Medical Assistant Clinical & Administrative Examination Practice

Flashcards testing knowledge of clinical medical assistant responsibilities, phlebotomy, EKG setup, pharmacology, patient prep, infection control, and administrative procedures.

Which action should a medical assistant take when preparing an examination room between patients?

Stock the area at the end of each exam and ensure rooms are stocked with materials required for standard precautions.

How should a clinical medical assistant direct the fluid flow when performing an eye irrigation?

Allow the solution to flow from the inner canthus to the outer canthus, with the patient's head turned toward the affected side.

What is a common occupational exposure method for contracting Hepatitis B?

Blood splashes contacting a mucous membrane.

In the chain of infection, which component describes the route through which a pathogen enters a new host?

Portal of entry.

What step must a medical assistant take immediately after drawing blood into an additive vacuum tube?

Invert additive tubes multiple times after filling the tube.

Which finger is the preferred capillary puncture site for a patient older than one year?

The ring finger.

In which position should a medical assistant place a patient who reports labored breathing and shortness of breath?

Fowler's position.

At what fill level must a sharps disposal container be closed and replaced?

Three-fourths full.

What is the minimum temperature an autoclave chamber must reach for proper steam sterilization?

$121^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($250^{\circ}\text{F}$).

What is the primary factor a medical assistant should consider when scheduling an appointment for an established patient?

The amount of time required based on the reason for the visit.

Which artery should a medical assistant palpate to manually obtain an adult patient's pulse?

The radial artery.

Which section of a written prescription contains the directions for the patient regarding medication intake?

The Sig.

What action should a medical assistant take when applying EKG electrodes to a patient who is sweating profusely?

Ensure the skin is clean and dry.

Which developmental screening assessment tool should be used during a well-child visit for a 2-month-old infant?

The Denver II Developmental Screening test.

What resource should a medical assistant recommend to a guardian of a pediatric patient who cannot afford care and does not qualify for Medicaid?

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Which artifact appears on an EKG tracing if the patient moves or shivers during recording?

Somatic tremor.

What hygiene instruction must a patient follow before undergoing a mammogram?

Do not apply any deodorant before the procedure.

In which position should a medical assistant place a venipuncture patient who has a history of syncope during blood draws?

Supine position.

What fasting instruction should be provided to a patient scheduled for a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)?

Do not eat for $8\,\text{hours}$ prior to the test.

How should a medical assistant classify a patient's statement, "I am having crushing chest pain"?

As a symptom.

Which anatomical location is used to perform a skinfold body fat caliper measurement?

The triceps.

What is the minimum rate of chest compressions per minute a rescuer should perform during adult CPR?

$100$ compressions per minute.

Which organization should a medical assistant consult if they have questions about accreditation standards for a provider's office?

The Joint Commission.

What specific clinical information must be included on the laboratory requisition for a wound culture specimen?

Recent antibiotic use.

Which bandaging technique provides support to an injured joint when dressing an ankle?

Figure 8 technique.

How should a medical assistant verify a patient's understanding after providing health instructions?

Ask the patient to repeat the information back.

Which sterile instrument is necessary when assisting with a postoperative suture removal procedure?

Sterile thumb dressing forceps.

Which microorganism is the causative bacterial agent of syphilis?

Treponema pallidum.

Which additive is present inside the vacuum collection tube used for a PT/INR test?

Sodium citrate.

In which section of a SOAP progress note should a medical assistant document the patient's chief complaint?

Subjective section.

How is the diastolic blood pressure reading identified when using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer?

Deflate the cuff slowly until the last sound is heard.

How should hinged surgical instruments be positioned when wrapping them for autoclave sterilization?

In the open, unlocked position.

What needle angle and bevel orientation should a medical assistant use when performing venipuncture?

Bevel up with a $15^{\circ}$ angle.

What instruction should a medical assistant provide to a patient collecting a clean-catch midstream urine sample?

Void a small amount into the toilet before voiding into the collection cup.

According to the routine order of draw, which tube color is drawn last: Yellow, Light Blue, Red, or Gray?

Gray.

What solution should a medical assistant use to irrigate a contaminated, jagged laceration?

Sterile normal saline.

What is the recommended dilution ratio of household bleach to water for disinfecting blood spills on surfaces?

$1:10$ dilution.

How should a medical assistant correct an error made in a paper medical record?

Draw a single line through the error.

Which two anthropometric criteria are required to determine a patient's Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Height and weight.

What should a medical assistant do if a coworker reaches across a prepared sterile field?

Break down the tray and start over.

Which needle gauge range is selected for an intradermal injection?

$25$ to $28\,\text{gauge}$.

How far from the umbilicus should a medical assistant administer a subcutaneous abdominal insulin injection?

$2\,\text{inches}$.

Where is the precordial lead V2 electrode positioned on the patient's chest?

The left side of the sternum, fourth intercostal space.

Where is the precordial lead V4 electrode positioned on the patient's chest?

The left side of the chest, fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line.

Which limb corresponds to the black lead in standard 12-lead EKG placement?

The left arm.

Which type of artifact is displayed on this EKG tracing?

Wandering baseline.

How should a medical assistant convert a patient's weight from pounds into kilograms?

Divide the weight by $2.2$.

Which blood glucose level represents a critical value that must be reported to the provider immediately?

$500\,\text{mg/dL}$.

Which procedure requires two medical assistants to witness and execute in order to comply with legal regulations?

Disposal of excess controlled substances.

What is the proper technique for removing surgical staples using a sterile staple remover?

Place the lower tip of the sterile staple remover under the staple and squeeze the handle together until completely closed.

If a new multidose vial of insulin is opened on July 1st, what expiration date should be documented on the vial?

July 29th (28 days after opening).

What is the priority emergency response when caring for a patient with a severe, fourth-degree burn?

Call 911.

What scheduling system schedules three patients at the top of each hour to be seen in the order in which they arrive?

Wave scheduling.