High Yield MA Material

Hand hygiene technique

Wash for at least 20 seconds, pointing hands downward.

Sanitization

Washing with soap and water to remove visible debris.

Disinfection

Destroying pathogens (except spores) using a 1:10 bleach solution.

Sterilization

Destroying all microbial life, including spores, using an autoclave.

PPE donning order

Gown, mask, goggles, then gloves.

PPE doffing order

Gloves, goggles, gown, then mask.

Airborne precautions

Requires an N95 mask for diseases like Tuberculosis.

Fowler's position

Sitting at a 45-60 degree angle for respiratory distress.

Sims' position

Lying on left side, right knee flexed, for rectal exams.

Venipuncture angle

Insert needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle.

Tourniquet time limit

Maximum of 1 minute to avoid hemoconcentration.

Somatic tremor

Jagged EKG peaks caused by muscle movement or shivering.

Wandering baseline

Drifting EKG line caused by loose electrodes or lotion.

Lead V₁ placement

Fourth intercostal space, right of the sternum.

Intradermal injection

Inserted at 10-15 degrees to create a wheal.

Wave scheduling

Multiple patients scheduled at top of hour; seen by arrival.

CCMA role in informed consent

Witnessing the patient's signature only.

Implied consent

Indicated by actions, such as extending an arm for phlebotomy.

What is the chain of infection?

Infectious Agent → Reservoir → Portal of Exit → Mode of Transmission → Portal of Entry → Susceptible Host.

Droplet Precautions

Standard surgical mask required within 3 feet (e.g., Influenza, Pertussis).

Contact Precautions

Gloves and gown required (e.g., C. diff, Scabies)

Normal Blood Pressure Range

Below 120/80 mmHg

Hypertension Stage One Range

130-139/80-89 mmHg

Normal Heart Rate Range

60-100 bpm

Normal Respiration Range

12-20 breaths/min

Normal Temperature

98.6°F (37°C)

Lithotomy Position

Feet in stirrups. Used for pelvic and gynecological exams

Trendelenburg Position

Feet elevated above head. Used for shock or severe hypotension

AC Interference

Thick, fuzzy line caused by nearby electrical wires or devices

Lead V₂ placement

4th intercostal space, left of sternum.

Lead V₃ placement

Midway between V₂ and V₄.

Lead V₄ placement

5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line.

Lead V₅ placement

5th intercostal space, left anterior axillary line.

Lead V₆ placement

5th intercostal space, left midaxillary line.

Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection

45° angle (90° for insulin/heparin). Back of arm or abdomen.

Intramuscular (IM) injection

90° angle. Deltoid, Ventrogluteal, or Vastus Lateralis (preferred for infants).

Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion formula

F = (C × 9/5) + 32

Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion formula

C = (F - 32) × 5/9

1 kg

2.2 lbs

1 tsp

5 mL

1 tbsp

15 mL

1 oz

30 mL

Order of draw 1: Blood Culture

Additive: SPS (Surgical broth). Common Tests: Bacterial growth.

Order of draw 2: Light Blue

Additive: Sodium Citrate. Common Tests: Coagulation (PT/INR, PTT).

Order of draw 3: Red / Tiger / Gold

Additive: No additive / Gel activator. Common Tests: Serum chemistry, lipids.

Order of draw 4: Green

Additive: Heparin. Common Tests: Plasma chemistry, ammonia.

Order of draw 5: Lavender / Pink

Additive: EDTA. Common Tests: CBC, HgbA1c, Type & Cross.

Order of draw 6: Gray

Additive: Sodium Fluoride / Pot. Oxalate. Common Tests: Glucose, Blood alcohol.

What is the Order of Draw?

Yellow, light blue, red, green, lavender, gray

Neutrophils

bacterial infection, acute inflammation

lymphocytes

immune response, antibody production

Eosinophils

allergies, parasites

monocytes

phagocytosis, chronic inflammation

basophils

histamine, inflammatory response

What does AC mean?

before meals

What does PC mean?

after meals