NHA CCMA Module 4: General Patient Care Part 1

What is the primary purpose of a sphygmomanometer?

It is used to measure blood pressure.

What instrument is used to measure oxygen saturation in the blood?

A pulse oximeter.

An otoscope is used to examine the interior of the _____, especially the _____.

ear; eardrum and ear canal

What instrument is used to examine the interior of the eye, particularly the retina?

An ophthalmoscope.

According to cleaning protocols, when should surfaces like counters, chairs, and exam tables be cleaned?

They should be cleaned at the beginning and end of each day and between patients.

What piece of equipment is commonly used in cardiology to monitor a patient's heart's electrical activity over a period of time, often 24 hours?

A Holter monitor.

What is the common screening procedure in obstetrics and gynecology that collects cells from the cervix for analysis?

A Pap test (or Pap smear).

What handheld device measures the fastest rate at which a patient can exhale, often used for asthma patients?

A peak flow meter.

What is the first step a medical assistant should take when beginning an interaction with a patient?

Introduce themselves and identify the patient.

Which patient examination position involves the patient lying flat on their back with knees bent and feet flat on the table?

Dorsal recumbent.

The _____ position requires the patient to sit on the examination table with the head of the table raised to a 90-degree angle.

Fowler's

What is the Semi-Fowler's position?

A modified Fowler's position where the head of the table is at a 45-degree angle.

For which types of examinations is the lithotomy position primarily used?

Vaginal examinations, pelvic exams, and for obtaining cell samples of the cervix.

The prone position requires the patient to lie face _____, flat on the stomach.

down

What is another name for the left lateral position?

Sims' position.

The knee-chest position is used for proctologic exams, sigmoidoscopy procedures, and what other type of exam?

Rectal and vaginal exams.

Medication administered by injection, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, is known as the _____ route.

parenteral

Where is a sublingual medication placed for administration?

Under the tongue.

What is the route of administration for medication placed between the cheek and gums for rapid absorption?

Buccal.

A subcutaneous injection administers medication into which layer of tissue?

The adipose (fat) layer below the skin.

An intramuscular (IM) injection administers medication directly into the _____.

muscle

What is the formula used for calculating medication dosage?

X = (D/H) x Q, where D is desired dose, H is dose on hand, and Q is quantity.

How many pounds are in one kilogram, a conversion often needed for weight-based dosage calculations?

1 kg = 2.2 lb.

What is the 'three before' rule for checking medication?

Check the label when taking the medication from the shelf, when preparing it, and when returning it to the shelf.

The right _____ refers to ensuring the medication is in the correct form, such as a tablet, liquid, or suppository.

form

When administering certain medications like digoxin, what 'right technique' must a medical assistant perform first?

Take an apical pulse to ensure the patient's pulse is not less than 60.

What should the patient be instructed to do during eye instillation to prevent blinking?

Look toward the ceiling with both eyes open.

How should the auricle (outer ear) be pulled for an ear instillation in an adult patient?

Upward and outward.

How should the auricle (outer ear) be pulled for an ear instillation in an infant or child?

Downward and backward.

What is a severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction called?

Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.

What is considered the first line of treatment for a patient experiencing anaphylactic shock?

Epinephrine, often administered via an autoinjector (EpiPen).

After administering any medication, especially an injection, how long should the patient be asked to wait for observation of adverse reactions?

20 to 30 minutes.

What is the term for the complete destruction of all micro-organisms through specific means?

Sterilization.

Semi-critical devices, such as endoscopes, come in contact with mucous membranes and require what level of cleaning?

High-level disinfection or sterilization.

How must used, unsterile needles be disposed of?

They should be immediately disposed of in a sharps container, uncapped.

The higher the needle's gauge, the _____ the lumen (opening).

smaller or narrower

What is the appropriate angle of injection for an intradermal (ID) administration, such as a TB test?

5 to 15 degrees.

A bubble or _____ that forms below the skin is expected after a correctly administered intradermal injection.

wheal

What is the appropriate angle of injection for an intramuscular (IM) administration?

90 degrees.

What is the maximum amount of medication that should be administered in a single injection into the deltoid muscle?

No more than 1 mL.

Which intramuscular injection site is located on the lateral side of the thigh and is recommended for children younger than 3 years of age?

Vastus lateralis.

The _____ site is located on the outer hip, is free of major nerves and blood vessels, and can hold up to 3 mL of medication.

ventrogluteal

What is the appropriate angle of injection for a subcutaneous (SC) administration?

45 degrees.

What is the typical needle gauge range for an intramuscular (IM) injection?

18 to 25 G.

What is the typical needle gauge range for a subcutaneous (SC) injection?

25 to 31 G.

What is the typical needle gauge range for an intradermal (ID) injection?

25 to 26 G.

What must be injected into a vial before medication can be withdrawn to prevent a vacuum from forming?

An amount of air equal to the desired volume of medication.

What type of needle must be used when withdrawing medication from a glass ampule?

A filter needle.

A _____ syringe is a narrow syringe with a capacity of 0.5 mL or 1 mL, calibrated in hundredths of a milliliter, used for skin testing.

tuberculin

Insulin syringes are calibrated in _____ and must be matched to the strength of the insulin being used (e.g., U-100).

units

Controlled substances must be stored in a securely locked cabinet or room, and many practices use a _____ system for storage.

double-lock

What is the required temperature range for storing refrigerated medications?

2° to 8° C (35° to 46° F).

A _____, or medication administration record, is a legal record of the medications administered to a patient.

MAR

During eye irrigation, the sterile solution should flow from the _____ canthus to the _____ canthus.

inner; outer

What is the purpose of using an otoscope before performing an ear irrigation?

To ensure the eardrum is intact and to check for the location of cerumen or a foreign body.

What is the primary advantage of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems?

They reduce the potential for human error by preventing transcription errors, misplaced decimals, and illegible handwriting.

In the context of EMR/EHR, a CDSS is often paired with a CPOE system. What does CDSS stand for?

Clinical Decision Support System.

What is the general term for a type of service that uses video calling and other technologies to provide patient care at a remote location?

Telehealth.

What type of pharmacy prepares and dispenses intricate medications for complex conditions, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS?

A specialty pharmacy.

The process of combining, mixing, or altering two or more drugs or ingredients to create a medication tailored to a patient's needs is called _____.

compounding

In a patient's medical record, where would you find information such as advance directives and consent forms?

In the administrative data section.

A spirometry report, EKG report, and Holter monitor report would be filed in which section of the clinical portion of a patient's medical record?

The diagnostic procedures section.

Health care providers are required by law to report cases of certain communicable and infectious diseases to which government agencies?

Local and state government agencies.

How should a medical assistant respect a patient's privacy when preparing to enter an occupied exam room?

Knock, announce themselves, and ask for permission to enter.

When interacting with older adult patients, what should a medical assistant avoid doing to show respect?

Using affectionate terms like "sweetie" or "honey," as they may be seen as condescending.

Examination rooms must be designed to meet standards established by what federal act?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In the supine position, where should a pillow be placed to help alleviate lower back problems?

Under the knees.

The Semi-Fowler's position is often used for postoperative exams and for patients with what type of health issue?

Breathing difficulties or lower back injuries.

A medication's _____ name is the official name assigned by the USAN Council and is not capitalized.

generic

One of the 'rights' of medication administration is 'Right Documentation'. When should this documentation occur?

Always after administering a medication, never before.

What is the term for medication that is administered orally, given by mouth to be delivered to the gastrointestinal tract?

Nonparenteral, or enteral.

After giving an injection, if bleeding is present, what should be used to apply pressure or hold at the site?

Gauze.

How does aspirating before an IM injection help ensure patient safety?

It helps to ensure that the needle tip is not located in a blood vessel.