Medical Science Terminology

scope of practice

the processes and procedures a MA is allowed to do working under the doctor/physician’s license

American Association of Medical Assistants

establishes standards and expectations of a Medical Assistant

descibe the character traits of a good medical assistant

dependablity, honesty, tolerant, punctual, comfortable saying “I don’t know.”

describe the Medical Assistant Code of Ethics

admit mistakes, stay within scope, stay up to speed

what are some roles of a MA in a physician office?

schedule appointments, maintain records, collect and process specimens, assist physician, administer medicine, administer first aid

what would an MA’s responsiblity be when handling office management?

paying bills, inventory, risk management, record keeping

Describe the communication process.

sender—> message—>channel—->reciever—> feedback (repeat)

_______ communication is typically more formal than verbal.

written

What are some examples of a distracting environment while attempting to converse with a patient?

lack of privacy, interruptions, pain

How can we let a patient know we are listening to what they are saying?

active listening

What are examples of active listening that are displayed by body language?

eye contact, nodding, leaning forward

Due to certain impairments or cultural differences, what should an MA do before anything?

narrate actions, confirm clarification, ask for consent

Define and give an example of closed questions.

yes or no, one answer/ answer varies

Define and give an example of open questions.

typically a description/ answer varies

Describe ways we can clarify things that are said by the patient, MA, or physician.

paraphrase, reflect, translate, summarize

What kind of responses should we avoid while communicating with a patient? Are there any exceptions?

avoid interruptions, disapproval/blame, don’t challange patient/ only interrupt if patient is taking too much of your time

If you go to talk to a patient and they are twiddling with their clothes or fingers, what can we assume?

they are nervous or scared

How can we read a person by how they hold themselves or let themself sit?

slouching typically means relaxed or uninterested/ straight or leaning forward means interested.

How do a MA’s duties vary by setting?

hospitals may be more patient oriented than a clinic which may include management duties

How can we handle a patient with hearing impairment?

talk loudly or get an interpreter

Is it acceptable to challenge a patients claims when there is suspected abuse?

no, it its better to ask if they are in a safe, stable environment

How do gesture clusters paint a picture? What can help us put them together?

gestures let us know how an individual handles certain situations, we can pair them with their words or actions to let us know how they feel

What problems could occur if some of a patient’s needs are fulfilled before others of more importance?

unfulfilled, stressed, quicker/higher drops

How can we remember the difference between anarobe and aerobe?

“aero” means air and “ana” means without

What are some places on the human body that provide the perfect environment for microorganism growth?

armpits, ears, nose, feet

How does proximity mimic relationship? Give an example.

proximity mimics emotional closeness, ex. strangers stay far, friends and family are close

In the case of a language barrier, what should you do? What is one thing you should not?

get an interpreter, DO NOT ALLOW CHILD TO INTERPRET

Describe Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.

1) food, water, shelter

2) financial and physical security

3) relationships and belonging

4) respect and self-esteem

5) self actualization “woah im actually goated, if i continue thriving ill be even more goated”

Describe the Greiving Process.

denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance

What are some ego defense mechanisms that an MA might see in patients?

repression, rationalization, compensation, projection, sarcasm, procrastination

What is Medical Asepsis?

the practice of keeping a surface or area free from microorganisms

What are four classifications of microorganisms?

virus, bacteria, fungi, protist

Microorganisms that do not cause an individual harm.

resident flora

Microorganisms that can cause harm/disease.

transient flora/ pathogen

Describe the Infection Process Cycle

reservior host, means of exit, means of transmission, means of entry, susceptible host, repeat

How can the skin break the Infection Process Cycle?

by preventing the means of entry

What are the three components of hand washing that guarantee clean, microorganism free hands?

soap, water, friction

What is the difference between regular hand soap and antiseptic hand wash?

both clean you hands but antiseptic hand wash leaves a film on your hands that discourages the growth of microorganisms for a short amount of time

-globin

protein of the blood

-al

pertaining to

ling/o

tongue/ language

my/o

muscle

macro-

large

micro-

small

bronch/o

pertaining to lungs

hypo-

below

hyper

above

pre/pro

before

post

after

-scope

visual

a/an

without

sclero

hard(ening)

-ology

the study of

bio-

life

-osis

condition

-pathy

disease

anti-

against

-stasis

state of balance

-emia

blood

phage

engulf

poly

multiple

cyan

blue

melan

black

erythr/o

red

jaund

yellow

chlor

green

leuk

white

-itis

inflammation

cyt

cell

bi

two

tri

three

resident flora

microorganisms native to an indivual

transient flora

foreign microorganisms

cilia

small hair like structures that move fluids

hydrochloric acid

stomach acid, breaks down food

mucous membranes

sinus, throat, eyes, lungs, etc

reservoir host

individual carrying infectious microorganism

means of exit

mouth, eyes, nose, ears, biohazard

means of transmission

direct contact, droplet infection

means of entry

mucus mebranes, reusing sharps, coughing, sneezing

susceptible host

indivdual at risk of infectious microorganism

Why do most medical establishments use nitrile or vinyl gloves?

latex allergies

What is the success rate of gloves preventing contamination?

70-80%

Describe the reaction of a mild allergic reaction to latex.

urticaria, redness, itching

Describe the reaction of a severe allergic reaction to latex.

anaphylaxis, trouble breathing, swelling,

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

Describe all pieces of PPE

gloves, gown, mask, goggles/shield, (hairnet) (booties)

Describe the correct order of donning on.

gown, mask, goggles/shield, (hairnet, booties), gloves

Describe the correct order of doffing.

gloves, gown, goggles/shield, (hairnet, booties), mask

cardi-

heart

respir-

lungs/breathing

thromb

clot

pnea

breathing

urticaria

hives