Smarter MA Q&A with Rationale

While performing an ear irrigation, the patient suddenly states, "I feel so dizzy!" Which of the following should the medical assistant recognize as a likely cause for this patient's symptom?

Answer: Water temperature is too cold

Summary: Cold water during ear irrigation can cause dizziness

A patient has received and signed an advance beneficiary notice (ABN) for an examination and requests the test. If after the claim has been filed, Medicare denies coverage, and an appeal is unsuccessful, which of the following happens next?

Answer: The patient must pay the bill

Summary: If a patient has signed an ABN, requested treatment, and the coverage is denied, the patient is responsible for paying for the service themselves.

A medical assistant reinforces teaching about the proper use of a glucometer to a patient who has diabetes. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include?

Answer: Apply a large, hanging drop of blood to the center of the test pad

Summary:

-Don't use the first drop of blood.

-Apply a large drop to the test pad.

-The test strip should be in the glucometer before the sample is collected.

A medical assistant is interviewing for a position and learns that the office focuses on both the quality and cost of care for a specific population. Which of the following is the term for this model of care?

Answer: Accountable Care Organization (ACO)

Summary: ACOs focus on coordinated and preventive care to improve quality and reduce costs

A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's malpractice complaint. The assistant should identify which of the following are the four elements that must be met for negligence to have occurred?

Answer: Duty, breach of duty, direct causation, damages

Summary:

Four D's of negligence:

Duty

Breach of duty

Direct causation

Damages

The last patient has left the office and the medical assistant is completing end-of-day clinic duties. Which of the following actions should the assistant perform before leaving for the day?

Answer: Restock room supplies

Summary: Before leaving for the day, a medical assistant should prioritize restocking supplies in exam rooms

A medical assistant sees that a fire has begun in the furnace room of a clinic. According to the RACE emergency response framework, which action should the assistant take first?

Answer: Notify and evacuate everyone in the area

Summary:

R: Rescue (or Remove) people

A: Alarm others

C: Contain (or Confine) fire

E: Extinguish fire

A medical assistant has an order to administer an intramuscular vaccine on a 20 month old infant. Which of the following represents the preferred site for this patient?

Answer: Vastus lateralis

Summary: The vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injection in an infant or child.

A medical assistant is administering pain medication to a patient that cannot be taken until 8 hours have passed since the last dose. Which of the following rights of medication administration must the assistant confirm?

Answer: Right time

Summary:

-The Five Rights include the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.

-The right time means following any timing specifications regarding the drug

A patient requires a visit with a dermatologist. Which of the following insurance types always require a referral form to see a specialist?

Answer: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Summary: Patients with HMO insurance need a referral from their primary care provider to see a specialist.

A medical assistant is caring for a patient who experiences an allergic reaction. Which of the following symptoms would the assistant expect to observe in this patient?

Answer: Urticaria

Summary: Urticaria, also known as hives, is a common sign of an allergic reaction.

It is a raised, red rash that is often itchy.

A medical assistant has received an order to perform a blood draw for a complete blood count. A tube with which of the following additives should be used for this procedure?

Answer: EDTA

Summary:

-The tube with EDTA additive should be used to perform a blood draw for a complete blood count.

-A lavender tube contains EDTA.

A medical assistant is documenting an interaction in a patient's medical record. Which of the following documentation types is structured based on the entity that provided the data?

Answer: Source-oriented

Summary: Source-oriented:

Structured by data provider

A patient is prescribed an opiate medication as part of a palliative care plan. The patient states, "What is the purpose of this medication?" Which of the following should the medical assistant provide as the primary purpose of the new medication?

Answer: Treats pain

Summary: The primary purpose of opiate medications is pain relief.

A medical assistant has an order for a blood collection. Which of the following is the preferred vein for venipuncture?

Answer: Median cubital vein

Summary: The median cubital vein is the most common site for venipuncture.

A medical assistant accidentally drops a sputum sample. Which of the following is the appropriate cleaning agent for this spill?

Answer: 10% bleach

Summary: The appropriate cleaning agent for a urine spill in a medical setting is 10% bleach

A medical assistant has been assigned to estimate a patient's heart rate from an EKG tracing. Which of the following techniques should the assistant use to perform this assessment?

Answer: Divide 1500 by the number of small boxes between two R waves

Summary: To estimate heart rate from an EKG, count the number of small boxes between two R waves and divide 1500 by that number.

A medical assistant is caring for a patient with varicella zoster virus (VZV). Which of the following is the mode of transmission of this virus?

Answer: Airborne

Summary: VZV is transmitted via airborne aerosols and direct contact.

A patient will be wearing a Holter monitor. Which of the following instructions should the medical assistant provide the patient about its proper use?

Answer:

"Press the event button when you notice symptoms are beginning."

Summary: A patient should be instructed to press the marker on a Holter monitor when they notice symptoms are beginning.

A medical assistant is measuring the height of an infant from head to heel. Which of the following positions should the infant be placed in during the assessment?

Answer: Supine

Summary: To accurately measure the height of an infant, the baby should be placed in the supine position with the head, back, and heels touching the firm surface.

A medical assistant is explaining the cost of today's office visit to a patient. Which of the following terms describes the amount of money the patient must pay before the insurance provider will begin to pay?

Answer: Deductible

Summary: A deductible is the amount a patient must pay before insurance coverage starts.

A medical assistant is meeting a patient for the first time. Which of the following is most important for the assistant to include when introducing themselves to the patient?

Answer: Assistant's medical title

Summary: A medical assistant should always introduce themself by stating their medical title when meeting a patient for the first time.

A patient is arguing with their spouse about the legality of a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR). Which document should the assistant refer the patient to for more information regarding making a refusal of treatment order?

Answer: Patient Self-Determination Act

Summary: The Patient Self-Determination Act is a federal law that provides patients the right to make decisions regarding their medical care, including the right to refuse treatment and the right to die.

A provider is one hour behind schedule and a patient is still waiting for them. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

Answer: Apologize to the patient and offer to reschedule another time

Summary: If running significantly late, the medical assistant should apologize to the patient and offer to reschedule the appointment.

A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture on a patient. The assistant notices a hematoma forming at the site of collection. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first?

Answer: Remove the tourniquet and stop the collection

Summary: If a hematoma is forming, it's important to stop the collection immediately.

A medical assistant is preparing materials for a blood collection. A winged infusion set is often preferred for which of the following conditions?

Answer: Smaller veins

Summary: A butterfly needle is preferred for smaller and more fragile veins.

A medical assistant prepares to administer the prescribed medication to a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first?

Answer: Check the expiration date

Summary: The first step when administering any medication is to check the expiration date.

A medical assistant has just performed a venipuncture on a patient. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the assistant to take when preparing the blood specimen for transport to an outside laboratory?

Answer: Enclose the requisition slip in the outer pocket of the transport bag.

Summary: Ensure that the requisition slip is included with the specimen in the transport bag to the laboratory.

A medical assistant has been assigned to compile a report on the number of patients who require follow up care after receiving a flu vaccination. Which of the following software tools will allow the assistant to generate the report?

Answer: Database report

Summary: A database report is a software tool that can be used to generate reports on specific topics in a medical office setting.

A medical assistant is reviewing the medical record of a newly admitted patient. Which of the following terms describes the abbreviation "ESR"?

Answer: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Summary:

-An erythrocyte sedimentation rate is represented by the abbreviation "ESR".

-An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube

A medical assistant provides instructions about using a new inhaler to a patient with asthma. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to confirm the patient's understanding?

Answer: Watch the patient self-administer the inhaler

Summary: Observing the patient as they use the inhaler is the best way to confirm their understanding of proper inhaler use.

A medical assistant reviews a patient's medical record and notes that the patient's hypertension is a result of obstructive sleep apnea. Which of the following terms best describes the patient's condition?

Answer: Secondary hypertension

Summary: Secondary hypertension: Caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease or hormone imbalances.

A medical assistant is preparing a lab sample to identify a suspected bacterial infection. If Gram staining is performed, what color would a Gram-positive bacteria appear under a microscope?

Answer: Purple

Summary:

-Gram-positive bacteria stain purple.

-Gram-negative bacteria stain pink.

A medical assistant is performing an EKG tracing on a patient. Which of the following is the first upward wave seen next after the P wave on an EKG?

Answer: R wave

Summary:

-The R wave represents the first upward wave that occurs after the P wave.

-It is part of the QRS complex, which represents ventricular depolarization.

A medical assistant must identify a patient prior to a blood draw. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to confirm the patient's identity?

Answer: Request the patient's full name and date of birth

Summary: To confirm a patient's identity, ask them for their full name and date of birth.

A medical assistant is preparing for a blood collection for a potassium level test. The assistant should identify that which of the following antiseptics can cause altered test results?

Answer: Betadine (povidone-iodine)

Summary: Betadine should not be used to clean the skin prior to dermal puncture as it can alter test results.

A medical assistant writes "NS" by several patient's names from the previous day's appointment schedule. Which description best describes this abbreviation?

Answer: No show

Summary:

"NS" in the context of a medical appointment schedule stands for "No Show".

This indicates a patient had an appointment but did not attend or notify the clinic of their inability to attend.

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for venipuncture and the patient states, "I have rolling veins". After two unsuccessful attempts to collect a blood sample, which of the following actions should the assistant take next?

Answer: Reach out to an experienced colleague for assistance

Summary: Reach out to an experienced colleague for assistance if struggling with venipuncture.

A provider asks a medical assistant to triage several patients who have arrived at the clinic at the same time. Which of the following patients is the most urgent to care for first?

Answer: A patient with dyspnea

Summary:

-Dyspnea is a medical term for shortness of breath.

-It can be a sign of a medical emergency.

A medical assistant is preparing to perform a blood collection on a patient. What is the proper angle of needle insertion the assistant should use during venipuncture?

Answer: 15 degrees

Summary: A 15° angle is the angle used during a typical intravenous venipuncture.

A medical assistant is preparing to perform a capillary puncture on an 11-year-old patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Answer: Puncture perpendicular to the grooves of the fingerprint

Summary: Puncture the finger for a capillary puncture perpendicular to the grooves of the fingerprint.

A medical assistant is checking on a patient and sees the patient is unconscious. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first?

Answer: Check the patient's pulse

Summary: Check for signs of life (pulse) first when encountering an unconscious patient

A medical assistant is reviewing iron-rich foods with a patient with newly diagnosed anemia. Which of the following foods is likely to be included on this list?

Answer: Red meats such as beef and lamb

Summary: Iron-rich foods include red meat, shellfish, beans, dark leafy greens, and dried fruits such as apricots and raisins

A medical assistant is composing a letter in the simplified letter style. Which of the following represents proper formatting?

Answer: Salutation is replaced by all capital subject line

Summary:

-The simplified style is a type of letter formatting that is appropriate for use in business or professional settings.

-It uses a subject line instead of a salutation.

-The subject line is written in all capital letters and is placed between the sender's address and the body of the letter.

-The text of the letter is left-justified and paragraphs are not indented.

-The all capital signature is placed at the end of the letter, as in the full block style.

A medical assistant is collecting a lipid panel on a patient with hypercholesterolemia. Which of the following questions should the assistant ask the patient?

Answer: "When did you last eat or drink?"

Summary: Patients must have fasted for at least 8-12 hours prior to a lipid panel.

A medical assistant is assigned to care for a patient scheduled for an orthopedic physical examination. Which of the following instruments should the assistant prepare for this procedure?

Answer: Goniometer

Summary:

-A goniometer is an instrument used to measure the range of motion of a joint.

-This is an important part of an orthopedic physical examination

A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture blood collection on a patient. Which of the following is a potential consequence of not applying sufficient pressure after withdrawing the needle?

Answer: Thrombus formation

Summary: Applying pressure after withdrawing the needle is important to prevent thrombus formation.

A medical assistant is performing a capillary puncture on a patient for multiple lab exams. Which of the following specimen tubes should be drawn last?

Answer: Serum studies

Summary:

-Capillary puncture has a different order of draw than venipuncture.

-Remember: Gasp, Lucy GreetS Ozzy's Son!

-Serum studies require the last blood draw in a capillary puncture.

A medical assistant is obtaining a manual blood pressure using a stethoscope. When should the diastolic reading be recorded after the cuff has begun to deflate?

Answer: When the sound disappears

Summary: The diastolic blood pressure is recorded when the Korotkoff sounds disappear (the fifth Korotkoff sound).

A medical assistant is preparing to perform a capillary refill test on a 10-month-old infant. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Answer: Have the parent hold the infant

Summary: When performing a capillary refill test on an infant, it is beneficial to have the parent or caregiver hold the child for comfort and stability.

A medical assistant is placing electrodes on a patient who has undergone a left-sided mastectomy. In which of the following areas should the assistant place the V2 lead?

Answer: Left chest

Summary: After a mastectomy, the EKG leads are placed in the same locations (they should just not be placed directly on top of surgical incision sites).

A medical assistant is collecting an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample. Which of the following is an important step in the collection process for this particular lab order?

Answer: Sample must be placed on ice immediately

Summary: The immediate placement of an ABG sample on ice is critical to the accuracy of the results.

A medical assistant should identify which of the following abbreviations is used in place of the words "history" in a patient's chart?

Answer: hx

Summary: "hx" = history

A medical assistant is reviewing the chain of infection. The assistant should recognize which of the following initiates the chain of infection?

Answer: Infectious agent

Summary: The chain of infection begins with the presence of an infectious agent, such as a virus or bacteria.

A medical assistant measures a patient's weight at 60 kg. Which of the following represents the patient's weight in pounds?

Answer: 132 lbs

Summary:

-To convert kilograms (kg) to pounds (lbs), multiply by 2.2

-To convert pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg), divide by 2.2

A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture on a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Answer: Place the tourniquet 3 to 4 inches above the venipuncture site

Summary: The tourniquet should be placed 3-4 inches above the venipuncture site.

A medical assistant is providing a patient with directions for the collection of a stool sample. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include?

Answer: "Avoid mixing urine in the stool sample."

Summary:

-Stool samples cannot contain urine.

-Urine samples cannot contain stool.

A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's medical history prior to the patient's appointment. Which of the following laboratory values is outside of the normal range?

Answer: BUN 38 mg/dL

Summary:

-BUN: 7-25 mg/dL

-Fasting blood glucose: 70-99 mg/dL is normal, 100-125 mg/dL is prediabetes, 126+ mg/dL is diabetes

-Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L

-Hematocrit: 36-52%

A patient complains that she bleeds easily. The medical assistant should identify which of the following minerals are important in blood coagulation?

Answer: Calcium

Summary: Calcium is a mineral that plays a critical role in blood coagulation

A medical assistant is reviewing infection prevention protocols. Which of the following is in accordance with universal precautions

Answer: Treat all bodily fluids as contaminated

Summary: Universal precautions involve treating all bodily fluids as contaminated.

A medical assistant encounters a family that cannot afford medical coverage for their 10-year-old child. Which of the following programs should the assistant suggest to the family for assistance?

Answer: Medicaid

Summary: Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including children.

While setting up for a surgical procedure, a medical assistant reaches over the sterile field. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Answer: Break down the tray and start over

Summary: Reaching over a sterile field is considered contamination of the field.

A medical assistant is gathering medical supplies for an upcoming appointment. Which of the following should the assistant keep in mind when managing supplies?

Answer: Update the supply list regularly

Summary: Keep a regularly updated supply list.

When performing a subcutaneous injection, which of the following needle sizes should a medical assistant use?

Answer: 25-26 gauge

Summary:

-Subcutaneous

Injected into fatty tissue

At 45°: 25 - 26 gauge short needle

-IntravenousInjected into a vein at 15 - 30°: Typically 21 - 22 gauge short needle

-Intradermal Injected into the dermal layer of skin at 10 - 15°

: 27 - 28 gauge short needle

-Intramuscular

-Injected into muscle at

90°: 20 - 23 gauge long needle

A medical assistant is reviewing HIPAA compliance. Which of the following can result in an incidental disclosure violation of protected health information?

Answer: Placing a patient in a semi-private room

Summary: Incidental disclosure of protected health information can occur when a patient is placed in a semi-private room.

A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with an immunocompromised patient about the spread of infections. The assistant should identify which of the following as the most important means of preventing infection spread?

Answer: Handwashing

Summary: Handwashing is the most important means of preventing the spread of infections

A provider is using antihistamines to treat a patient for allergies. Which of the following forms of care is this an example of?

Answer: Palliative care

Summary: Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life.

A 70-year old patient comes into the office due to the onset slurring of speech and drooping on the side of the face. The medical assistant immediately referred the patient to emergency services. Which of the following diagnoses is being considered in this case?

Answer: Cerebrovascular accident

Summary: Slurred speech and facial drooping can be signs of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) aka stroke.

A provider asks a medical assistant to explain to a patient how a medicated lotion differs from a liniment. Which of the following replies accurately explains the difference?

Answer: "Liniments contain more oil than medicated lotions."

Summary: Liniments are more oily and greasy than medicated lotions.

A medical assistant is documenting a patient visit in the electronic health record. Which of the following abbreviations is acceptable to use?

Answer: H₂O

Summary: H₂O (water) and O₂ (oxygen) abbreviations are acceptable to use.

A medical assistant in a busy clinic is speaking with a patient at the front desk when the patient becomes upset about an appointment delay. Which of the following would be the best action for the medical assistant to take?

Answer: Ask the patient to move to a private area to discuss

Summary: If a patient is upset, asking them to move to a private area allows open conversation.

A medical assistant reads in a patient's chart that the patient has 20/50 vision. Which of the following does this indicate?

Answer: The patient can see at 20 feet what a patient with normal vision can see at 50 feet

Summary: The top number represents what the patient can read at 20 feet.

The bottom number is the distance a person with normal vision could read the same line

A medical assistant is speaking with a patient who is visibly angry after a visit they felt was rushed. Which of the following statements should the assistant make?

Answer: "I'm going to speak with our team and see how we can improve. Was there anything unaddressed that I can help with?"

Summary: Acknowledge patient concerns, validate them, look for proactive ways to remedy the situation.

A medical assistant is triaging incoming patients during open hours scheduling. Which of the following patients should the assistant recognize as requiring immediate care?

Answer: A patient taking warfarin is experiencing epistaxis

Summary: A patient taking warfarin and experiencing epistaxis (nose bleed) can be a sign of a developing emergency (too much blood loss).

A medical assistant is directing a patient on completing a urine sample for a pregnancy test. Which of the following is the hormone that is detected in a pregnancy test?

Answer: hCG

Summary: Pregnancy tests detect the presence of hCG

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a pulse oximeter reading. The assistant should recognize which of the following can lead to artificially low oxygen saturation measurements?

Answer: Cold hands and fingers

Summary: Cold fingers may lead to erroneously low pulse oximeter readings.

A medical assistant is preparing samples for centrifugation. Which of the following guidelines should the assistant follow when preparing the samples?

Answer: Place a cap on the tubes that are to be centrifuged

Summary:

-Cap the tubes that are to be centrifuged to prevent the spreading of aerosols.

-Ensure there are an even number of tubes with even volumes so the centrifuge remains balanced.

A medical assistant is informing a patient of her amount that will need to be paid out of pocket for an upcoming insurance approved procedure. The total cost of the procedure is $400. The patient has a 90/10 coinsurance and has met her deductible. What is the total amount the patient will have to pay out of pocket?

Answer: $40

Summary: To determine a patient's out of pocket expense with coinsurance if they've already met their deductible, multiply the patient's percentage by the total cost of service.

A patient requires a referral to a specialist for the management of hypothyroidism. Which of the following specialists is the patient most likely to be referred to?

Answer: Endocrinologist

Summary: Hypothyroidism is most likely to be referred to an endocrinologist.

A provider is examining a patient who presents with a sprained ankle. The provider evaluates the ankle, applies a supportive wrapping, and dismisses the patient. Which of the following levels of examination should the assistant use for the procedure code?

Answer: Problem focused

Summary:

-Problem focused: Limited examination of specific body area mentioned in the chief complaint.

-Expanded problem focused: Limited examination of specific area mentioned in the chief complaint as well as related systems.

-Detailed: Extended examination of specific body area and related systems, as well as past and present medical history.

-Comprehensive: General examination of multiple systems.

A medical assistant is reviewing nutritional label packaging with a patient. Which of the following statements is appropriate for the assistant to make?

Answer: "The amount of each nutrient on the label is expressed in the amount per serving.

Summary: The nutrition label lists the amount of each nutrient per serving size.

A medical assistant is learning about different types of patient data, specifically anthropometric measurements. Which of the following uses this data?

Answer: Growth charts for a pediatric patient

Summary: Anthropometric measurements are measurements of the body.

They include height, weight, head circumference, body mass index (BMI), body circumferences, and skinfold thickness.

Which agency can provide information about accreditation for a provider's office?

Answer: The Joint Commission (TJC)

Summary: The Joint Commission (TJC) provides information on accreditation.

A provider requests a medical assistant take a patient's axillary temperature. How long should the assistant wait once the thermometer has been placed to ensure an accurate reading?

Answer: 5 to 10 minutes

Summary: Axillary temperature: wait 5 to 10 minutes for the reading

A patient who declines life saving resuscitation if it is needed will have which of the following advanced directives signed in the chart?

Answer: Do not resuscitate (DNR)

Summary: If a patient declines life-saving resuscitation, they would have a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order signed in their chart.

A patient with an active tuberculosis infection presents to the office for evaluation. Which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) must the assistant don?

Answer: N95 respirator

Summary: If a patient has an active tuberculosis infection, an N95 respirator must be worn

A medical assistant is measuring a patient's respiratory rate. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to ensure the reading is accurate?

Answer: Count the respirations while the patient believes his pulse is being measured

Summary: To accurately measure respiratory rate, count the respirations while the patient believes their pulse is being taken.

A medical assistant is administering a transdermal patch onto a patient. Which of the following areas should the assistant preferentially apply the patch to?

Answer: Shoulder

Summary:

-The upper arm and lower abdomen are common sites for a transdermal patch.

-Apply a transdermal patch preferably to a hairless site.

A medical assistant must destroy all micro-organisms, including bacterial spores, from used suture scissors. What type of cleansing must the assistant perform?

Answer: Sterilization

Summary: Sterilization is the most effective method for decontaminating medical instruments

A medical assistant is reviewing past medical history with a new patient. The assistant should identify that which of the following terms is used to describe a heart attack?

Answer: Myocardial infarction

Summary: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a medical term used to describe a heart attack.

A medical assistant is about to begin an EKG for a patient who has a 20-pack-year history of smoking and experiences shortness of breath. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Answer: Place the patient in the semi-Fowler's position

Summary: The semi-Fowler's position is recommended during an EKG For patients with breathing difficulties.

A patient has been newly diagnosed with hyperglycemia. The medical assistant should refer the patient to which of the following organizations for more information?

Answer: American Diabetes Association

Summary: The American Diabetes Association is a leading resource for individuals with diabetes

A medical assistant is documenting the clinical presentation of a patient who has allergic eczema with multiple solid elevations less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which of the following represents an appropriate way to document this finding?

Answer: Papule

Summary:

-Papules: Raised, solid bumps

-Macules: Flat, discolored patches

-Pustules: Raised, fluid-filled pimples

-Vesicles: Small, raised, fluid-filled blisters

A medical assistant will be assisting a provider with a suturing procedure. Which of the following items will typically be needed for the procedure?

Answer: Hemostat

Summary: A hemostat is a commonly used instrument in suturing

A medical assistant needs to perform a blood collection on a patient. For which of the following patients is venipuncture contraindicated?

Answer: History of thromboses

Summary: Venipuncture may be contraindicated in individuals who have a history of blood clots or thromboses.

A medical assistant is transferring a patient from his wheelchair to an examination table by herself. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Answer: Lift the gait belt upwards while standing in front

Summary: Lift the gait belt upwards while standing in front of the patient and supporting their weight to transfer a patient to the exam table.

A medical assistant is caring for a patient with infectious mononucleosis. Which of the following symptoms is associated with this condition?

Answer: Major fatigue

Summary:

-Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by major fatigue.

-The condition is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

A medical assistant is required by his employer to have an OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard certificate. Which of the following accurately describes this program?

Answer: It is provided at no cost to employees and completed during work hours

Summary:

-OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is a training program provided by OSHA to reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace.

-It is provided at no cost to employees and completed during work hours

A provider has ordered a computed tomography (CT) scan for a patient and the patient will need to swallow contrast material prior to the imaging. Which of the following is the purpose of the contrast material?

Answer: Makes the internal structures easier to visualize

Summary: Contrast material in CT scans enhances the visibility of internal structures. It literally "causes contrast" between structures

Which of the following represents the most commonly charged fee by a provider for a given service?

Answer: Usual

Summary: The usual fee is the fee that is typically charged by a provider.