Medical Assistant Duties and Physical Exam

These flashcards cover the essential duties of a Medical Assistant, including patient intake, vital signs, positioning, and the six primary methods of physical examination.

Preparation of Examination Room

The process of ensuring the room is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary equipment such as a stethoscope, otoscope, examination gloves, and gowns.

Patient Greeting and Information Verification

Welcoming the patient, confirming personal details like name and date of birth, and verifying insurance or billing information.

Medical Record Update

Reviewing the patient's medical history, current medications, and allergies, and documenting any new symptoms or changes in condition.

Vital Signs

Measurements recorded by the Medical Assistant including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and height and weight.

Semi-Fowlers

A patient position where the individual is inclined at a $45^∘$ angle.

High Fowlers

A patient position where the individual is inclined at a $90^∘$ angle.

Jackknife

A patient positioning method also referred to as Kraske.

Sims Position

A specific patient position used for procedures such as enemas.

Observation and Inspection

A method used to obtain information by observing the patient's general health, body movement, and whole appearance.

Palpation

An examination method using touch to check the body for masses, skin temperature, or moisture, particularly useful for the abdomen.

Percussion

The process of eliciting sounds and vibrations from underlying organs by tapping with a percussion hammer or fingers to detect the presence of air or solid material.

Auscultation

Listening directly to body sounds, such as the heart and lungs, normally using a stethoscope.

Mensuration

A method of examination involving the measurement of height and weight.

Manipulation

Checking the amount of flexion and extension of a joint by applying forceful passive movement.