does not know what an antitussive is. Which of the following responses should the assistant make? a. It is a medication that reduces nasal membrane swelling b. It is a medication that helps with coughing up mucus c. It is a medication that relieves allergy symptoms d. It is a medication that suppresses the cough reflex

Emphysema

A medical assistant is reviewing the medical history of a patient who regularly comes into contact with coal and wood dust. The assistant should recognize that this patient is at an increased risk for developing which of the following disorders? a. Obstructive sleep apnea b. Emphysema c. Atelectasis d. Carcinoma of the larynx

Physical assistant

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. Physical assistant c. Respiratory therapist d. Registered nurse

Provide the prescription in writing for the patient to take to the pharmacy

A medical assistant is transcribing a patient's routine prescription for oxycodone. Which of the following methods should the assistant use to process the prescription? a. Fax the prescription to the pharmacy b. Give the prescription verbally to the pharmacist by phone c. Submit the prescription to the pharmacy electronically d. Provide the prescription in writing for the patient to take to the pharmacy

Hold the needle by its wings

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

Let's see if there is something we can do at your end. I'll ask our claims specialist to review the claim

A medical assistant receives a call from a patient who is irate about a letter she received from her insurance carrier denying a claim. Which of the following statements should the assistant make? a. That's not our fault. Your insurance company has several rules about what they cover and don't cover b. I don't take care of those matters you'll have to call our billing department c. That kind of thing eventually happens to everyone. If the balance isn't that large, it's better to just pay it than try to fight with them d. Let's see if there is something we can do at your end. I'll ask our claims specialist to review the claim

The provider should review alternative procedures with the patient

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

Observe the patient as she performs a self-demonstration

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

Explain the procedure to the child in simple steps

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

Gastrointestinal

Which of the following body systems should be evaluated for a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis? a. Urinary b. Gastrointestinal c. Nervous d. Cardiovascular

Sims

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

Wave scheduling

Which of the following types of appointment systems allows flexibility to allow for the most consistent patient flow? a. Double booking b. Cluster booking c. Wave scheduling d. Stream scheduling

79 g

A medical assistant is preparing 1 g/kg of activated charcoal for a patient who weighs 176 lbs. How many grams of charcoal should the assistant prepare? a. 79 g b. 387 g c. 352 g d. 76 g

Make sure to rotate patch placement to avoid skin irritation

Which of the following instructions 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

Human chorionic gonadotropin test

Which of the following is a CLIA waived laboratory test? a. Papanicolaou test b. Blood typing and crossmatching c. Fecal leukocyte test d. Human chorionic gonadotropin test

Vigorously dry the patient's skin prior to electrode placement

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

Before a patient is tested

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

Use hand gestures

When speaking with a patient 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

Log off computers when not in use

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 info 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

Mitochondria

Which of the following cell structures is the source of energy for a cell? a. Endoplasmic reticulum b. Ribosomes c. Golgi apparatus d. Mitochondria

Daytime phone number

Which of the following information should the medical assistant enter into the appointment calendar when scheduling a patient for a skin rash? a. Diagnosis code for dermatitis b. Daytime phone number c. Date of birth d. patient's identification number

Wrap the wound from distal to proximal

Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use when bandaging a wound? a. Wrap the wound from distal to proximal b. Bandage fingers and toes to prevent further injury c. Extend the wound dressing 3 to 5 inches beyond the bandage d. Moisten and apply ointment before bandaging

A notification letter to a patient about surgery arrangements

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

Goniometer

A medical assistant is asked to assist a provider with an orthopedic examination. Which of the following instruments should the assistant prepare for the examination? a. Goniometer b. Hemostat c. Retractor d. Tonometer

Red biohazard bag

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. Tracki can with clear leak-proof liner d. Purple medical waste container

Apply layers of sterile gauze

When performing a first aid procedure to control bleeding of a wound, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take? a. Apply layers of sterile gauze b. Sterilize her hands c. Suture the wound d. Flush the wound with sterile water

Urticaria

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

Provides additional information or circumstances for a procedure

When assigning a CPT code, which of the following is the purpose of a modifier? a. Indicates the complexity of the medical history that led to the procedure b. Indicates the amount of time the provider has spent on the procedure c. Provides the clinical setting in which the procedure was performed d. Provides additional information or circumstances for a procedure

You may experience a watery discharge for up to 1 week after your procedure

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 resume 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 with cease for 3 to 4 months following the procedure d. You may experience a watery discharge for up to 1 week after your procedure

Insert the tips of the cannula into the patient's nostrils

A provider asks a medical assistant to administer oxygen to a patient who is experiencing respiratory distress. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take when administering oxygen to the patient? 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

Document the patient's response to the teaching

A provider asks a medical assistant to reinforce teaching with a patient about her new diagnosis. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Outline the educational materials quickly with the patient b. Instruct the patient to ask any questions at the end of the teaching c. Include personal opinions along with the educational material d. Document the patient's response to the teaching

Cold fingers

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

Position the patient flat on her back

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

Parasitic

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? a. Fungal b. Bacterial c. Parasitic d. Helminthic

Helminths

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

Provide the patient with an estimated cost for the procedure

A medical assistant at a facility receives a call from a patient who is requesting the total cost of a surgical procedure. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the assistant? a. Inform the patient that the cost will be determined after the procedure is complete b. Instruct the patient to contact her insurance carrier for a price c. Provide the patient with an estimated cost for the procedure d. Advice the patient that all the procedure pricing must be communicated by mail

Evacuate staff and patients from the immediate area

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 exam rooms c. Use the office fire extinguisher d. Evacuate staff and patients from the immediate area

When the sound disappears

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? a. When the sound disappears b. When repetitive sounds begin c. When the sounds change from strong to muffled d. When the sounds change from swishing to sharp

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

A medical assistant 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? a. The doctor is busy right now and will call you back. You don't really want me to give you the results, do you? b. I'm afraid it's bad news. I would get a second opinion if I were you c. Don't worry about it, until we say you have something to worry about, try to relax d. I know you are concerned about your test results. We'll call you as soon as your results come in

Use tweezers to pull the tick away from the skin slowly

A patient arrives at the clinic with a tick bite on his leg. The provider asks a medical assistant to help remove the tick. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Grasp the tick at a point furthest from the skin b. Squeeze the body of the tick firmly to remove it c. Use tweezers to pull the tick away from the skin slowly d. Discard the tick in the trash can

Hematemesis

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

The cause of the patient's burn

A patient contacts the facility to report a burn injury to her right arm. A medical assistant should identify which of the following pieces of information as necessary when screening for a possible emergency situation? 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

Verify the order with the provider prior to confirming the e-prescription

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 medical 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

Right ear facing up with the earlobe pulled down and back

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

Five digits

The primary code in the CPT coding system consists of how many digits? a. Two digits b. Four digits c. Five digits d. Seven digits

15 mL

The provider orders the medical assistant to prepare a tablespoon of medication for a patient. How many milliliters of medication should the assistant draw up? a. 15 mL b. 5 mL c. 30 mL d. 2.5 mL

Cytobrush

When assisting a provider with a vaginal examination and Papanicolaou (Pap) test, a medical assistant should identify that which of the following instruments is necessary? a. Cryoprobe b. Senn retractor c. Cytobrush d. Adson forceps

Blood glucose 500 mg/dL

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

Source oriented

Which of the following medical record documentation templates is organized by the entity that supplied the data? a. Source oriented b. Problem oriented c. SOAP format d. CHEDDAR format

Remittance advice

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

Rectal

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

Tracks provider performance measures

Which of the following should a medical assistant identify as the purpose of a Category II code in procedural coding? a. Indicates special circumstances b. Works as a temporary code c. Tracks provider performance measures d. Identifies preventive measures

QRS complex

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

Homeostasis

Which of the following terms describes the body's internal adaptation and change to keep body functions in balance? a. Peristalsis b. Hematopoiesis c. Physiology d. Homeostasis

Dyspnea

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

150/95 mmHg

A medical assistant is measuring the vital signs of an adult patient. The assistant should identify which of the following blood pressure readings as primary hypertension? a. 110/80 mmHg b. 135/80 mmHg c. 150/95 mmHg d. 120/85 mmHg

Remove any chemical covered clothing

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 any chemical covered clothing c. Cleanse the burn with hydrogen peroxide d. Apply an adhesive bandage to the burn

A clean up kit

A medical assistant discovers an unidentifiable liquid on the floor of one of the clinic's treatment rooms. Which of the following materials should the assistant use to remove and dispose of the liquid? a. A clean up kit b. A mop and bleach c. Floor cleaning solution d. A surgical towel double bagged in trash bags

Left heel

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

Locate the area two to three finger-widths below the antecubital space

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 thumb and forefinger c. Insert the needle with the bevel pointed down d. Inject the solution rapidly with the needle positioned at a 30 degree angle to the skin

View the medication cup at eye level when pouring

A medical assistant is administering cough syrup to a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Shake the bottle vigorously b. Keep the label side of the bottle on the bottom when pouring c. View the medication cup at eye level when pouring d. Match the mark for the medication dosage to the upper edge of the meniscus

90

A medical assistant is assisting a patient who is obese with an insulin injection. Which of the following is the correct angle for this patient's injection? a. 15 b. 25 c. 30 d. 90

Ask the patient to raise his hand when he no longer hears any sound

A medical assistant is checking a patient's hearing using the Rinne test. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Invert the vibrating tuning fork and place it 5 cm (2 in) in front of the ear canal b. Ask the patient to raise his hand when he no longer hears any sound c. Place headphones over the patient's ears and adjust for comfort d. Position the vibrating tuning fork on the top of the patient's head

Reinforce teaching about the frequency of medication administration

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

Alcohol based hand rub should be applied to one hand and then rubbed between both hands

A medical assistant is performing hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub. The assistant should recognize that which of the following information about alcohol-based hand rubs is correct? a. Allergic contact dermatitis is common with the use of alcohol-based hand rub b. Alcohol based hand rub should be generously applied to visibly soiled hands c. Alcohol based hand rub should be applied to one hand and then rubbed between both hands d. Alcohol based hand rubs for clinical use should have an alcohol content of 45% -50%

Lying face up, with the legs bent and feet flat on the table

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

Autoclave

A medical assistant is preparing sterilization for hemostats before an invasive procedure. Which of the following techniques should the assistant use? a. Autoclave b. Gas c. Dry heat d. Chemical

Otoscope

A medical assistant is preparing the room for a patient's general physical examination. The assistant should recognize that which of the following instruments should be available to the provider for the examination? a. Forceps b. Otoscope c. Curette d. Endoscope

In the ear

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

Gloves

A medical assistant is preparing to draw venous blood samples. The assistant is required by OSHA regulations to wear which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment while performing this procedure? a. Gloves b. Eye protection c. Surgical mask d. Gown

I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication

A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient about the self-administration of insulin injections. Which of the following patient statements indicates an understanding of the teaching? a. I will roll the bottle between my hands before drawing the medication b. I will blow on the site to make sure the alcohol dries c. I will consistently use the same site for my injections d. I will hold the needle at a 15 degree angle for the injection

Be sure to call your provider if you have a fever over 100 degrees fahrenheit

A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient who is going home after having extensive suturing to a laceration. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include? a. Do not attempt to change your dressing until your next visit b. Be sure to call your provider if you have a fever over 100 degrees fahrenheit c. Keep the dressing damp so moisture can surround the wound d. Red streaks near the wound are normal and can be addressed at your next visit

To avoid future occurrences

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? a. To remove liability from the clinic b. To avoid future occurrences c. To document patient responsibility for the fall d. To create documentation for the patient's medical record

Mononucleosis

A medical assistant is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient who has the Epstein-Barr virus. The assistant should identify that this microorganism can cause which of the following conditions? a. Polio b. Mononucleosis c. Gastroenteritis d. Fifth disease

Nitroglycerin

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

Meals on wheels

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 homebound. 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

20 feet

A medical assistant is to use the Snellen chart to test an adult patient's visual acuity. The assistant should instruct the patient to stand which of the following distances away? a. 10 feet b. 20 feet c. 14 inches d. 30 inches

Lower the horizontal bar gently so that it rests on the tpp of the patient's head

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

Validate the patient's signature

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

Sterilization

A medical assistant needs to remove all living microorganisms from a contaminated towel clamp. Which of the following methods should the assistant use to cleanse this instrument? a. Disinfection b. Sanitization c. Sterilization d. Ultrasonic

Negligence

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. Slader d. Abandonment

Flush the eyes with tepid water

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

Contact the local poison control center

A medical assistant receives a phone call from a parent of a child who has possibly ingested a household cleaner. Which of the following actions should the assistant take? a. Tell the parent to call back after obtaining the child's vital sign s b. Instruct the parent to administer syrup of ipecac to the child c. Direct the parent to manually induce vomiting d. Contact the local poison control center

Immediately following a procedure

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

128/78 mmHg

A medical assistant should recognize which of the following blood pressure readings as indicative of an adult patient whose blood pressure level is classified as elevated? a. 115/75 mmHg b. 128/78 mmHg c. 100/65 mmHg d. 140/90 mmHg

Paid in full by worker's compensation

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 in 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 workers' compensation

List of medications with diagnosis

A patient is entitled to which of the following medical records? a. Detailed psychotherapy notes b. List of medications with diagnosis c. Original chest x rays d. Information compiled for legal proceedings

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

A patient reports getting a bill that includes services she did not receive. Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to reconcile these charges? a. Review that day's encounter forms to determine if another patient received the services b. Instruct the patient to pay for the services to avoid collection procedures c. Ask the provider to write off the charges on the patient's account d. Determine if the patient has a previous balance

Lubricating jelly

A provider is performing a routine rectal examination on a patient. Which of the following supplies should a medical assistant have available during the examination? a. Tuning fork b. Otoscope c. Curette d. Lubricating jelly

Diagnosis

A provider 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 to include in the initial referral? a. Diagnosis b. Current medications c. Age d. Family history

Assisting a provider with the removal of a cyst

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

In the morning

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

Removing sutures from a healing laceration

Which of the following tasks is within the scope of practice for a medical assistant in a clinical setting? a. Administering IV medication b. Removing sutures from a healing laceration c. Interpreting a 12 lead EKG tracing d. Identifying whether a skin lesion is malignant

Syncope

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

The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line

In which of the following locations should a medical assistant place the electrode for lead V4? a. The fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line b. The fourth intercostal space, left sternal border c. The left midaxillary line, lateral to v5 d. The anterior axillary line, lateral to V6

Recent laboratory results

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

Seven characters

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

Mineral deposits from tap water

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

On the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V4

Where should the medical assistant place the electrode for lead V5? a. On the left midaxillary line, horizontal to V4 b. On the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to V4 c. On the left midclavicular line, fifth intercostal space d. On the right margin of the sternum, fourth intercostal space

Interrupted baseline

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

Turn off the faucet with a paper towel

Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take when performing aseptic hand washing? a. Use hot water to wash and rinse hands b. Lather in a circular motion with fingers pointed up c. Open the paper towel dispenser to collect paper towels d. Turn off the faucet with a paper towel

Leads l, ll, and lll

Which of the following groups of EKG leads are bipolar a. Leads V1, v2, v3 b. Leads v4, v5, v6 c. Leads aVR, aVL, and aVF d. Leads l, ll, and lll

Order additional laboratory tests to confirm the patient's condition

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

Gallbladder

Which of the following organs is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen? a. Gallbladder b. Spleen c. Appendix d. Stomach

Hello welcome to our office

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

Parentage testing

​A medical assistant should follow chain of custody guidelines for which of the following types of laboratory results? a. Digoxin levels b. Blood cultures c. Parentage testing d. Lead levels

Call for help and begin CPR

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

Assist the patient in locating a provider to accommodate the patient's needs

​A patient requests a female provider to perform her examination due to a religious conviction. A female provider is not available. Which of the following is the appropriate response by the medical assistant? a. Decline treatment of the patient b. Assist the patient in locating a provider to accommodate the patient's needs c. Reassure the patient that the male provider will be respectful d. Instruct the patient to visit an emergency room

Inspect the integrity of the needle's seal

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

Confirm the correct identity of the patient

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