Medical Terminology
What does the term "tachycardia" refer to?
Rapid heart rate, usually more than 100 beats per minute.
What is the first step in performing a venipuncture?
The first step in performing a venipuncture is to locate and palpate a suitable vein, usually by applying a tourniquet to the patient's arm and asking them to make a fist
What is the generic name for Tylenol?
acetaminophen
What organ is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body?
The heart
What is the best way to communicate with a non-English-speaking patient?
Is to use a professional medical interpreter to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive communication, avoiding reliance on family members or ad-hoc interpreters, and focusing on speaking slowly, using simple language, and actively verifying comprehension throughout the interaction; always be mindful of cultural nuances and non-verbal cues.
What is the medical term for a heart attack?
myocardial infarction (MI)
What is the purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help diagnose heart conditions, monitor treatments, and rule out problems
What does the abbreviation "PRN" mean in medical orders?
as needed
Where is the liver located in the body?
upper right quadrant of the abdomen
How should a medical assistant respond to a patient's complaint of pain?
When a patient complains of pain, a medical assistant should listen attentively, express empathy, ask clarifying questions to understand the pain's severity and location, and promptly inform the healthcare provider while offering comfort measures like a warm compress or ice pack if appropriate; always ensuring the patient feels heard and supported.
Define the term "hemorrhage."
An acute loss of blood from a damaged blood vessel
How do you perform a rapid strep test?
A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat to check for group A strep bacteria
Tilt your head back and open your mouth wide
Use a tongue depressor to hold down your tongue
Use a clean swab to gently brush the back of your throat, tonsils, and any sore areas
The swab is tested for bacteria in an office or lab
Name a common side effect of antibiotics
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
Is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and to carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled, achieved through a protein called hemoglobin within the red blood cells
What is the proper procedure for transferring a patient from a wheelchair to an exam table?
You should: position the wheelchair close to the exam table, lock the brakes, have the patient scoot forward in the chair, use a transfer belt if needed, instruct the patient to place their feet flat on the floor, stand up with the patient's assistance, pivot towards the exam table, and carefully lower them onto the table while maintaining good body mechanics; always assess the patient's ability to assist and provide appropriate support throughout the transfer.
What does "hypertension" mean?
Known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the pressure of your blood is consistently too high
Describe how to measure blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer.(Blood Pressure Cuff)
Place the cuff snugly around the upper arm, inflate it until blood flow is temporarily stopped in the brachial artery, then slowly release pressure while listening with a stethoscope to detect the first audible sound (systolic pressure) and the last audible sound (diastolic pressure) as blood begins to flow again through the artery; record the readings as two numbers, with the systolic pressure listed first followed by the diastolic pressure
What is the purpose of an EpiPen?
Is a device that injects epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis. It's a life-saving medication that can reverse anaphylaxis and give you time to get emergency care
Describe the role of the kidneys in the body
The kidneys filter blood, remove waste, and maintain the body's balance of water, salts, and minerals. They also produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep bones strong
What is the purpose of informed consent?
Is to ensure that individuals fully understand the risks, benefits, and nature of a medical procedure or research study before voluntarily agreeing to participate, allowing them to make an autonomous decision based on complete information, thus protecting their rights and promoting ethical conduct in healthcare and research settings.
What is "cyanosis" a sign of?
Cyanosis is a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood, typically appearing as a bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nail beds, and usually indicates a problem with the lungs or heart, such as pneumonia, asthma, heart failure, or congenital heart disease; it can also be caused by poor blood circulation.
What is the procedure for a sterile dressing change?
A sterile dressing change involves thoroughly washing hands, preparing a sterile field, putting on sterile gloves, carefully removing the old dressing, cleaning the wound with sterile solution, applying a new sterile dressing, and properly disposing of used materials, all while maintaining aseptic technique to prevent contamination of the wound site
What is the difference between a brand-name drug and a generic drug?
A brand-name drug is a medication sold under a specific company's name, while a generic drug is a chemically equivalent version of that same medication, containing the same active ingredient but often with different inactive ingredients, and typically sold at a lower price once the patent on the brand-name drug expires; both must meet the same safety and efficacy standards set by the FDA to be approved for use
Name the bones that make up the human skull
The human skull contains several bones, including the frontal bone, parietal bones, occipital bone, temporal bones, ethmoid bone, sphenoid bone, mandible, and lacrimal bones.
How do you handle a patient’s confidentiality in a medical setting?
To handle a patient's confidentiality in a medical setting, healthcare professionals should: follow HIPAA guidelines, only access and share information on a need-to-know basis, maintain secure storage of medical records, communicate discreetly, respect patient privacy preferences, and educate themselves and others about confidentiality protocols; essentially, treating all patient information with utmost privacy and discretion, only disclosing details when absolutely necessary for proper care delivery