Body Systems
Name the two major structures protected by the skull and vertebral canal that together form the central nervous system.
The brain and spinal cord
A patient’s forearm laceration continues to bleed. The provider suspects a deficiency in the blood component that gathers at the injury site and helps begin clot formation. Name this component.?
Platelets.
After assisting a patient who may have C. difficile, the medical assistant removes their gloves and notices visibly soiled hands. What should be done next?
Wash hands with soap and water.
How should the medical assistant document a patient’s chief complaint?
Using the patient's own words.
The provider presses gently with the fingertips to evaluate an enlarged lymph node. Name the examination method.
Palpation.
An older patient's vision becomes gradually blurry without pain. Upon an examination it reveals that the patient's lens is cloudy. What is this condition?
Cataracts
The medical assistant clips a sensor onto a fingertip to obtain an SpO2 reading. Name the device.?
Pulse oximeter.
A reusable instrument with visible blood on it returns from a procedure. What must happen before it goes into the autoclave?
Clean the instrument to remove blood and organic material.
When the medical assistant asks, 'On a scale from 0 to 10, how bad is the pain?' which part of COLDSPA is being assessed?
Severity.
A patient is positioned across the room from a Snellen chart for distance-vision testing. How far away should the patient generally stand?
Approximately 20 feet.
A skin injury reaches the layer containing follicles, glands, nerves, and blood vessels. Identify the layer?
The dermis.
Name the flap of tissue that closes over the airway entrance as food is swallowed, to prevent that food from going into the larynx.
Epiglottis.
A used needle accidentally punctures the medical assistant's finger. State the first immediate care for the site?
Wash the puncture site with soap and water.
A radial pulse is irregular. At which site should the medical assistant listen with a stethoscope to obtain the most accurate/true heart rate?
The apical site.
For a rectal examination, the patient is placed on the left side with the upper knee bent toward the chest. What is this position called?
Sim's Position.
An older adult's hip and knee pain results from gradual breakdown of joint cartilage. Name the likely disorder?
Osteoarthritis
Most arteries carry oxygen-rich blood, but this artery transports deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the lung.
Pulmonary artery
A microorganism crosses into the body through a cut in the skin. Which link in the chain of infection does the cut represent?
Portal of entry.
While measuring blood pressure, where should the patient's supported arm be positioned for an accurate result?
At heart level.
During a pediatric visit, the medical assistant notices injuries that do not match the caregiver's explanation and the MA is suspicious of abuse. What is the appropriate action?
Follow mandated procedures for reporting suspected abuse per your facility.
Which inner-ear disorder can cause episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, nausea, and one-sided hearing loss?
Meniere's disease.
Following a chest injury, air enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse. Name this condition?
Pneumothorax.
Which combination of respiratory protection (mask) and room placement is appropriate when tuberculosis is suspected?
A fit-tested N95 respirator and airborne isolation room when available.
A patient's SpO2 appears unexpectedly low. Which two factors could interfere with its accuracy?
Cold fingers and acrylic/gel nail polish.
Which patient history finding represents an important suicide risk factor?
A prior suicide attempt.