Module 1 - Foundational Knowledge And Basic Science

What is the primary role of a Medical Assistant?

To work alongside a provider in an outpatient or ambulatory setting performing both administrative and clinical duties

How does an MA achieve credentialing?

By passing a national certification exam

What are the five administrative duties of an MA?

Scheduling appointments, patient registration, updating patient records, sending insurance claims, and collecting patient payments

What are the six clinical duties of an MA?

Collecting lab specimens, diagnostic testing, preparing exam rooms, preparing patients for procedures, measuring vital signs, and administering immunizations

What is scope of practice?

A specific set of standards that a medical professional may perform within the limits of their medical license, registration, and/or certification

Does the MA scope of practice include the practice of medicine?

No — MAs should only perform duties they are trained and certified to do

Who does the MA always work

Provider supervision at all times

What year was the formal MA association formed and how many states recognized it?

1956 — recognized by 15 states

What year was the MA profession recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?

1978

What does CMAA stand for?

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant

What does CPT stand for?

Certified Phlebotomy Technician

What does CET stand for?

Certified EKG Technician

What does CBCS stand for?

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist

What does CEHRS stand for?

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist

How long is NHA certification valid and how is it renewed?

Valid for two years — must retake the exam or complete 10 hours of continuing education

As of 2022 does any state require MAs to be licensed?

No — however some states require a license for specific skills such as phlebotomy or EKGs

What is the difference between an MD and a DO?

MDs are allopathic providers focused on diagnosis and treatment. DOs also practice medicine but additionally use osteopathic manipulative therapy and take a holistic approach

How many years of school do physicians complete before residency?

8 years — 4 years undergraduate plus 4 years medical school

Howlong is physician residency?

2 to 7 years

What exam must physicians pass to be licensed?

Parts I, II, and III of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

What are the education requirements for a PA?

4 years of college plus 2 years of PA school

Must a PA always work under supervision?

Yes — always under the direction and supervision of a licensed MD or DO

Can an NP practice independently?

In most states no — but in some states yes they can practice independently

What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

LPN requires 1 year of schooling and has a limited scope of practice. RN requires an associate or bachelor's degree and has a much broader scope of practice

What is inpatient care?

Care that occurs while the patient is admitted to a hospital or facility

What is ambulatory care?

Any care received in an outpatient facility

What is hospice care?

End-of-life care focused on comfort rather than cure for patients with terminal illness

What is the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)?

A care delivery model where a PCP coordinates all aspects of patient care using a team-based approach

What is telehealth?

Health care delivered virtually, most commonly via video call

Name three things appropriate for telehealth

Medication adjustment follow-ups, chronic condition review, patient education, lab result discussions, minor rash evaluation

What is a patient portal?

A feature in electronic health records that allows patients to view their health information, message their care team, and sometimes schedule appointments

What is the fee-for-service model?

A model where providers bill insurance and patients for each individual service provided

What are the four goals of the Quadruple Aim in value-based care?

Improved patient outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, lower cost, and health care professional well-being

What is an HMO?

A plan that contracts with a medical center to provide preventive and acute care; requires referrals to specialists and preauthorization for procedures

What is a PPO?

A plan with more flexibility than an HMO; no PCP required; can see out-of-network providers at a higher cost

Which specialist treats heart and blood vessel diseases?

Cardiologist

Which specialist treats kidney diseases?

Nephrologist

Which specialist treats newborns especially those who are ill or premature?

Neonatologist

Which specialist treats hormonal and glandular conditions including diabetes?

Endocrinologist

Which specialist treats cancer?

Oncologist

What is the difference between a therapeutic effect and a side effect?

Therapeutic effect is the intended good effect of a medication. Side effect is an undesirable but predictable and nearly unavoidable effect

What is the difference between a side effect and an adverse effect?

Side effects are predictable and not harmful. Adverse effects are harmful and unintended and prevent further use of the medication

What is a contraindication?

A condition or symptom that makes a specific treatment or medication inadvisable or dangerous

What is the most common contraindication?

Hypersensitivity — a previous allergic reaction to the medication

What are the five drug schedules?

Schedule I — no medical use, highest abuse potential. Schedule II — high abuse potential, approved medical use. Schedule III — moderate to low dependence. Schedule IV — low abuse potential. Schedule V — lowest, limited narcotics

Give two examples of Schedule II drugs

Morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall, hydrocodone

How must Schedule II prescriptions be signed?

By hand — with exceptions for electronic transmission where permitted by state and federal regulations

How often can Schedule III, IV, and V medications be refilled?

No more than 5 times within 6 months of the issue date

What are the seven rights of medication administration?

Right patient, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, right technique, right documentation

What are the three befores when checking medication?

When taking from storage, when preparing the dose, and when putting the container back or discarding it

How many mL are in 1 teaspoon?

5 mL

How many mL are in 1 tablespoon?

15 mL

How many pounds equal 1 kilogram?

2.2 pounds

What angle is used for intramuscular injections?

90 degrees

What angle is used for intradermal injections?

10 to 15 degrees

What angle is used for subcutaneous injections?

45 degrees

What are the four steps of pharmacokinetics?

Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion

Which organ is the primary organ of metabolism?

The liver

Which patient populations have the least efficient metabolism?

Infants and older adults

What are the six primary nutrients?

Water, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals

How many calories per gram do fats provide?

9 calories per gram

What are the fat-soluble vitamins?

A, D, E, K

What is MyPlate and who developed it?

A nutrition resource developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides personalized food plans based on age, sex, height, weight, and activity level

What are the warning signs of anorexia nervosa?

Self-starvation, excessive fear of weight gain, weight loss of at least 15%, amenorrhea, excessive exercising, unrealistic body image

What is the difference between bulimia and binge eating disorder?

Bulimia involves binging and purging. Binge eating disorder involves chronic overeating without purging

What do analgesics do?

Relieve pain — examples: acetaminophen, hydrocodone, codeine

What do antibiotics do?

Treat bacterial infections — examples: amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole

What do anticoagulants do?

Delay blood clotting — examples: warfarin, apixaban, heparin

What do anticonvulsants do?

Prevent or control seizures — examples: clonazepam, phenytoin, gabapentin

What do antidepressants do?

Relieve depression — examples: fluoxetine, duloxetine, doxepin

What do antidiarrheals do?

Reduce diarrhea — examples: bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide

What do antipyretics do?

Reduce fever — examples: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin

What do antitussives and expectorants do?

Control cough and promote elimination of mucus — examples: dextromethorphan, codeine, guaifenesin

When should medication allergies always be reviewed and updated?

At every visit and prior to any medication administration — allergic reactions can be life-threatening

What is an enteric coating and what is it used for?

A special coating on a medication that prevents it from dissolving in the stomach — used to minimize stomach irritation and allow absorption in the intestines instead

Why should patches be rotated?

To prevent skin irritation and ensure proper absorption of the medication at each site

What does oral mean as a route of administration?

By mouth — medication is swallowed

What does buccal mean as a route of administration?

Medication is placed in the cheek

What does sublingual mean as a route of administration?

Medication is placed under the tongue

What is a contraindication?

A condition or symptom that makes a specific treatment or medication inadvisable or even dangerous to use

What is cirrhosis of the liver and why is it important in medication management?

Cirrhosis is severe scarring and damage of the liver — it is a contraindication for taking acarbose because the damaged liver cannot properly process the medication making it dangerous

What is acarbose and what is it used for?

Acarbose is an oral hypoglycemic medication used to lower blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes — cannot be used in patients with cirrhosis of the liver

What is hepatitis and why is it important in medication management?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver — it is a contraindication for taking duloxetine because the inflamed liver cannot safely process the medication

What is duloxetine and what is it used for?

Duloxetine is an antidepressant used to relieve depression — cannot be used in patients with hepatitis due to liver toxicity risk

Why do many medications require extreme caution in patients with liver disease?

Because the liver is the primary organ of metabolism — a damaged liver cannot properly break down medications leading to dangerous buildup in the body

Name five medications that are toxic to the liver

Acetaminophen, phenytoin, fluconazole, lisinopril, and penicillin

What does enteral mean?

Through the gastrointestinal tract — example: oral medications

What does parenteral mean?

Outside the gastrointestinal tract — examples include injections, topical, and inhalation

What does PDR stand for and what is it used for?

Physicians' Desk Reference — an annual reference book containing detailed information about thousands of medications including color photographs for identification

What percentage of the human body is water?

50% to 80%

What is the primary function of protein in the body?

To repair and build tissues — also used for energy if carbohydrates and fats are unavailable

What is LDL and why is it important?

LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and is known as bad cholesterol — high LDL levels are associated with heart disease; trans fats and saturated fats raise LDL levels

What is the function of Vitamin A?

Night vision, cell growth and maintenance, and health of the skin

What is the function of Vitamin D?

Calcium absorption, bone and tooth health, heart and nerve function

What is the function of Vitamin E?

Protection of cells including skin and brain, and formation of blood cells

What is the function of Vitamin K?

Blood clotting and bone growth — can counteract blood clotting medications reducing their effectiveness

What is the function of Vitamin B1?

Carbohydrate metabolism and heart, nerve, and muscle function

What is the function of Vitamin B2?

Fat and protein metabolism

What is the function of Vitamin B3?

Carbohydrate and fat metabolism — toxicity can cause red itching skin with tingling

What is the function of Vitamin B6?

Enzyme assistance in amino acid synthesis — toxicity can cause peripheral neuropathy