MA EXAM - high yield

What is the normal adult blood pressure range?

90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg

What is the first step in taking a patient's blood pressure?

Position the patient’s arm at heart level and apply the cuff snugly on the upper arm

What is the correct order of draw for blood collection tubes?

Blood cultures, light blue, red, gold/tiger top, green, lavender, gray

Which tube is used for coagulation tests like PT and PTT?

Light blue-top tube (contains sodium citrate)

What is the angle for needle insertion during a venipuncture?

15 to 30 degrees

What is the appropriate angle for an intramuscular injection?

90 degrees

Where is the deltoid injection site located?

In the middle of the upper arm, about 2-3 finger widths below the acromion process

What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be removed first?

Gloves

What is the recommended handwashing technique duration?

At least 20 seconds with soap and water

What does HIPAA stand for?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

What is the purpose of informed consent?

To ensure the patient understands and agrees to the procedure or treatment after being informed of risks and benefits

What is the normal adult pulse range?

60 to 100 beats per minute

What is bradycardia?

A heart rate less than 60 beats per minute

What is tachycardia?

A heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute

What should you do if a patient faints during a blood draw?

Remove the needle, lower the patient’s head, and provide fresh air

What is the proper procedure if you get a needlestick injury?

Wash the area immediately with soap and water, report to supervisor, and seek medical evaluation

What angle is used for a subcutaneous injection?

45 degrees

What is the typical needle size range for intramuscular injections?

20-25 gauge, 1 to 1.5 inches long

What does "PRN" mean in medication administration?

As needed

What is the purpose of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

To protect healthcare workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens

What is the proper order for donning PPE?

Gown → mask → goggles/face shield → gloves

What is the proper order for removing PPE?

Gloves → goggles/face shield → gown → mask

What does the term "asepsis" mean?

The absence of disease-causing microorganisms

What is the first action to take if a patient is choking and cannot cough or speak?

Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts)

What is the normal adult respiratory rate?

12 to 20 breaths per minute

What is the normal adult temperature range?

97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C)

Which tube is used for a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

Lavender-top tube (EDTA anticoagulant)

What is the recommended site for an intradermal injection?

Inner forearm, 10 to 15 degrees angle

What is the typical needle size for subcutaneous injections?

25 to 27 gauge, 3/8 to 5/8 inch needle

What should you do if a patient refuses treatment?

Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider

What is the normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) level for a healthy adult?

95% to 100%

What is the correct placement of EKG lead V1?

Fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border

What does the abbreviation "BID" mean?

Twice a day

What steps should you take to prepare a patient for a urine specimen collection?

Explain the procedure and provide a clean container for a midstream "clean-catch" sample

What is the definition of "scope of practice"?

The procedures and actions that a healthcare professional is legally permitted to perform based on their certification and training

What should you do if a patient shows signs of hypoglycemia?

Provide a source of glucose and notify the healthcare provider immediately

What does the abbreviation "STAT" mean?

Immediately or at once

What are signs of anaphylaxis?

Difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, rapid pulse, dizziness

What is the purpose of the CMS-1500 form?

To submit insurance claims for reimbursement of medical services

What is the first thing to do in case of a fire in the medical office?

Follow RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate

What is the angle for giving a vaccine intramuscularly?

90 degrees

What should you do if you accidentally contaminate a sterile field?

Discard contaminated items and set up a new sterile field

What is the proper way to label a specimen container?

Include patient’s full name, date, time of collection, and your initials

What is the best way to prevent the spread of infection in a medical office?

Proper hand hygiene and use of PPE

What is the role of a clinical medical assistant during an EKG procedure?

Prepare the patient, apply electrodes correctly, and monitor the procedure

What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?

12 to 20 breaths per minute

What is the definition of bradycardia?

A heart rate less than 60 beats per minute

What is the definition of tachycardia?

A heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute

What is the difference between sterile and clean technique?

Sterile technique eliminates all microorganisms; clean technique reduces pathogens but does not sterilize

What does the term “aseptic technique” refer to?

Procedures that prevent contamination by pathogens

What is the typical needle length used for subcutaneous injections?

3/8 to 5/8 inch

Where should the tourniquet be placed during venipuncture?

3 to 4 inches above the venipuncture site

What is the maximum time a tourniquet should remain on during blood draw?

No longer than 1 minute

What should you do if the patient has an adverse reaction to medication?

Stop the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately

What are the five rights of medication administration?

Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time

What is the purpose of the SDS (Safety Data Sheet)?

Provides information on chemical hazards and safe handling procedures

What is a clean-catch urine specimen?

A urine sample collected midstream to avoid contamination

What is the first step in preparing a patient for an EKG?

Explain the procedure and obtain consent

What is the normal body temperature range in Celsius?

36.1°C to 37.2°C

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 is insulin-dependent, usually juvenile onset; type 2 is insulin-resistant, adult onset

What does the abbreviation “NPO” mean?

Nothing by mouth

What is the standard needle gauge for venipuncture?

21-23 gauge

What is the purpose of the fasting blood glucose test?

To measure blood sugar levels after fasting, used to diagnose diabetes

What is the proper way to clean a venipuncture site?

Use an alcohol swab in a circular motion from the center outward

What is the maximum volume of medication for a subcutaneous injection?

Up to 1 mL

What is the proper way to dispose of sharps?

Place used needles and sharps in a designated puncture-resistant sharps container

What is the term for low blood sugar?

Hypoglycemia

What is the term for high blood sugar?

Hyperglycemia

What is the normal adult height for pulse oximetry readings?

95%-100%

What is the abbreviation for "twice a day"?

BID

What is the correct way to apply a tourniquet?

Apply 3 to 4 inches above the venipuncture site, not too tight to cut off circulation

What is the purpose of medical asepsis?

To reduce the number and spread of microorganisms

What is the normal range for adult body temperature in Fahrenheit?

97°F to 99°F

What does the term "informed consent" mean?

Patient agrees to treatment after understanding risks and benefits

What is the difference between objective and subjective data?

Objective data can be measured or observed; subjective data is what the patient reports

What is the first step in patient assessment?

Taking vital signs

What is the appropriate response to a seizure in the medical office?

Protect the patient from injury, do not restrain, call for help

What is the recommended storage temperature for vaccines?

Between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F)

What is the abbreviation for “before meals”?

AC (ante cibum)

What is the proper way to measure a patient's height?

Have the patient stand straight against a wall-mounted stadiometer without shoes

What does the term “polyuria” mean?

Excessive urination

What is the medical term for high blood pressure?

Hypertension

What is the role of a medical assistant during minor surgical procedures?

Prepare the sterile field, assist the provider, and manage instruments

What is the maximum time to wait before processing a blood specimen?

Within 2 hours of collection

What is the recommended site for an intramuscular injection in adults?

Deltoid muscle or vastus lateralis

What is the definition of "tachypnea"?

Fast breathing rate, more than 20 breaths per minute

What is the normal capillary refill time?

Less than 2 seconds

What is the definition of "cyanosis"?

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen

What is the procedure for applying a bandage?

Start from the distal end and move proximally

What does the term “baseline vital signs” mean?

Initial vital signs taken to compare with future readings

What is the proper technique for handwashing?

Wet hands, apply soap, scrub all surfaces including under nails for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry with a clean towel

What is the medical assistant’s role during patient education?

Provide clear instructions and verify patient understanding

What is the difference between subjective and objective data?

Subjective data is reported by the patient; objective data is observed or measured by the healthcare provider

What does the abbreviation “QID” mean?

Four times a day

What is the normal adult blood glucose level?

70 to 130 mg/dL before meals

What is the definition of “edema”?

Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues

What is the purpose of a sputum specimen?

To diagnose respiratory infections

What is the normal range for adult heart rate?

60 to 100 beats per minute