Family and Internal Medicine Medical Assisting (MA) Comprehensive Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering vital signs, laboratory diagnostics, phlebotomy, pharmacology, injections, EKG lead placement, abbreviations, and clinical workflows for Medical Assistants.

Systolic Blood Pressure

The top number in a blood pressure reading reflecting the pressure exerted against arterial walls when the heart contracts (pumps).

Diastolic Blood Pressure

The bottom number in a blood pressure reading representing the arterial pressure when the heart relaxes (rests) between contractions.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

A parameter estimating average organ perfusion calculated using the formula: $\text{MAP} = \text{Diastolic} + \frac{1}{3}(\text{Systolic} - \text{Diastolic})$, with a normal range of approximately $70\text{--}100\,\text{mmHg}$.

Normal Adult Vital Signs

Baseline physiological ranges defined as: Blood Pressure $<120/80\,\text{mmHg}$, Pulse $60\text{--}100\,\text{bpm}$, Respirations $12\text{--}20/\text{min}$, Temperature $97\text{--}99^\circ\text{F}\,(36.1\text{--}37.2^\circ\text{C})$, and $\text{SpO}_2\; 95\text{--}100\%$.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A blood pressure classification defined by a systolic reading of $120\text{--}129\,\text{mmHg}$ with a diastolic reading of $<80\,\text{mmHg}$.

Stage 1 Hypertension

A classification characterized by a systolic blood pressure between $130\text{--}139\,\text{mmHg}$ or a diastolic blood pressure between $80\text{--}89\,\text{mmHg}$.

Stage 2 Hypertension

A clinical classification defined by a systolic blood pressure $\ge 140\,\text{mmHg}$ or a diastolic blood pressure $\ge 90\,\text{mmHg}$.

Severe Hypertension / Hypertensive Crisis

An emergency elevation in blood pressure where the reading is $>180\,\text{mmHg}$ systolic and/or $>120\,\text{mmHg}$ diastolic, requiring urgent provider notification.

Blood Pressure Cuff Sizing Rule

A measurement standard specifying that the inflatable bladder of the blood pressure cuff must encircle approximately $80\%$ of the patient's arm circumference.

Tachycardia

An adult resting heart rate exceeding $100\,\text{bpm}$.

Bradycardia

An adult resting heart rate falling below $60\,\text{bpm}$ (or under $50\,\text{bpm}$ unless the patient is an athlete).

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A diagnostic blood panel evaluating cellular components—white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), and platelets (Plt)—to detect infection, anemia, fatigue, and bleeding.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A broad blood test that assesses electrolyte concentrations, renal function, hepatic enzyme activity, total proteins, and glucose levels.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

A targeted chemistry blood panel measuring electrolytes (sodium, potassium), renal markers (BUN, creatinine, eGFR), and blood glucose.

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)

A lab test providing an average measure of blood sugar levels over the preceding $2\text{--}3\,\text{months}$; normal is $<5.7\%$, prediabetes is $5.7\text{--}6.4\%$, and diabetes is $\ge 6.5\%$.

Lipid Panel

A fasting blood test measuring total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL, good cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, bad cholesterol), and triglycerides (TG) to gauge cardiovascular risk.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid function; high levels typically indicate hypothyroidism, while low levels suggest hyperthyroidism (normal range: $0.4\text{--}4.0\,\text{mIU/L}$).

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

A protein measured in the blood to screen for prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, routinely discussed with men aged $50+$ (or earlier if high risk).

DEXA / DXA Scan

A specialized bone density imaging examination utilized to evaluate bone health, assess fracture risk, and screen for osteoporosis or osteopenia (recommended for women aged $65+$).

CLSI Order of Draw

The standard phlebotomy sequence for drawing blood collection tubes: 1) Blood Cultures, 2) Light Blue (Sodium Citrate), 3) Serum / Gold / Red, 4) Green (Heparin), 5) Lavender (EDTA), 6) Pink (EDTA), 7) Gray (Fluoride/Oxalate).

Lavender Top Tube

A phlebotomy tube containing the anticoagulant EDTA, commonly drawn for complete blood counts (CBC) and hemoglobin A1C testing.

Light Blue Top Tube

A phlebotomy tube containing sodium citrate, routinely collected for coagulation assessments including PT/INR and PTT/aPTT.

Green Top Tube

A blood collection tube containing heparin additive, utilized primarily for specific plasma chemistry examinations.

Serum Tubes (Red / Gold / Tiger)

Collection tubes with or without clot activators/gel separators used to obtain serum for a wide range of chemistry panels and serology tests.

Deltoid Muscle Injection Site

An intramuscular (IM) site located $2\text{--}3$ finger widths below the acromion process, commonly used for vaccines with a maximum recommended volume of $1\,\text{mL}$.

Vastus Lateralis Injection Site

An intramuscular site located in the middle third of the outer thigh, selected primarily for pediatric infants and larger IM doses in adults.

Ventrogluteal Injection Site

An intramuscular site identified within the V-shape between the anterior superior iliac spine (hip bone) and the greater trochanter, preferred for deep and larger volume IM medications.

Intramuscular (IM) Injection Angle

A needle insertion angle perpendicular to the skin surface at exactly $90^\circ$.

Subcutaneous (SQ) Injection Angle

A needle insertion angle targeting subcutaneous adipose tissue at $45^\circ$.

Intradermal (ID) Injection Angle

A shallow needle entry directly under the epidermis into the dermis at an angle of $10\text{--}15^\circ$.

Deltoid IM Needle Specifications

Standard needle parameters of $22\text{--}25\,\text{G}$ gauge and $1\,\text{inch}$ length for adult intramuscular administration.

Subcutaneous Needle Specifications

Standard needle dimensions of $25\text{--}30\,\text{G}$ gauge and $\frac{5}{8}\,\text{inch}$ length.

Refrigerated Vaccine Storage Range

The mandated cold-chain temperature boundary maintained between $36^\circ\text{F}\text{ and }46^\circ\text{F}\,(2^\circ\text{C}\text{--}8^\circ\text{C})$.

Precordial Lead V1 Placement

The exact anatomical positioning in the 4th intercostal space (ICS) at the right sternal border.

Precordial Lead V2 Placement

The exact anatomical positioning in the 4th intercostal space (ICS) at the left sternal border.

Precordial Lead V4 Placement

The exact anatomical placement located at the 5th intercostal space (ICS) along the midclavicular line.

Precordial Lead V5 Placement

The electrode placement positioned horizontally level with Lead V4 along the anterior axillary line.

Precordial Lead V6 Placement

The electrode placement aligned horizontally with Lead V4 along the midaxillary line.

EKG Limb Lead Color Standards

A 12-lead limb wire convention: Right Arm (RA) = White, Left Arm (LA) = Black, Right Leg (RL) = Green, and Left Leg (LL) = Red.

Sterile Field Boundary Rule

A surgical asepsis standard stipulating that only items positioned above the waist and within the perimeter borders of the field are considered sterile.

Chain of Infection

The sequential cycle required for disease transmission: Infectious Agent $\rightarrow$ Reservoir $\rightarrow$ Portal of Exit $\rightarrow$ Transmission $\rightarrow$ Portal of Entry $\rightarrow$ Susceptible Host.

BE FAST

A stroke identification acronym assessing acute neurological deficits: Balance loss, Eyes/visual disturbances, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911.

The 15-15 Rule

An emergency protocol for managing hypoglycemia ($<70\,\text{mg/dL}$): administer $15\,\text{g}$ of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait $15\,\text{minutes}$, and recheck blood glucose.

CHF Daily Weight Reporting Thresholds

Clinical weight gain triggers requiring immediate provider notification: an increase of $2\text{--}3\,\text{lbs}$ within $1\,\text{day}$ or $5\,\text{lbs}$ over the course of $1\,\text{week}$.

OD and OS

Ophthalmic documentation abbreviations denoting Oculus Dexter (Right Eye, OD) and Oculus Sinister (Left Eye, OS).

PHQ-9

A nine-question validated behavioral health screening tool for clinical depression; scores of $9$ or higher prompt comprehensive evaluation by the healthcare provider.

GAD-7

A standardized clinical screening assessment instrument used to evaluate generalized anxiety disorder.

-pril

The common pharmacological drug name suffix designating Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril).

-sartan

The pharmacological drug ending identifying Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) utilized to treat hypertension (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan).

-olol

The distinguishing drug suffix indicating Beta Blockers prescribed for hypertension, rate control, and heart disease (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol).

-dipine

The pharmaceutical stem ending designating Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine).

-statin

The drug class suffix identifying HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors prescribed to lower cholesterol and mitigate cardiovascular risk (e.g., Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin).

-prazole

The pharmacological ending denoting Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) used for GERD and acid peptic disorders, most effective when taken $30\text{--}60\,\text{minutes}$ prior to meals.

Metformin

A first-line biguanide oral antihyperglycemic medication that lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Albuterol

A short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) bronchodilator utilized for rapid symptom relief in acute asthma and COPD bronchospasm.

Levothyroxine

A synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy (brand names Synthroid, Levoxyl) prescribed for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

STAT

A clinical order abbreviation indicating that a test, procedure, or medication must be carried out immediately.

NPO

A Latin medical abbreviation (nil per os) directing that a patient take nothing by mouth.

PRN

A prescription administration directive (pro re nata) indicating that a medication should be administered as needed.

Normal Serum Potassium Range

The physiological baseline concentration of blood potassium defined between $3.5\text{ and }5.0\,\text{mEq/L}$.