Which of the following actions by the medical assistant demonstrates compliance with the ada?

NCCT Practice exam

For how many years should a provider store medical records (select the least number of years that maintains compliance with state and federal regulations)?

Correct response:
10 years
Rationale: Federal and state regulations require a minimum storage time frame for medical records. State regulations may require a longer or shorter time frame, depending on the state. Every medical provider should routinely che

Flow charts, progress notes, and narrative notation are all examples of

Correct response:
recording patient information in a medical record.
Rationale: Patient information can be recorded in the medical record in a variety of ways. Progress notes, flow charts and narrative notation are all effective ways to document a patient

When measuring oxygen saturation on a child breathing room air, with normal color, and no signs of respiratory distress, the medical assistant obtains a reading of 79%. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take next?

Correct response:
reposition the finger probe
Rationale: Oxygen saturation (O2 Sat or Pulse Ox) on a child with a structurally normal heart should be >92% . Patient movement, poor probe attachment, or nail polish can distort the sensor reading during moni

Which of the following is the best way to correct AC interference on an ECG?

Correct response:
Check that the patient does not have a cell phone close by.
Rationale: AC is alternating current interference and it can be caused by a nearby electrical device (such as a cell phone). Patient movement (either voluntary or shivering from

Which of the following documents is also called an advanced directive?

Correct response:
living will
Rationale: A living will is a formal document, written in advance, that gives health care professionals instructions about the patient's medical wishes regarding end of life care, and is the same as an advanced directive. Ass

Beginning with the infectious agent, place the elements in the correct order of the chain of infection. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct order in the right column).

Correct response:
reservoir host, portal of exit, means of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host
Rationale: Infectious diseases are spread through a series of steps known as the "chain of infection". For an infection to occur and spread, each of

The medical assistant schedules a follow-up appointment for a patient following surgical removal of their uterus. The medical term for this procedure is

Correct response:
hysterectomy.
Rationale: The definition of a Hysterectomy is Hyster- = uterus, ectomy = surgical removal of. An Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of an ovary or ovaries, an Ureteroscopy is an examination of the upper urinary tract, an

When inspecting a patient's arm before performing a venipuncture, the most desirable site appears to be the back of the hand. Which of the following venipuncture methods is most appropriate in this situation

Correct response:
butterfly needle
Rationale: The best choice in this situation is to use a butterfly needle, a winged needle with flexible tubing that is short in length. Butterfly needles are easier to insert into tiny, fragile, and/or rolling surface v

A medical assistant is positioning a patient for sigmoidoscopy. Which of the following positions would be appropriate for the procedure?

Correct response:
Sims
Rationale: For a sigmoidoscopy, the patient will need to lie on the left side with the right knee bent, which is also referred to as the Sims position. This allows the physician to insert the sigmoidoscope through the anus to the co

An established patient who has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is evaluated in the medical office for hypertension. What is the importance of identifying the reason for today's visit related to billing?

Correct response:
to determine the primary diagnosis
Rationale: In this example, hypertension should be listed as the primary diagnosis (main reason the patient sought care for visit) and COPD as secondary (this will disease will be considered when medica

A large open container of isopropyl alcohol is spilled on the floor in the clinic waiting area. The medical office assistant should use which of the following resources for information about the chemical and any necessary procedure?

Correct response:
Material Safety Data Sheet
Rationale: Access to Material Safety Data Sheets is an OSHA compliance requirement. Each MSDS contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely wi

Which of the following diseases is a healthcare worker at the greatest risk of developing following an exposure incident with blood from a needle stick injury?

Correct response:
HBV
Rationale: Of the options listed, Hepatitis B is the most transmissible infection via needle stick (it is also the only one preventable by vaccination). HSV is Herpes Simplex Virus and is generally transmitted by contact. HAV (Hepati

Which of the following rhythms is shown in the strip above?

Correct response:
atrial flutter
Rationale: Atrial flutter represents an arterial arrhythmia in which ectopic foci in the atria become irritated and fire in rapid succession (fluttering, a rhythm that presents a sawtooth pattern as seen on this strip). An

The medical assistant should access which of the following sections of the electronic health record or paper chart to retrieve patient contact information?

Correct response:
billing
Rationale: Billing information will have the current patient demographics associated with each encounter. Laboratory orders, progress notes and consultations will not contain the necessary patient contact information.

The medical assistant asks a patient, "How are you doing today?" The patient yells, "How do you think I'm doing? I just got out of that terrible hospital and they didn't help me at all! I still have cancer don't I?" The medical assistant recognizes that t

Correct response:
anger
Rationale: This is an example of the anger stage, when this patient is forced to come to terms with the debilitating disease or condition for which there are limited treatment options without expectation of cure. Depression is when

Which of the following describes proper aseptic technique in the cleaning of the venipuncture site?

Correct response:
from the inside out
Rationale: The medical assistant should clean from the inside out to prevent contamination. Cleaning back and forth, up and down, or from the outside in would all cause contamination at the site and would not be the b

Which of the following describes proper aseptic technique in the cleaning of the venipuncture site?

Correct response:
Let the alcohol air dry before inserting the needle
Rationale: Proper preparation for venipuncture requires that the site be cleansed (70% isopropyl alcohol or other antiseptic agent as indicated by the manufacturer's instructions). Huma

Older adult patients are the population most at risk for which of the following medication complications due to a declining liver function?

Correct response:
toxicity
Rationale: In older adults, the rate of drug metabolism is decreased, and this increases the risk of toxicity, which is the build-up of medication in the blood stream. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction, tinnitus is ring

The patient is given an incorrect dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the medical office. The medical assistant should complete an incident report in this situation in order to

Correct response:
understand the circumstances and prevent future occurrences.
Rationale: The reporting of medical errors is essential to patient safety improvement and risk management in all health care settings. Incident reports are not part of a patien

Which of the following needle gauges is most commonly used for venipuncture?

Correct response:
21-23
Rationale: The gauge of a needle refers to its outer diameter (smaller numbers= larger diameters and vice versa). The most commonly used needle for venipuncture is a 21-23 gauge. The needle size must be large enough to prevent hemo

While scheduling an appointment, the medical office assistant's computer freezes. When attempting to restart the program, which of the following should the medical office assistant do first?

Correct response:
Press the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys.
Rationale: By pressing the CTRL, ALT and Delete keys, at one time, the computer can reboot by shutting down and then restarting. By pulling the power cord, you can run the risk of damaging the files a

Which of the following types of licensure must a physician have and maintain to legally dispense, prescribe, or administer controlled substances?

Correct response:
narcotics
Rationale: A physician must obtain and renew narcotics licensure by state and federally through the Drug Enforcement Agency. Pharmaceutical, business, and occupational licensure is not a requirement of physicians for controlled

The physician has instructed the medical assistant to obtain a patient's temperature. Before placing the oral thermometer in the patient's mouth, it is important to ensure the accuracy of the reading by asking the patient if she has

Correct response:
recently ingested hot or cold food or beverages.
Rationale: An oral temperature reading can be falsely elevated or decreased if a patient ingests hot or cold food or drink close to the time the temperature is taken. Prescribed medication

Which of the following government agencies requires the medical office to develop an exposure control plan?

Correct response:
OSHA
Rationale: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the main Federal agency committed to enforcement of safety and health legislation. The purpose of the CDC is to protect Americans from health, safety and security th

The medical assistant should refer to which of the following agencies to access updated immunization schedules?

Correct response:
CDC
Rationale: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains the most current and up to date immunization schedule recommendations online. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health a

Forced Vital Capacity is measured by instructing the patient to

Correct response:
forcefully breath air out and continue to exhale for at least 6 seconds.
Rationale: Respiratory tests are performed to assess and/or monitor lung function. A spirometer measures how fast and how much air is pushed/forced out of the lungs

An older adult patient arrives to have blood drawn. While assessing the arms for venipuncture, the medical assistant notices scar tissue in the anticubital areas and is unable to palpate a vein. Which of the following is an appropriate alternative course

Correct response:
Draw blood from the hand using a winged infusion set.
Rationale: Areas with visible scar tissue should be avoided when selecting a site for venipuncture. Scarring can cause the area to be difficult to puncture and may obstruct blood flow

When managing multiple incoming calls, the medical assistant should handle which of the following calls first?

Correct response:
A neurologist seeing a patient on consult.
Rationale: The medical assistant's main priority is to handle the most urgent call promptly. A neurologist calling to report on a referred patient would take priority over anyone scheduling or c

Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take when disposing of a needle following a venipuncture?

Correct response:
Place the needle with safety device activated immediately in a sharps container.
Rationale: To minimize risk of needlestick exposure and/or injury, the medical assistant should place the needle with safety device activated immediately in

While emptying the autoclave, the medical assistant notices that the wrapped instruments are damp. The medical assistant should

Correct response:
leave the instruments in the autoclave with the door slightly open to finish drying.
Rationale: Microorganisms can enter through a moist wrap, which is why it is not advisable to touch or move the contents of an autoclave before they hav

A patient expresses cultural beliefs about an alternative method of pain management that differs from the medical assistant's own view. How should the medical assistant respond?

Correct response:
"Tell me more about how this approach has worked for you."
Rationale: A respectful approach enhances patient-centered care, displays professionalism, and shows appreciation for diversity. The medical assistant should have the patient tel

A medical office assistant is reviewing a patient's encounter that is documented in the medical record prior to completing a CMS-1500 form. She notices that the physician upcoded the encounter. The medical office assistant has the ethical obligation to

Correct response:
debate the code.
Rationale: It is within the medical assistant's ethical responsibility to debate the code. It is illegal to purposely "upcode" an encounter for any reason. The coding system is specific and should be followed. The office

Which of the following is the purpose of scheduling preadmission testing (PAT) prior to surgery?

Correct response:
To assess patients' health to make sure they can tolerate the proposed surgical procedure.
Rationale: Testing is performed prior to a surgery as an assessment of the patient's health. It is used to measure whether or not the surgical pro

Which of the following is a CLIA waived test that can be performed by the medical assistant?

Correct response:
chemical urinalysis
Rationale: A medical assistant can perform a chemical urinalysis test, which shows if the patient has protein or glucose in their urine, but would require intervention by the primary care provider. A chemical urinalys

Which of the following acts involves the termination of a patient from the care of a physician without reasonable, written notice of withdrawal from care

Correct response:
abandonment
Rationale: A physician or primary care provider who wishes to end a patient-physician relationship must follow a formal notification process to avoid a claim of patient abandonment. The medical assistant may help with this pr

The medical assistant should stamp checks with the restrictive endorsement "for deposit only" to protect against

Correct response:
loss or theft.
Rationale: Endorsement is required to ensure transfer funds from one party to another under the Uniform Negotiable Instrument Act, applicable in all states.

Which of the following medical office software applications uses an electronic signature?

Correct response:
EHR
Rationale: The use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) requires an electronic signature. Other office applications, such as spreadsheets, encoders, and scheduling programs don't require signatures.

The medical assistant is collecting a urine sample on a patient to test for pregnancy. Which of the following is the correct CLIA-waived test?

Correct response:
hCG
Rationale: The medical assistant would test the hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) levels to test for pregnancy. This hormone is produced during pregnancy by cells in the placenta and can be detected by a urine test. To test hgb (hem

Which of the following phone calls should be handled first?

Correct response:
A patient complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath
Rationale: By following the ABC rule (airway, breathing, circulation), the patient complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath should be handled first since he/she is exhi

The medical assistant preps the median cubital vein for a venipuncture procedure. How should the medical assistant prep the patient's skin?

Correct response:
Use a circular motion, from the inside out.
Rationale: A venipuncture is considered a minimally invasive procedure. The fact that the skin will be punctured leaves open the potential to introduce an infection. Therefore, proper care shou

Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to eliminate the artifact shown in the strip shown above?

Correct response:
Check the bed plugin at the wall socket or unplug the bed.
Rationale: Check for any electrical equipment in use around or in the room; check where the bed is plugged into the wall. This is an artifact called 60 cycle interference caused

Which of the following mail classifications is the most cost-efficient for sending an office newsletter to patients and associates?

Correct response:
standard
Rationale: Standard mail is the most cost-effective for bulk mailings, because the newsletter doesn't need to be delivered by a certain time and standard mail is the cheapest. Priority, express, and certified mail are not the mo

The medical assistant performs a urine hCG on a patient whose results are inconclusive. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take next?

Correct response:
Ensure the daily quality control has been performed.
Rationale: The first thing a medical assistant should do in this instance is to check to make sure quality control has been performed. There can be various reasons for an inconclusive

The medical assistant is scheduling a patient for a gallbladder study. Which of the following terms should the medical assistant use on the patient test order?

Correct response:
cholecystography
Rationale: The suffix "graphy" refers to writing, recording or otherwise representing something (data, image, etc.). Angio= blood or vessel Cysto= cyst, urinary bladder or sack of fluid Chole= gall or bile Therefore, a g

Which of the following ECG leads records the electrical activity of the inferior surface of the left ventricle and is closest to the heart?

Correct response:
lead II
Rationale: Lead II records tracings between the right arm and left leg. This is the lead recorded on a rhythm strip at the bottom of a 12 lead ECG.

The transfer of information such as patient eligibility, payment remittances, claims, claim status, authorizations and referrals are addressed under the HIPAA Administrative Simplification and Compliance Act as electronic

data interchange.
Correct response:
data interchange.
Rationale: HIPAA included Administrative Simplification provisions that required HHS to adopt national standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets, unique health identifiers, and se

Which of the following complications occurs from prolonged lack of muscle use?

Correct response:
atrophy
Rationale: Atrophy, which is the wasting away of a muscle, occurs with prolonged lack of muscle use. This decrease in muscle mass (progressive wasting appearance) is often seen in patients with severe illness, the elderly, or wit

Which of the following organizations makes on-site visits to inspect medical office laboratories?

Correct response:
CLIA
Rationale: All laboratory testing in the United States that is performed on humans is highly regulated. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) governs laboratories via the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA

A finger stick capillary puncture should be performed at which of the following sites to prevent injury?

Correct response:
slightly to the side of the center of the fingertip
Rationale: Capillary blood from the finger is one of the best sources from which to obtain certain samples, such as those needed for blood sugar readings. To ensure adequate blood flow

The patient receiving an albuterol treatment by nebulizer in the clinic complains of tremors, nausea, blurred vision, and headache. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

Correct response:
Report these symptoms to the physician.
Rationale: Bronchodilators (Ex. Albuterol) relax smooth muscles of the airway. Common side effects are tremors, tachycardia, and hypertension. Nausea, blurred vision, and headache may indicate the

The primary objective of which of the following agencies is to regulate and ensure quality of clinical laboratory testing?

Correct response:
CLIA
Rationale: CLIA - Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988 are United States federal regulatory standards that apply to all clinical laboratory testing performed on humans in the United States, except clinical trials and

The medical assistant documented an IM injection as follows: 10/12/XX @ 1030, Rocephin 1 gram IM patient tolerated procedure well. Amy Ray, medical assistant. Which of the following necessary pieces of documentation is missing?

Correct response:
site of administration
Rationale: Anatomical site of injection should always be documented for reassessment of local and/or systemic reaction. Every intramuscular injection should be documented with date, time, injection site, medication

Which of the following resources should the medical assistant use to look up the side effects of (enoxaparin) Lovenox in the medical office?

Correct response:
Physician's Desk Reference (PDR)
Rationale: The PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) is published annually, and is the most common drug reference book. It provides information about medications, their functions, side effects, contraindicatio

The endocrinologist requested the patient to return to the outpatient clinic the next day for a glucose tolerance test. Which of the following preparations should the medical assistant instruct the patient to do the night before the test?

Correct response:
NPO after midnight.
Rationale: Before a glucose tolerance test the patient needs to be NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight the night before the test. The glucose tolerance test is administered to determine how the body breaks down suga

A clean-catch midstream urinalysis is ordered for a female patient to rule out a urinary tract infection. The medical assistant should instruct the patient before urinating in the specimen cup to wipe using antiseptic towelettes

Correct response:
from front to back.
Rationale: The patient should be instructed to always wipe from front to back to prevent infection. When a patient wipes from back to front, in circles, or back and forth, germs from the rectum can be spread to the ha

A parent calls the pediatrician's office very upset because her child is vomiting and has a temperature of 103.3 F. The medical assistant should

Correct response:
schedule a same day work-in appointment.
Rationale: A child presenting with a high fever is an acute situation. In this case, it is best to work the child in for an appointment that same day. Treatment should be started as soon as possib

The patient is referred to a neurosurgeon. Entering the specialist's NPI number and number of visits requested into the patient's insurance carrier's website is part of which of the following processes?

Correct response:
precertification
Rationale: This is an example of the precertification process, which facilitates prior authorization to confirm eligibility for treatment. Precertification is a process to establish medical necessity before a treatment i

When the patient's chart has been subpoenaed, which of the following types of information requires additional consent from the patient or a court order?

Correct response:
psychiatric treatment
Rationale: A HIPAA-covered health care provider or health plan may share protected health information if it has a court order. However, the provider or plan may only disclose the information specifically described i

A medical assistant is hired at a Family Medical Practice. According to OSHA requirements the medical assistant must be offered a vaccine within 10 days of hire, free of charge. The medical assistant knows that this vaccination is to protect him from whic

Correct response:
Hepatitis B
Rationale: All health care employees are required to have access to the Hepatitis B injection. All employers must offer the series of injection with no cost to employees within 10 days of employment. Employees can decline the

When preparing liquid medications for administration, the medical assistant should check the medication and expiration date, then place the cap with attached dropper face

Correct response:
up and read the volume at the bottom of the meniscus.
Rationale: With the container on a flat surface, dropper up, read the medication volume at the lowest point of the concave curve of the meniscus.

When preparing to assist the physician with collection of a deep wound culture, the medical assistant should have which of the following available?

Correct response:
bacterial culture swabs
Rationale: When helping with a deep wound culture, the medical assistant needs to have bacterial culture swabs available in order to try to identify what bacteria is causing the infection. Bacteria causing infecti

The medical assistant witnesses the medical office receptionist taking money from the cash drawer. The receptionist learns the medical assistant saw her and asks her not to tell the office manager, as it was to pay for her electric bill. Which of the foll

Correct response:
Tell the office manager about the incident and request that confidentiality be maintained
Rationale: The medical assistant has a legal and ethical responsibility to the employer to uphold the highest professional standards. This includes

The adult patient has a puncture wound on the sole of the right foot due to stepping on a nail in a construction area. Which of the following immunizations is particularly important for the medical assistant to ask about while taking the patient's history

Correct response:
Td
Rationale: Td = Tetanus booster recommended every 10 years. If a person has a deep or contaminated wound, a booster may be prescribed if it has been more than 5 years since the last dose. DTaP series is completed during the childhood

When performing a 12-lead ECG, which of the following positions demonstrates correct lead placement?

Correct response:
V4 is placed left midclavicular 5th intercostal space
Rationale: The precordial chest lead is positioned at the apex of the heart, where the apical pulse is auscultated and Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) can be felt. V4 is placed on the

Which of the following pieces of equipment should the medical assistant anticipate using when taking a patient's blood pressure?

Correct response:
sphygmomanometer
Rationale: A sphygmomanometer is used to auscultate and measure blood pressure readings. An otoscope is used to examine the ear, a speculum is used to examine body cavities, and a pulse oximeter is used to see what a per

Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take first after coming in direct contact with a patient's blood via needlestick injury?

Correct response:
Flush the area with water and thoroughly wash it.
Rationale: Immediately after a needlestick injury, wash or clean the injury at the needle stick site with soap and water and/or flush mucous membranes. Bleeding could be a good thing, as

A patient is discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of HIV and MRSA and comes to the office for a follow-up appointment. What is the best method the medical assistant could use to clean the nasal speculum, forceps, and hemostat used in the exam?

Correct response:
steam sterilization
Rationale: All of the instruments here can be cleaned a number of ways (sanitized, disinfected, and sterilized). Steam sterilization (high pressure saturated steam in an autoclave) would be the best way to ensure remo

In most cultures in the United States, when a medical assistant is speaking with a patient, making direct eye contact encourages

Correct response:
open communication
Rationale: Open communication is the best way to get an honest exchange with patients. Perceived negative body language may be viewed as a defense mechanism or communication barrier. If the patient is relaxed , the com

Which of the following forms of medication can be administered vaginally?

Correct response:
creams and suppositories
Rationale: Medications are administered vaginally to provide direct vaginal absorption of the medication application and/or insertion. Example: Lotrimin (clotrimazole) is a commonly prescribed antifungal cream or

A patient complains of nausea and vomiting, and has been unable to keep fluids down over the course of two days. A suppository has been ordered. Which of the following abbreviations is the correct route of administration?

Correct response:
PR
Rationale: Common pharmaceutical abbreviations are as follows: PR = per rectum, IM = intramuscular, SC = subcutaneous, INH = isoniazid

When reviewing a patient's SOAP note in the medical record, which of the following documentation entries is an example of objective data?

Correct response:
10 mm laceration noted above the left eye.
Rationale: The SOAP note method (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) is a charting system. The Objective notes are based on measurable signs, observable facts or data (such as a 10 mm l

A patient notices the symbol above on the door and asks what it means. The medical assistant should tell the patient the symbol means

Correct response:
biohazard material present.
Rationale: This symbol accompanied by the term 'biohazard' serves as a warning that materials in or around the area constitute a health risk and could cause human disease or harm.

What does the color of an evacuated collection tube represent?

Correct response:
the type or absence of an additive
Rationale: There are a variety of blood collection tubes. The colors of the caps indicate the presence or absence of additive. Particular laboratory tests may require a specific additive. For instance,

A child's weight should be recorded in

Correct response:
kg.
Rationale: To ensure accuracy in medication dosing (weight-based in kg for infants/ children), tracking growth, and important in tracking fluid/ hydration needs. Weigh infants at the same time, same scale, same clothing when possible

Commitment to privacy, continuity of care, advance directives, and the authority to refuse treatment are granted according to which of the following?

Correct response:
The Patient's Bill of Rights
Rationale: Patients are guaranteed certain standards of care listed in this question by The Patient's Bill of Rights. In 2010, in conjunction with the Affordable Care Act, a new Patient's Bill of Rights was s

The medical assistant is assisting a physician with an I & D of a gangrenous abscess. In addition to mask and gloves, the medical assistant must wear which of the following personal protective equipment when performing this procedure?

Correct response:
protective eyewear
Rationale: I & D refers to incision and drainage. The staff should be protected from splashes and spurts to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Proper infection control with personal protective equipment woul

Which of the following is the correct definition of Standard Precautions?

Correct response:
Control measures that treat all body fluid as if it could be infectious.
Rationale: The CDC issues publications on the proper handling of blood borne pathogens with guidelines outlining that blood and body fluid precautions are consisten

Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take in the event of a chemical disinfectant spill?

Correct response:
refer to the MSDS
Rationale: A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides healthcare workers with procedures for working with substances safety to ensure regulatory compliance. If there is a spill, workers should consult the MSDS (not co

Which government agency oversees HIPAA?

Correct response:
HHS
Rationale: HIPAA is overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (a.k.a. HHS) and is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights. HHS is a government agency within the OIG (Office of Inspector General). CMS is Centers for Medi

The medical assistant performs daily accounts receivable (AR) procedures in the medical office to identify

Correct response:
amounts owed to the physician.
Rationale: Accounts receivable include the funds owed to the physician for treatments, supplies, or services received. Outstanding debts not yet paid are those that have been billed but no payment received.

Which of the following is a requirement for a healthcare facility to be in compliance with OSHA?

Correct response:
annual employee safety training
Rationale: MA's in a Medical setting must be in compliance with OSHA guidelines, which include the following: a) A written exposure control plan, to be updated annually, Use of universal precautions, b) Co

Which type of medication is used to increase urinary output?

Correct response:
diuretic
Rationale: Diuretics are medications that act by promoting the excretion of excess fluid in the body which is eliminated through the kidneys. A vasopressor is used to raise blood pressure, an antiemetic is used to treat and prev

The medical assistant prepares a written prescription for the physician as follows. What information did the medical assistant leave out?

Correct response:
quantity to dispense and directions for taking the medication
Rationale: The medical assistant neglected to include the quantity to dispense and directions for taking the medication. The superscription would contain the date of the presc

The medical assistant is completing front office opening tasks prior to the start of the day. Which of the following indicates the reception area is prepared to receive patients? (Select the three (3) correct answers.)

Correct response:
Magazines are stacked on the side tables., Lights are turned on., The path from the entrance to the front desk is direct and unobstructed.
Rationale: Maintaining a clutter-free environment demonstrates professionalism and promotes safety

The physician orders the following blood work to evaluate a patient for sepsis: CBC, Blood Culture, and BMP. When using the evacuated tube method for venipuncture, in which of the following orders should the tubes be drawn?

Correct response:
blood culture, red top, lavender top
Rationale: To assure the accuracy of patient test results, evacuated tubes must be filled in a particular order. Contamination of the blood by the needle entering a stopper or by contact with additive

A patient calls requesting to see their provider with report of intense burning and urgency upon urination. This is an example of which of the following types of special scheduling?

Correct response:
same-day appointment
Rationale: This patient's situation calls for an urgent care, same-day appointment. For urgent problems that require priority care, patients are seen on the day they call for an appointment (according to availability

A patient presents to the medical office with nausea and vomiting. Which of the following types of medication is likely to be prescribed?

Correct response:
antiemetic
Rationale: The physician would likely prescribe an antiemetic, which can help nauseous, vomiting patients. Antitussives are prescribed for coughing. Antidiarrheal medications help alleviate diarrhea. If a patient were experien

The physician believes a patient might have problems with her spleen. Where would the doctor palpate to feel for the spleen?

Correct response:
left side of the patient's abdomen beneath the diaphragm
Rationale: The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen beneath the diaphragm. It is located in the same quadrant as the stomach, pancreas, left lobe of the live

During a routine visit, a petite female patient becomes very distraught while discussing the recent death of her husband. She suddenly faints. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take next?

Correct response:
Protect the patient from injury.
Rationale: Protecting the patient is the ultimate priority here. Quickly and carefully lay the patient flat (in the supine position) with her head lower than her feet. Once you have tended to the patient,

Which of the following insurance programs covers active duty military personnel?

Correct response:
TRICARE
Rationale: TRICARE (Prime, Standard, or Extra) is the insurance program that covers active duty military personnel and their families. CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) and BCBS i

Which of the following names should come first when working with an alpha-numeric filing system?
A. Jonathan A. Mendez I
B. Jonathan A. Mendez II
C. Peter G. Burns Jr.
D. Peter G. Burns Sr.

Correct response:
Peter G. Burns Jr.
Rationale: When using the alpha-numeric filing system the files need to be placed in alphabetical order, as well as numerical order. "B" is before "M", "Jr." before "Sr." and "I" before "II". Peter G. Burns Jr. would c

The pictured rhythm is an example of which of the following?

Correct response:
premature ventricular contraction
Rationale: The rhythm is an example of a premature ventricular contraction, as shown by the abnormal QRS complex. This occurs when the ventricles produce an extra heartbeat, and in turn, disrupt the norm

An effective way for a medical office assistant to communicate office policies and procedure information to their patients is to

Correct response:
develop a brochure.
Rationale: Developing a brochure would be the effective way for the medical assistant to communicate information to the patient. The patient would be able to read about office policies and procedures and refer back to

Which of the following actions by the medical assistant demonstrates compliance with the ADA?

Correct response:
ensure hallways to exam rooms remain free of obstructions
Rationale: The ADA requires that hallways to exam rooms remain free of obstructions to allow those with physical limitations and/or disabilities to easily and safely move through

The physician orders a random blood sugar on an adult patient newly diagnosed with diabetes who is right hand dominant. The medical assistant notices inappropriate puncture markings on the patient's fingers. Which of the following statements should the me

Correct response:
"It's best to use the outer edge of the middle or ring finger on your left hand when doing your finger stick."
Rationale: Regular blood sugar testing is an important tool for managing diabetes, and newly diagnosed diabetics need guidance

Venipuncture should be avoided on an arm with

Correct response:
an elbow splint.
Rationale: A patient with a cast/splint in place may have ongoing extremity swelling during the healing process. Use as a venipuncture site should be avoided. Though not always optimal, it is okay to collect from an arm

The medical assistant schedules the patient with a sebaceous cyst for an I & D. Which of the following statements best describes this procedure?

Correct response:
Incision into a localized area of infection (abscess), to drain the exudate from the area.
Rationale: An I&D is the abbreviation for incision and drainage, and is when an incision is made into a localized are of infection, and then exuda

Which of the following blood components are visible in a centrifuged, evacuated red top tube? (Select the two (2) correct answers.)

Correct response:
serum, blood clot
Rationale: A centrifuged sample in a red top tube will have a liquid portion at the top and a solid portion on the bottom. Since the red top contains no anticoagulant, the blood will clot. This means the top liquid port

The medical assistant is providing instructions for a patient with pneumonia. The optimal time a sputum specimen should be collected is

Correct response:
first thing in the morning.
Rationale: Sputum is the phlegm or mucus from the lungs, and is not to be confused with regular saliva or 'snot' that drains from the nose. Sputum needs to be 'coughed up' from the lungs. When collecting a spe

Which of the following is necessary before ordering or paying for medical office supplies?

Correct response:
purchase order
Rationale: A purchase order is required for authorization and expense documentation of transaction. An inventory list may have been used to determine what supplies needed to be ordered, and would be updated with the suppli

Th The patient complains of joint pain and swelling. The physician wants to remove synovial fluid for analysis. The medical assistant should set up for which of the following procedures?

Correct response:
arthrocentesis
Rationale: Synovial fluid aspiration may be performed diagnostically (to identify cause) or therapeutically (for pain/swelling relief). Arthro= pertaining to the joint, centesis= act of puncturing into a body part or cavit

The patient presents to the pre-op clinic for a lithotripsy (ESWL) procedure. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take prior to witnessing the consent form to ensure it is legally binding?

Correct response:
Confirm the surgeon has explained all risks and benefits of the procedure.
Rationale: The medical assistant has an ethical obligation to make sure the surgeon has done what is legally required of him/her and has explained all of the risk

The medical assistant reviews instructions with the patient with hypertension about techniques to manage this condition at home. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates teaching has been successful? (Select the three (3) correct answers

Correct response:
"I will take prescribed medications regularly at the same time each day.", "I will monitor my blood pressure and record readings daily.", "I will incorporate moderate exercise into my daily routine."
Rationale: The patient should take th

Which of the following is the most common means of transmission of Hepatitis A?

Correct response:
contact with fecal contaminated food/water
Rationale: Hepatitis A is a virus most commonly transmitted by contact with disease contaminated food/water or from close contact with an infected individual. Restaurants are often cited in the

When giving a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilator, the medical assistant should most closely monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct response:
persistent tachycardia
Rationale: The medical assistant should monitor for persistent tachycardia when giving a nebulizer treatment with a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are medications that open up the bronchioles, and by doing this, t

To prevent the likelihood of somatic tremor artifact, the medical assistant should

Correct response:
make the patient calm and comfortable to minimize movement.
Rationale: Muscle movement produces a measurable electrical impulse. Reduce patient anxiety, warm a patient who is shivering, instruct them to remain as still as possible and re

Which of the following resources should the medical assistant use to look up the code for a laceration repair?

Correct response:
Current Procedural Terminology
Rationale: A laceration repair would be found in the CPT code book. Current Procedural Terminology identifies services and procedures. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) identifies diagnoses. He

The medical assistant should instruct the patient obtaining a 24 hour urine collection to

Correct response:
discard the first morning sample.
Rationale: When doing a 24-hour urine collection it is important the patient knows to discard the first morning sample. This allows the collection to begin with fresh urine to ensure the results of the t

Which of the following are legitimate reasons to document in a patient's chart when he "no-shows" for his appointment? (Select the three (3) correct answers.)

Correct response:
To protect the physician from liability in case his condition worsens., To communicate the reason he missed his appointment., To document whether or not he rescheduled.
Rationale: No-shows are patients who simply do not show up for their

The physician's office sets aside Monday afternoons for high school sports physicals. This is an example of which method of scheduling?

Correct response:
clustering
Rationale: Clustering is a method of grouping or categorizing similar type appointments. The best type of scheduling to accommodate unforeseen situations is wave scheduling. Wave scheduling allows for a group of patients to be

The order reads cefaclor (Ceclor) 250 mg p.o. stat, then 150 mg q 2 h. How should the medical assistant interpret this medication order?

Correct response:
Give 250 milligrams of cefaclor (Ceclor) orally immediately, and then give 150 milligrams every 2 hours.
Rationale: p.o.=oral (by mouth), stat=now (immediately), mg=milligrams, q=every

Which of the following are Schedule IV drugs?
A. controlled narcotics such as morphine
B. antianxiety agents and hypnotics with a low potential for abuse
C. broad spectrum antibiotics
D. substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abu

Correct response:
antianxiety agents and hypnotics with a low potential for abuse
Rationale: Controlled substances are classified according to five different schedules. Schedule I drugs have high abuse potential and are not considered medically safe treat

Which of the following techniques is correct when collecting a throat culture?

Correct response:
Use a tongue depressor and swab both sides of the throat.
Rationale: To ensure an adequate sample of secretions is obtained from both tonsils and the back of throat, a tongue depressor is used and both sides of the throat are swabbed. A

The importance of accurate anatomic positioning of leads on a patient when performing an ECG is to

Correct response:
capture true cardiac activity.
Rationale: Incorrect placement of leads is a known cause of artifact changes in the ECG, and leaves the patient at risk for error. Patients may receive potentially harmful treatment if not placed correctly.

The physician excises a mole and wants to send it to the pathology laboratory for further analysis. The sample should be placed with care into which of the following collection containers?

Correct response:
sterile specimen container with formalin
Rationale: The sample would be contained according to the guidelines provided by the laboratory doing the testing (depending on which testing the physician wants to do on the sample). In this scen

The post office returns a patient's bill to the clinic with the notation "address unknown." Which of the following steps are appropriate in handling this situation? (Select the three (3) correct answers.)

Correct response:
Verify the mailing address on file in the clinic database., Document the postmark date., Prepare a new envelope with the corrected address and new postage.
Rationale: Immediate action should be taken in handling returned statements. The

An incorrect dose of medication is delivered to a patient in the medical clinic. As a result, the patient experienced mild kidney damage. The responsible health care providers and/or clinic is at risk for which of the following?
A. slander
B. libel
C. def

Correct response:
negligence
Rationale: This is a case of negligence, a failure to practice within the standard of care. Defamation occurs when someone intentionally says or writes something false that causes harm to the person's reputation. Slander is a

A 6-month-old child is at the clinic for their well-child visit and routine vaccines. Which of the following is the preferred site for an intramuscular injection on this patient?
A. vastus lateralis
B. dorsogluteal
C. ventrogluteal
D. deltoid

Correct response:
vastus lateralis
Rationale: The preferred site for an intramuscular injection on a 6-month old child is the vastus lateralis, or outer thigh, because infants have the most muscle mass in that area. The deltoid muscle isn't typically used

Which of the following types of scheduling provides built in flexibility to accommodate unforeseen situations, such as patients who require more time with the physician.
A. wave
B. double booking
C. specified time
D. procedures grouping

Correct response:
wave
Rationale: The best type of scheduling to accommodate unforeseen situations is wave scheduling. Wave scheduling allows for a group of patients to be assigned to appointment times at the beginning of each other. It allows flexibility

A pediatric patient has been diagnosed with a mild skin infection and the physician orders Amoxicillin. The ordered dose (based on today's weight) is 91 mg every 8 hours. The patient is to receive a first dose of medication before leaving the office and t

Correct response:
3.6 mL
Rationale: Use the following formula to calculate the proper medication amount: D/H
V where D= desired dose (91 mg), H= dose on hand (125 mg), and V= volume (5mL in this case) 91/125
5=3.64 or set it up as fractions 125 mg / 5 mL

The primary care provider hands the medical assistant a referral for a patient to get an MRI. Which of the following should the medical assistant do first?
A. Document the precertification number in the patient's chart.
B. Fax pertinent medical records to

Correct response:
Call the insurance company and process an authorization.
Rationale: An MRI can be a pricey procedure. Patients definitely don't want to pay any more than they should. A medical assistant should call the insurance company and get an autho

When performing a capillary puncture on an infant, the medical assistant understands the lateral heel is the proper site for collection due to which of the following?
A. The blood in the fingertip has been found to contain a higher concentration of hemogl

Correct response:
The small amount of tissue between the skin and bone in the finger makes an injury to the bone likely.
Rationale: Heel sticks are easily accessible and minimally invasive for capillary puncture. Fingers of infants are too small to tolera

The medical assistant is caring for an adult patient with a history of coronary artery disease. Which of the following BP measurements should prompt the medical assistant to notify the health care provider? (Select the three (3) correct answers.)
A. 92/44

Correct response:
162/96 mmHg, 138/98 mmHg, 92/44 mmHg
Rationale: Hypertension: 140/90 or greater, Prehypertension: 120/80-139/89, 119/79 or below.

Which of the following actions is an example of compliance with Quality Control (QC) guidelines for phlebotomy?
A. Ensure reusable supplies in venipuncture trays are recycled.
B. Run glucose meter controls between each patient sample.
C. Ensure supplies i

Correct response:
Run the daily control checks on urinalysis dipsticks.
Rationale: Proper Quality Control ensures accuracy and reliability of test results while detecting and eliminating errors. It is an important component of patient care to make sure re

A patient with diabetes has missed all scheduled appointments in the past 18 months. The physician requests that written notification be sent to the patient to make an appointment immediately. This letter should be sent
A. Standard.
B. Certified.
C. Prior

Correct response:
Certified.
Rationale: The letter to the patient should be sent Certified so that the physician can see when the patient receives the letter. With Certified mail, the patient must sign for the letter when he/she receives it. This ensures

For which of the following incidents is employer provided post-exposure follow-up indicated?
A. loss of power during an ECG procedure
B. a polycup containing urine splashed into the eye of an employee
C. an employee fall in the parking lot, resulting in a

Correct response:
a polycup containing urine splashed into the eye of an employee
Rationale: In compliance with OSHA regulations, a post exposure follow up plan includes incidents of occupational exposure to direct contact with blood or other potentially

Place the following PPE in the correct order of removal prior to leaving the exam room of a patient who is in contact-droplet isolation. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct order in the right column).
gown
bonnet
mask
gloves

Correct response:
gloves, gown, bonnet, mask
Rationale: First, the medical assistant would remove the gloves, gown, bonnet and lastly the mask. Since the patient is on contact-droplet precautions, the medical assistant should take the gloves off inside ou

What is the proper term describing when a patient is informed about the possible consequences of both having and not having a medical procedure?
A. preoperational briefing
B. informational waiver
C. due diligence
D. informed consent

Correct response:
informed consent
Rationale: It is a patient's right to be fully informed of a medical procedure. In order to do a medical procedure, personnel must obtain an informed consent form signed by the patient indicating that information about t

Which of the following is required for permission to treat a patient scheduled for a complex procedure?
implied consent
informed consent
advanced directive
living will

Correct response:
informed consent
Rationale: Before a patient can undergo a complex procedure he/she must first sign an informed consent. Informed consent states that the patient agrees with the procedure they are having and understand what will occur. I

A patient presents to the urgent care office reporting a burn that occurred a few minutes ago from hot coffee. The left wrist is painful, red, swollen and has blisters. The medical assistant takes the patient directly to an exam room. Which of the followi

Correct response:
Place the wrist under cool running water
Rationale: Every burn should be evaluated before proceeding with treatment. This scenario describes the burn and symptoms in detail. The burn site should be placed under cool running water to both

The medical assistant demonstrates proper handling of sharps containers by doing which of the following?
A. Discard the sharps container in a biohazard waste container when it is two-thirds full.
B. Empty half full sharps containers into a larger containe

Correct response:
Discard the sharps container in a biohazard waste container when it is two-thirds full.
Rationale: Sharps containers hold sharp biohazardous materials and must be sealed and incinerated upon disposal. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health

A personal check is returned to the medical office due to nonsufficient funds for an established patient recently placed on hospice care services. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

Correct response:
Increase the patient's account balance due by the same amount of the returned check plus the penalty fee.
Rationale: The patient now owes the balance plus the returned check charge. Adding this to the account balance demonstrates proper

When reading the results of an HCT the medical assistant should read starting at the
A. bottom of the meniscus.
B. top of the buffy coat.
C. bottom of the plasma.
D. top of the packed cells.

Correct response:
top of the packed cells.
Rationale: When testing the hematocrit (hct) level in the blood it is important that the medical assistant read from the top of the packed cells. The hematocrit level in the blood tells how much of the blood is c

A patient's encounter form contributes to the efficiency and flow of information in the medical office at check-out in which of the following ways?
A. Provides written documentation about medications prescribed during the visit.
B. Outlines discharge inst

Correct response:
Lists codes for services and procedures performed during the visit.
Rationale: An encounter form can be a preprinted form that must be updated annually to reflect current codes for reimbursement. The encounter form is commonly referred t

Placement of the ground lead on an ECG is on the
A. LL on the soft tissue of the leg.
B. LL on the muscular portion of the leg.
C. RL on the soft tissue of the leg.
D. RL on the muscular portion of the leg.

Correct response:
RL on the soft tissue of the leg.
Rationale: When performing an ECG, the RL ground lead should be positioned on the soft tissue of the right leg.

The mother of a 6-month-old patient arrives at a busy clinic and states the child has a high fever. The medical assistant measures the patient's temperature and confirms a temperature of 103�F. Which of the following is an acceptable course of action for

Correct response:
Assess the remaining vital signs and notify the physician.
Rationale: After measuring the patient's temperature, the acceptable course of action for the medical assistant would be to assess the remaining vital signs and notify the physic

A patient presents to the clinic with a paper towel wrapped around a deep laceration to his hand. The medical assistant removes the paper towel and finds it is heavily saturated with blood. The paper towel should be disposed of in a
A. biohazard sharps co

Correct response:
biohazard waste bin.
Rationale: An item that is saturated with blood would be considered biohazard waste. There are several different types of waste generated in a medical facility. Biohazard/medical waste would be disposed of in red bio

The use of smaller electrodes while running an ECG on a four year old pediatric patient will require which of the following modifications?
A. Place the patient in Sim's position.
B. Increase the paper speed.
C. Decrease the paper speed.
D. Place the patie

Correct response:
Increase the paper speed.
Rationale: Any adjustment to the ECG instrument should be noted on the recording to avoid erroneous interpretation. The paper speed should be increased on pediatric patients (who have faster heart rates) so the

A female patient has come in for an ECG following a mastectomy. ECG electrodes should be placed
A. three inches above the surgery site to avoid disruption of the site.
B. as close to the surgery site as possible without touching the site.
C. three inches

Correct response:
as close to the surgery site as possible without touching the site.
Rationale: If a female patient needing an ECG has had a mastectomy, the technician should place the electrodes as close to the area they would normally be placed without

What does the abbreviation HIPAA stand for?
A. Health Information Privacy Adjustment Association
B. Health Inquiry for Permission of Accountability Association
C. History Inquiry of Professional Assertive Assistance
D. Health Insurance Portability and Acc

Correct response:
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Rationale: HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires medical professionals to protect the confide

The medical assistant is performing a 12-lead ECG on a patient and notices that lead III does not appear on the tracing. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?
A. Add an extra electrode to the 5th intercostal space.
B. Ask the p

Correct response:
Check for a loose wire, reconnect, and repeat the tracing.
Rationale: Lead III will record the left arm and the left leg, so there is a need to reevaluate the connections to these plus all other connections on EKG. Then the medical assis

The medical assistant is asked to perform capillary blood collection on an infant to determine blood glucose. Refer to the image and click on the site from which it is safe to perform the specimen collection.

Only the outer, lateral edges of the heel may be safely used for capillary collections on infants. Other sites should not be used in order to avoid nerve and tissue damage. The rest of the foot lacks the amount of fat and capillaries that the proper areas

Prior to purging and destroying paper medical charts, a medical office assistant should consult which of following guidelines?
A. Municipal
B. AMA
C. OSHA
D. State and Federal

Correct response:
State and Federal
Rationale: Medical chart retention can be tricky. Generally, State guidelines are more restrictive than Federal guidelines. Federal and State rules apply in any case and it is important to understand both sets of guidel

Correct response:
assignment of benefits
Rationale: A patient must sign an assignment of benefits form to allow the insurance company to pay the health care provider directly. The CMS-1500 form is the official standard Medicare and Medicaid health insuran

Correct response:
assignment of benefits
Rationale: A patient must sign an assignment of benefits form to allow the insurance company to pay the health care provider directly. The CMS-1500 form is the official standard Medicare and Medicaid health insuran

The physician orders a PT/PTT. Which of the following evacuated tubes should the medical assistant select for collecting the specimen
A. light blue
B. grey
C. red
D. light green

Correct response:
light blue
Rationale: A light blue top on the tube means that the tube contains buffered sodium citrate, an additive that removes calcium to prevent blood from clotting. Therefore, this tube would be the one used for the PT/PTT test sinc

If a medical assistant has questions about disposing of outdated hazardous chemicals, where should the medical assistant look to find this information?
A. MSDS
B. CLIA
C. NIOSH
D. HIPAA

Correct response:
MSDS
Rationale: A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a hazardous chemical reference. It provides healthcare workers with procedures for working with substances safety to ensure regulatory compliance. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Ame

The patient was seen in the office for follow up evaluation post CVA. The doctor noticed significant weakness on the patient's left side. Which of the following should the medical assistant expect to perform?
A. Full weight bearing exercise assistance
B.

Correct response:
Active assist range of motion
Rationale: The medical assistant should expect to perform active assistive range of motion with the patient since the patient has major weakness on one side. This type of exercise is done when a patient is a

A medical assistant obtains the tracing shown above on a patient. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?
Replace the electrodes on the patient's extremities.
Place the patient in Trendelenburg's position.
Ensure precordial lead

Correct response:
Remind the patient to remain as still as possible.
Rationale: Muscle movement produces a measurable electrical impulse. Reduce patient anxiety, warm a patient who is shivering, instruct them to remain as still as possible and refrain fro

The main function of a centrifuge is to
freeze cells for transport.
determine the concentration of glucose.
magnify blood components.
separate cells from plasma.

Correct response:
separate cells from plasma.
Rationale: A centrifuge is an essential laboratory instrument that rotates at varying speeds to separate blood components (i.e. separates cells from plasma or serum). Care should be taken to correctly load, ba

Which of the following are the major filing systems used in the health care setting? (Select the three (3) correct answers.)
numeric
color
alphabetic
subject
surname

Correct response:
numeric, alphabetic, subject
Rationale: A variety of filing systems exist among medical practices. The numeric system organizes patients based on numerical order. Numbers can be assigned a variety of ways, and the system can be easily le

An adult patient presents with fever, muscular pain, and congestion. Which of the following is the appropriate response for the medical assistant following the physician's orders?
perform a rapid flu test
place the patient in an exam room and provide a ma

Correct response:
administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg po
Rationale: Acetaminophen is known to relieve pain (an analgesic), reduce fever, and aid in relieving nasal congestion. The medical assistant should administer 650 mg orally of acetaminophen (T

Which of the following should be included on a patient's laboratory requisition?
insurance contact number
patient signature
test priority
patient next of kin

Correct response:
test priority
Rationale: The exact information required on requisitions for testing by different laboratories may vary slightly. The common items always requested are: patient name, indication of insurance (id#/provider), testing request

The medical assistant receives a call from an attorney requesting information about an established patient's operative report. Which of the following actions is required prior to fulfilling the request?
Call the patient to request verbal consent.
Check th

Correct response:
Check the patient's file for authorization of release of information listing the name of the attorney.
Rationale: Written authorization is required for release of protected health information. Before releasing any information, it is impo

Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to ensure proper monitoring of a patient during a stress test? (Select the three [3] correct answers.)
Instruct the patient to start at a rapid pace.
Instruct the patient to report any sympt

Correct response:
Instruct the patient to report any symptoms., Measure blood pressure and heart rate frequently., Observe facial expressions, skin color and perspiration.
Rationale: Instructing the patient to report any symptoms, measuring blood pressure

Which of the following types of appointment scheduling would be the best method for an office with standard hours, multiple practitioners, and accommodating work-in appointments?
clustering
open office hours
double booking
wave

Correct response:
wave
Rationale: Since the office has standard hours and multiple practitioners, the wave scheduling would provide the best outcome. This type of scheduling works best when there is sufficient staff and multiple rooms for patients to be s

Which of the following conditions may occur if a tourniquet is left in place on a patient's extremity for longer than 60 seconds?
venous stasis
petechiae
hemolytic anemia
hematoma

Correct response:
venous stasis
Rationale: A tourniquet left in place for longer than 60 seconds predisposes the formation of blood clots due to slow blood flow (a.k.a. venous stasis). Petechiae are pinpoint spots on the skin that appear when the capillar

A physician's office is about to convert from paper format to an electronic format. The office manager has implemented a Medical Practice Management Program. Which of the following is a task the medical office assistant should be able to do with the new s

Correct response:
patient registration
Rationale: Electronic record manangement software, once patients are first registered with the medical office, allows users to capture patient demographics, schedule appointments, maintain lists of insurance payors,

A patient with dyspnea comes in for an ECG. In which of the following positions should the patient be placed for the procedure?
supine
semi Fowlers
Trendelenburg
Sims

Correct response:
semi Fowlers
Rationale: Dyspnea is a condition that causes a patient to be short of breath (SOB), so when the technician does an ECG, the patient normally lays in a supine position. If the patient suffers from dyspnea it is difficult for

The medical assistant applies pressure to the venipuncture site using gauze. After two minutes the medical assistant observes that bleeding has not stopped. The next appropriate action would be to
elevate the arm while applying pressure.
wrap the arm with

Correct response:
elevate the arm while applying pressure.
Rationale: Elevating the arm reduces the pressure from the flow of blood, i.e., the blood is flowing down the arm. The venipuncture wound will heal more easily without the pressure from the blood

The medical assistant should administer nitroglycerin by which of the following methods?
buccal
sublingual
intramuscular
intradermal

Correct response:
sublingual
Rationale: The medical assistant should administer the nitroglycerin sublingually, which is done by placing the tablet under the patient's tongue and letting it dissolve. Taking nitroglycerin in this form is typically done whe

The medical assistant is reprocessing instruments in the medical office. Which of the following indicates the instrument pack is sterile?
The autoclave tape turns black.
The 20-minute, 250 degree cycle is complete.
The indicator strip darkens.
The autocla

Correct response:
The indicator strip darkens.
Rationale: An instrument pack is considered sterile if the indicator strip on the package darkens. The strip darkens according to sterility so if the strip is light that is an indication the package is not st

Which of the following statements reflects open-ended communication?
"Tell me what brings you in today."
"Have you had a fever in the past 24 hours?"
"Are you experiencing significant pain?"
"Is the cough keeping you awake at night?

Correct response:
"Tell me what brings you in today."
Rationale: The statement "Tell me what brings you in today." is an example of open-ended communication. This type of question facilitates communication of the patient's own perceptions to gain valuable

When removing a suture from a patient's leg, the medical assistant should use which of the following instruments?
tissue forceps
thumb forceps
dressing forceps
sponge forceps

Correct response:
dressing forceps
Rationale: Dressing forceps would be used to remove the sutures from a patient's leg because they are used to grasp gauze, remove small fragments in wounds, and remove sutures. Tissue forceps (also known as thumb forceps

The medical assistant measures the head circumference on a 6-month-old male infant during a well-baby check. The circumference is 42 cm. Which of the following percentiles should the medical assistant assign based on this pediatric growth chart?
3rd
10th

Correct response:
10th
Rationale: The infant would be placed in the 10th percentile on the pediatric growth chart with a head circumference of 42 cm. If the infant were in the 3rd percentile, his head circumference would be roughly around 40 cm. If he wer

Disinfecting an ECG machine and lead wire surfaces with antimicrobial wipes after each patient use is an example of which of the following?
biohazard precautions
sterile technique
surgical asepsis
medical asepsis

Correct response:
medical asepsis
Rationale: Medical asepsis is indicated to prevent cross-contamination and spread of infection. Biohazard Safety Precautions are when specimens, and materials containing specimens, must be handled as if they are capable o

Which of the following actions is an example of compliance with quality control guidelines?

Which of the following pieces of equipment should the medical assistant anticipate using when taking a patient's blood pressure?

Which category of skills include those that keep medical assistants practicing within their scope of practice?

Which of the following is a characteristic of an EMR system used by a medical office?