Unit 3 Study Guide

Medical Assistant; Chapters 49-52: Questions & Review Questions

What is the difference between a tablet and a capsule?

A tablet is compressed medicine; a capsule has medicine inside a dissolvable shell.

Which medication form releases medicine through the skin over time?

Transdermal patch.

Which medication is inserted into the rectum or vagina?

Suppository.

Which medication form is breathed into the lungs?

Inhalant.

What is a salve used for?

To protect, soothe, or treat the skin.

Why use two patient identifiers?

To make sure medication goes to the correct patient.

Why ask open-ended questions to identify patients?

Patients state their information instead of just saying yes.

How many times should medication labels be checked?

Three times.

What cleans the top of a medication vial?

70% alcohol swab.

What is the final step after giving medication?

Document the medication administration.

When can an MA change an IV bag?

Only if permitted by state law, training, and workplace policy.

Why must patients report herbal supplements?

They may interact with other medications.

What belongs in a medication reference list?

Names, uses, doses, routes, side effects, warnings, and precautions.

What is the intradermal injection angle?

5–15 degrees.

Where is the vastus lateralis muscle?

Outer middle part of the thigh.

Which IM site may be used for larger medication volumes?

Ventrogluteal muscle, when appropriate.

Why is the Z-track technique used?

To prevent medication from leaking into surrounding tissue.

What if blood appears during aspiration when indicated?

Stop, withdraw the needle, and follow facility policy.

What needle lengths are commonly used for IM injections?

1–1½ inches, depending on the patient and site.

What does each small mark on a standard 3-mL syringe mean?

Usually 0.1 mL.

What is a needlestick injury?

An accidental puncture of the skin by a needle.

What do antihypertensive medications do?

Lower high blood pressure.

Which antiarrhythmic class blocks potassium channels?

Class III.

What type of medication is Tegretol?

Anticonvulsant.

What type of medication is Dilantin?

Anticonvulsant.

What type of medication is Zarontin?

Anticonvulsant.

What is Boniva used for?

Treating osteoporosis.

What is Coumadin?

An anticoagulant (blood thinner).

What type of medication is Valium?

Benzodiazepine.

What type of medication is morphine?

Opioid pain medication.

What type of medication is Benadryl?

Antihistamine.

Why stay upright after certain osteoporosis medications?

To prevent irritation of the esophagus.

What is an antineoplastic medication?

A medication used to treat cancer.

What is a local drug effect?

An effect in one specific area.

What is a systemic drug effect?

An effect throughout the body.

Who assigns a drug's trade name?

The manufacturer.

What does DAW stand for?

Dispense as Written.

What is the FDA's role?

Regulates drug safety, effectiveness, and quality.

What is the PDR used for?

Finding medication uses, doses, warnings, and interactions.

What controlled substance schedule includes morphine?

Schedule II.

How many refills are allowed for Schedule IV drugs federally?

Up to five refills within six months.

Why check with a provider before taking OTC medications?

They can interact with medicines or worsen conditions.

What should patients check before disposing of medication?

Label instructions, FDA guidance, or pharmacy take-back options.

What are common influenza symptoms?

Fever, cough, sore throat, aches, headache, and tiredness.

What is another name for rubella?

German measles.

What is another name for varicella?

Chickenpox.

What test may confirm diphtheria?

Throat swab culture.

What dangerous airway problem can Hib cause?

Epiglottitis.

What is an immunization registry?

A system that tracks vaccination records.

What vaccination information must be recorded?

Vaccine, date, dose, route, site, lot, manufacturer, VIS, and administrator.

What is the purpose of a VIS?

Explains vaccine benefits, risks, and safety information.

What is 735 − 468?

267.

What is 425 * 16?

6,800.

What is 2.75 * 6.125?

16.84375.

Order 600 mg; available 200 mg/5 mL. How many mL?

(600/200) * 5 = 15 mL.

Order 400 mg; available 200 mg/10 mL. How many mL?

(400/200) * 10 = 20 mL.

How many cups are in 2 quarts?

8 cups.

How many teaspoons are in 4 tablespoons?

12 teaspoons.

Convert 3 kilometers to meters.

3,000 meters.

What does BID mean?

Twice a day.

What does NPO mean?

Nothing by mouth.

What does buccal mean?

Between the cheek and gum.

What does sublingual mean?

Under the tongue.

Name three medication forms.

Tablets, capsules, and liquids.

What are the six rights of medication administration?

Right patient, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation.

Where is the deltoid injection site?

Upper arm muscle near the shoulder.

What does subcutaneous mean?

Under the skin, into fatty tissue.

What is a generic drug name?

The official, nonbrand name of a medication.

What is a trade drug name?

The brand name given by a manufacturer.

Why are controlled substances divided into schedules?

Based on medical use and potential for misuse or dependence.

What is epiglottitis?

Swelling of the epiglottis that can block breathing.

What is a mixed number?

A whole number and a fraction, such as 2½.

What is an improper fraction?

A fraction with a top number at least as large as the bottom, like 5/2.

What does product mean in math?

The answer to multiplication.

What is the liquid dosage formula?

(Ordered dose/Available dose) * Available volume.