Measuring Patient Vitals
This is the term for the body’s internal temperature balance, which is maintained by the hypothalamus.
What is homeostasis?
What does “chief complaint” mean?
The main reason a patient is seeking medical care, described in their own words.
What is the normal fasting blood glucose range?
70–100 mg/dL
Name one clinical duty of a medical assistant.
Examples: taking vital signs, assisting with exams, phlebotomy, performing EKGs
What does a microhematocrit measure?
The percentage of red blood cells (packed cell volume) in blood.
What is the normal range for an adult oral temperature?
97.6–99.6°F (36.5–37.5°C).
Which documentation format includes “chief complaint” as the first element?
The SOAP note format.
What device is commonly used to measure blood glucose at the point of care?
A glucometer.
Name one administrative duty of a medical assistant.
Examples: scheduling appointments, billing, coding, answering phones.
What type of tube is used for a microhematocrit test?
A capillary tube (heparinized for whole blood).
Where is the brachial artery located for blood pressure measurement?
Inside of the upper arm, above the elbow crease.
During the patient interview, the first step in identifying the chief complaint is to ask this simple question.
What is “What brings you in today?”?
What should a patient do before a fasting blood glucose test?
Avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for 8–12 hours.
What law requires medical assistants to protect patient privacy?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
Why must one end of the microhematocrit tube be sealed before centrifuging?
To prevent blood from spilling out during centrifugation.
This term describes an abnormally slow respiratory rate, usually fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults.
What is bradypnea?
Why must the MA record the patient’s chief complaint in their own words?
To avoid misinterpretation and ensure accuracy in medical documentation.
What is hypoglycemia?
A condition where blood glucose is too low, typically below 70 mg/dL.
What type of communication technique involves restating what the patient has said to ensure understanding?
Active listening/paraphrasing.
After centrifugation, what three layers form in the capillary tube?
Plasma, buffy coat (white blood cells/platelets), and packed red blood cells.
What is the medical term for high blood pressure?
Hypertension.
What is the difference between a symptom and a sign in relation to the chief complaint?
A symptom is subjective (reported by the patient); a sign is objective (measured or observed).
What condition is indicated if a patient’s random glucose test result is consistently above 200 mg/dL?
Diabetes mellitus
Why is professionalism important for a medical assistant?
It builds patient trust, ensures ethical behavior, and promotes effective teamwork in healthcare.
What condition may be indicated by a low hematocrit value?
Anemia