Medical Assistant Practice Test 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from Medical Assistant review notes on clinical/administrative responsibilities, patient communication, vital signs, and human growth and development theories.

Ambulatory Care

A walk-in clinic or urgent care setting where a Medical Assistant performs both administrative and clinical tasks.

Allowed Clinical Tasks for MAs

Clinical tasks that Medical Assistants are permitted to perform, including blood draws, vital signs, vaccines, documenting the patient reason for visit, and assisting with procedures.

Prohibited Clinical Tasks for MAs

Tasks that Medical Assistants are not allowed to perform, including anything requiring medical decision making, IV medication administration, and narcotic administration.

Patient Care Tech

The job title for a Medical Assistant who works in a hospital setting rather than an ambulatory clinic, whose tasks do not include medication administration.

Scope of Practice

The responsibilities that are within the knowledge, training, and legal definition of a profession.

Professionalism Attributes for MAs

Key qualities expected of an MA, including punctuality, dependability, integrity, respect, honesty, appropriate communication, and following workplace rules for proper grooming.

CCMA Certification Requirements

Requirements set by the NHA to obtain CCMA certification, which include completing an approved course and completing $10$ CEUs every $2$ years.

Steps of Effective Communication

The three sequential stages of communication: Sending message, Receiving message, and Providing Feedback.

Subjective Information

Information reported directly by the patient, consisting of patient complaints (symptoms).

Objective Information

Factual information that the MA can observe using sight, hearing, touch, or smell (signs).

Signs

Objective facts gathered during patient assessment that the MA can see, hear, feel, or smell.

Symptoms

Subjective descriptions and complaints expressed directly by the patient.

Cliche

An overused phrase that carries no real meaning.

Verbal Communication

Communication conveyed through sounds, written words, or spoken words.

Nonverbal Communication

Communication expressed through physical actions rather than words, such as holding an injured body part, pointing to where it hurts, or wincing.

Bias

A preconceived idea that can be either positive or negative.

Radial Pulse

A pulse taken on the thumb side of the wrist, with a normal adult range of $60-100\text{ BPM}$.

Physiological Needs

Needs required for life; according to Maslow, the five basic physiological needs are air/shelter, food, water, activity, and rest/comfort (free from pain).

Need for Self-Actualization

The level in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs focused on fulfilling one's potential, such as seeking opportunities to learn new things.

Erik Erikson's Developmental Theory

A theory of human development proposing that a specific crisis must be managed at each developmental stage.

Erikson Stage: Infants

The stage characterized by Trust vs. Mistrust, where developmental progress moves from the head downward.

Erikson Stage: Toddlers

The stage characterized by Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt, in which children learn to do things on their own and may throw tantrums.

Erikson Stage: Preadolescents and Adolescents

The developmental stage characterized by Identity vs. Role Confusion.