Physical exams

Which of the following would be most appropriate for an examination of the rectum?

Sim's

During a CPE, in what position is the patient typically placed during the examination of the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat?

Sitting position

Why is it important for the medical assistant to remain quiet during the examination of the heart and lungs?

So the physician can listen for abnormal sounds

At what age should blood pressure start being assessed in a pediatric patient?

Starting at 2 years

During a CPE, in what position is the patient typically placed during the examination of the breast, abdomen, and extremities?

Supine position

Which of the following is true about pediatric exams?

Because of rapid growth and development, most pediatrics receive more physical exams than adults.

Why is appropriate draping so important during physical exams?

Draping helps to preserve a patient's dignity.

Which of the following describes an appropriate way for a medical assistant to interact with a 4-year-old patient?

Explain the steps of the procedure using age-appropriate language.

Which pulse points should be checked in infants and small children?

Femoral or brachial

In which position is the head of the bed elevated?

Fowler's

What is the name of the position in which a patient lays face-up with the feet elevated in stirrups?

Lithotomy

What piece of equipment is needed for the proctologic position?

Proctologic exam table

In relation to medical records, what does the acronym SOAP stand for?

Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan

Which of the following must be done by the medical assistant when preparing a patient for a CPE?

Take vital signs and measurements

What is the primary purpose of a pediatric growth chart?

To provide a visual assessment of the child's growth pattern

Which of the following must be done by the medical assistant when preparing an exam room for a CPE?

All of the above

Which examination technique involves listening to internal body sounds with a stethoscope?

Auscultation

Which of the following is NOT true about a complete physical exam (CPE)?

CPEs must be performed in a specific order.

Which of the following is true about documenting complete physical exams?

Documentation should include a synopsis of the physical.

What is the name of the position in which a patient lays face-up with knees bent and feet flat on the table?

Dorsal recumbent

Which of the following is most likely to occur while a patient is in the sitting position?

Evaluating the patient's reflexes

In which direction does the patient lay while in the supine position?

Face-up

Why is it important for the medical assistant to remain in the room with the physician and patient during a physical exam?

For legal protection

Which two tools would be most helpful when examining the throat?

Laryngeal mirror and tongue depressor

Why should the physician be consulted before placing an elderly patient into the prone position?

Limited range of motion in their necks can make it uncomfortable.

Which of the following is a lighted tool used to examine the ears?

Otoscope

Which of the following is true about pediatric vaccinations?

Parents have the right to refuse vaccinations for their children.

Why is the knee-chest position considered risky?

Patients may easily lose their balance in this position.

Which of the following is an example of an objective finding?

The patient has a fever of 99.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Which of the following is an example of a subjective finding?

The patient says he is constantly fatigued.

What is the general role of the medical assistant during a CPE?

To assist the physician in any way that is needed

Which of the following is used to open the vagina during a gynecological exam?

Vaginal speculum

What is the name of a routine check-up for a pediatric patient?

Well-child visit

Under what circumstances is it appropriate for a medical assistant to remain in the room with a patient when the patient is disrobing and putting on a gown?

When the patient specifically requests help with disrobing

The Trendelenburg position increases circulation to the ____.

brain and heart