MA EXAM - medium yield

What is the purpose of medical documentation?

To create a legal record and ensure continuity of care

What is the main function of white blood cells?

Fight infection and protect the body

What is the difference between a signed consent and implied consent?

Signed consent is written and documented; implied consent is inferred from patient actions

What is the anatomical term for the collarbone?

Clavicle

What is the function of platelets?

Help with blood clotting

What is the average adult body temperature in Fahrenheit?

98.6°F

What is the typical site for a vastus lateralis injection?

Anterolateral thigh

What is the role of the medical assistant in specimen collection?

Properly label, collect, and transport specimens

What is the difference between acute and chronic illnesses?

Acute is sudden onset and short duration; chronic is long-lasting

What is the definition of anaphylaxis?

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction

What is the standard gauge needle used for intradermal injections?

25 to 27 gauge

What is the difference between subjective and objective data?

Subjective data is reported by the patient; objective data is observed/measured

What are the common sites for intramuscular injections?

Deltoid, vastus lateralis, and ventrogluteal muscles

What is the purpose of a medical record?

To document patient health history and treatments

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

Assist with instruments and prepare the sterile field

What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Sterilization kills all microorganisms; disinfection reduces them

What does the abbreviation “NPO” mean?

Nothing by mouth

What is the purpose of the gluteus medius muscle in injections?

It is the site for the ventrogluteal injection

What is the normal adult fasting blood glucose level?

70 to 100 mg/dL

What is the difference between the dorsal and ventral body cavities?

Dorsal contains the brain and spinal cord; ventral contains thoracic and abdominal organs

What is the most common vein used for venipuncture?

Median cubital vein

What is the correct procedure for disposing of biohazard waste?

Place in designated biohazard containers

What is the function of the kidneys?

Filter waste from the blood and produce urine

What is the medical term for red blood cells?

Erythrocytes

What is the role of calcium in the body?

Helps with bone formation and muscle contraction

What is the meaning of the abbreviation “qhs”?

At bedtime

What is the difference between an acute and chronic infection?

Acute is rapid onset and short duration; chronic is prolonged and persistent

What is the normal pH range of urine?

4.6 to 8.0

What is the first step when preparing a sterile field?

Wash hands and put on sterile gloves

What is the medical term for inflammation of the liver?

Hepatitis

What is the function of the small intestine?

Absorbs nutrients from digested food

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

Systolic is pressure during heart contraction; diastolic is pressure during relaxation

What is the typical adult resting heart rate?

60 to 100 beats per minute

What is the medical term for low platelet count?

Thrombocytopenia

What is the procedure for cleaning a contaminated spill?

Use appropriate disinfectant and follow safety protocols

What is the function of insulin?

Regulates blood glucose levels

What does the abbreviation “q4h” mean?

Every 4 hours

What is the function of the pancreas?

Produces insulin and digestive enzymes

What is the medical term for difficulty swallowing?

Dysphagia

What is the appropriate way to handle a specimen that needs refrigeration?

Place it in a sealed container and refrigerate immediately

What is the role of the medical assistant in medication administration?

Prepare and administer medications as directed by provider

What is the normal adult respiratory rate?

12 to 20 breaths per minute

What is the difference between a complete and partial bath?

Complete bath involves cleaning the entire body; partial bath cleans only certain areas

What is the medical term for high blood sugar?

Hyperglycemia

What is the proper procedure for EKG lead placement?

Place leads according to anatomical landmarks and secure firmly

What is the purpose of medical ethics?

To guide professional conduct and decision-making

What is the meaning of the abbreviation “prn”?

As needed

What is the function of the liver?

Detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs

What is the medical term for difficulty breathing?

Dyspnea

What is the importance of patient confidentiality?

Protects patient privacy and complies with legal regulations

What is the typical gauge needle for venipuncture?

21-23 gauge

What is the proper way to collect a throat culture specimen?

Use a sterile swab to collect from the tonsillar area and posterior pharynx

What is the role of the medical assistant in CPR?

Perform chest compressions and assist as trained

What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Acute pain is sudden and short-term; chronic pain lasts longer and may persist

What is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid?

Edema

What is the normal capillary refill time?

Less than 2 seconds

What is the procedure for applying a sterile dressing?

Clean wound, apply dressing without touching sterile side, secure with tape

What is the medical term for blue discoloration of the skin?

Cyanosis

What is the role of the medical assistant in patient education?

Provide clear instructions and verify understanding

What is the definition of the term “baseline vital signs”?

Initial vital signs used for comparison with future readings

What is the medical term for rapid breathing?

Tachypnea

What is the proper handwashing technique?

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

What is the function of hemoglobin?

Transports oxygen in the blood

What is the normal adult body temperature range in Celsius?

36.1°C to 37.2°C

What is the definition of “polyuria”?

Excessive urination

What is the meaning of the abbreviation “qid”?

Four times a day

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

Place cuff snugly on upper arm, align cuff with brachial artery, inflate and slowly deflate while listening for Korotkoff sounds

What is the role of the medical assistant in specimen processing?

Label, store, and transport specimens properly

What is the medical term for inflammation of the skin?

Dermatitis

What is the purpose of a sputum specimen?

To diagnose respiratory infections

What is the difference between subjective and objective data?

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

What is the meaning of “dorsal”?

Refers to the back side of the body

What is the abbreviation “ac”?

Before meals

What is the medical term for a surgical removal of the appendix?

Appendectomy

What is the role of the medical assistant in assisting with minor surgical procedures?

Prepare instruments and assist the provider during the procedure

What is the normal range for adult blood glucose before meals?

70 to 130 mg/dL

What is the proper technique for donning sterile gloves?

Open glove package without contaminating gloves, use dominant hand to pick up opposite glove, then glove dominant hand

What is the function of red blood cells?

Carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues

What is the meaning of the abbreviation “hs”?

At bedtime

What is the medical term for inflammation of the joints?

Arthritis

What is the proper way to collect a stool specimen?

Use a clean container, avoid contamination with urine, and label properly

What is the role of the medical assistant in vital signs measurement?

Measure accurately and report abnormal findings