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NHA CCMA Exam Questions
Page 1 of 25
1.
A patient has reported new-onset angina pectoris, and the doctor has ordered an ECG in the office. You place the leads correctly. When you read the tracing, it appears that the ECG is normal.
What is the most likely explanation for this?
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Symptoms do not typically manifest at rest.
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The ECG equipment malfunctioned.
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The patient was anxious during the test.
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Angina pectoris does not affect ECG readings.
Correct answer: Symptoms do not typically manifest at rest.
Angina pectoris symptoms may not be evident during a resting state, such as when they are relaxed on the exam table and a 10-second tracing of the heart's activity is recorded. That is why an ECG should be used in combination with other findings such as blood work and the patient's medical history.
2.
Which of these is not an appropriate step in the procedure for staple removal?
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Release the staple from the staple remover and use forceps to lift the staple from the patient.
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Place the bottom jaws of the staple remover beneath the center of the staple to be removed.
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Squeeze the staple handles until they are fully closed. The staple should buckle with the ends lifting from the skin.
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Place the removed staple on clean gauze.
Correct answer: Release the staple from the staple remover and use forceps to lift the staple from the patient.
A staple removal kit includes a staple removal tool and gauze. Once you've depressed the handles of the staple remover and the staple has buckled with the ends free of the skin, you may lift the staple from the patient while it remains trapped in the jaws of the staple remover. Then, drop the staple onto the gauze.
3.
As a medical assistant, it is important to be aware of patients with special considerations related to age, health, status, and disabilities. Which patient may have a limited understanding of medical information and need the medical assistant to tailor their explanation before drawing blood for a routine lab test?
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An 81-year-old male with mild dementia
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A 34-year-old working mother of two
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A 21-year-old college student
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A 52-year-old attorney
Correct answer: An 81-year-old male with mild dementia
Patients who may require special consideration include children, the elderly, people with some degree of dementia, and those with developmental or cognitive disabilities.
4.
Primary care physicians work in all the following areas of medicine, except:
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General surgery
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Pediatrics
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Preventive care
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Family medicine
Correct answer: General surgery
Primary care physicians treat patients for routine care and general complaints. Preventive care focuses on keeping patients healthy before they encounter any symptoms. Pediatrics provides routine care for infants and children. Family medicine offers routine care for both adults and children.
General surgery treats a specific complaint and is considered a specialty. These procedures are normally performed by a general surgeon.
5.
A patient tries to initiate a romantic relationship with their medical assistant. What is the first step to stop this behavior?
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The medical assistant should calmly state that they do not date patients
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The medical assistant should offer an excuse to avoid confrontation about dating
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The medical assistant should let the office manager know about the situation so that they can speak with the patient
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The medical assistant should accept the proposition but not show up on the date
Correct answer: The medical assistant should calmly state that they do not date patients
It is most appropriate to let the patient calmly know that dating patients is not allowed. If the patient persists, repeats this behavior, or makes you feel unsafe in any way, take further action. At that point, you should speak with your manager and get help deciding how to proceed.
If the medical assistant offers an excuse to the patient, they may continue to ask them on a date. Never accept a date with a patient, even if you do not plan to go. This will only create more problems in the future.
6.
Which type of medical form provides instructions regarding the patient's end-of-life treatment wishes?
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A living will
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Durable power of attorney
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A healthcare proxy
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A will
Correct answer: A living will and Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)
A living will outlines a patient's wishes at the end of their life or if they are unable to speak for themselves while incapacitated.
Durable power of attorney allows the patient to grant someone the right to make decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. At the beginning of a long illness, like Alzheimer's disease, a patient can name a healthcare proxy to make decisions for them if they become unable to do so. A will describes the patient's wishes for what should happen after they die.
7.
What is the normal body temperature for an adult, in degrees Celsius?
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37 °C
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72 °C
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19 °C
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42 °C
Correct answer: 37 °C
The normal body temperature for an adult is 98.6 °F. The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is:
°C = (°F - 32) x 5/9
To convert, subtract 32, multiply by 5, and divide by 9.
98.6 - 32 = 66.6
66.6 x 5 = 333
333 ÷ 9 = 37
Many EHR systems do the conversion for you.
8.
You are having difficulty obtaining a pulse oximeter reading from a patient's fingers. With the appropriate probe, where else can you obtain a reading?
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A toe
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The wrist
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The popliteal fossa
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The ankle
Correct answer: A toe
In most cases, a finger probe on a pulse oximeter will fit a patient's big toe, or a separate toe probe may be included with your machine.
The ear lobe is another suitable site for obtaining a pulse oximeter reading and requires a special probe. The wrist, popliteal fossa (back of the knee), and ankle are inappropriate sites for taking a pulse oximetry reading.
9.
Which of the following is the least appropriate question for a medical assistant to ask a patient?
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Why haven't you been taking your medicine?
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Who referred you to our medical office?
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What are your current medications?
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Are you having any pain?
Correct answer: Why haven't you been taking your medicine?
Asking questions that begin with "why" can make the patient defensive and less open to discussing their health with you. It's inappropriate to push a patient to justify their behavior.
It's often appropriate to ask a patient who referred them to the medical office. Asking about their pain level and current medications is an essential component of patient intake.
10.
In which scenario is it not appropriate for the medical assistant to review a patient's medical record?
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Checking your neighbor's laboratory results so she doesn't have to wait for her physician to deliver them
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Confirming a prescription's strength
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Using information from the patient database to complete a referral
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Determining whether laboratory results are available before a patient's appointment
Correct answer: Checking your neighbor's laboratory results so she doesn't have to wait for her physician to deliver them
Reviewing a patient's medical records before their appointment can ensure their needs are comprehensively addressed. However, looking at someone's medical records should be on a need-to-know basis only. Looking at the records of anyone other than your patient constitutes a violation of HIPAA regulations.
It is never appropriate to review the medical records of someone whom you are not actively taking care of, such as a family member or neighbor who is seeing a physician for whom you do not work. Medical assistants should only review medical records for their patients and if absolutely needed.
Situations in which it is appropriate to review a patient's medical records are when preparing for a patient's visit, completing forms and referrals, and performing other need-to-know tasks.
11.
The medical assistant in an orthopedic surgeon's office is rooming a patient for evaluation of left hip pain. The physician asked the MA to position the patient to allow for the assessment of hip extension.
In which position should the patient be?
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Prone
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Sims
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Fowler
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Recumbent
Correct answer: Prone
In the prone position, the patient lies on their stomach, which allows the provider to evaluate the backside of the body and assess hip extension.
12.
Which of the following is not typically a benefit of joining a professional medical assistant organization?
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Discounts on personal medical care
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Access to industry-specific publications
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Continuing education opportunities
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Legislative advocacy
Correct answer: Discounts on personal medical care
Professional organizations for medical assistants can offer many benefits for professional growth and guidance, such as peer support, opportunities for continuing education, legislative advocacy, and access to industry-specific publications. These organizations do not typically provide discounts on personal medical care.
13.
A CMA is giving a demonstration on proper handwashing to a new employee. During the session, he emphasizes using soap with warm water and washing for the full time as recommended by the CDC. The CMA suggests counting silently or humming the tune of “Happy Birthday” from beginning to end twice to accomplish this
What is the primary purpose of counting or humming while washing hands?
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To ensure hands are washed for at least 15–20 seconds
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To synchronize handwashing when multiple providers are preparing for a procedure
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To encourage a pleasant atmosphere in the workplace
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To ensure hands are washed for 2 full minutes
Correct answer: To ensure hands are washed for at least 15–20 seconds
The CDC handwashing recommendation for healthcare providers is to scrub their hands for at least 15–20 seconds with warm water and soap. It is important to cover all surfaces, including the backs of the hands and fingernails. One way to time this procedure is to hum the tune of “Happy Birthday” twice or count the seconds.
14.
When is it appropriate for a medical assistant to educate and coach a patient on their diagnosis or medication?
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When a medical assistant is relaying communication from the provider to the patient, it is appropriate to educate the patient on their diagnosis or medication. However, the education materials need to be approved or reviewed by the provider.
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It is appropriate to educate every patient about their diagnosis; from how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, to what medications to take. This is part of a medical assistant's responsibility.
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A medical assistant should not educate a patient; this is part of the nurse's role.
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A medical assistant can only educate a patient on office procedures or how and when to make their next appointment.
Correct answer: When a medical assistant is relaying communication from the provider to the patient, it is appropriate to educate the patient on their diagnosis or medication. However, the education materials need to be approved or reviewed by the provider.
A medical assistant should never educate a patient about a diagnosis or medication unless it is first relayed from the provider.
Medical assistants and nurses can safely and ethically educate patients as long as they have the provider's approval. This includes educating patients on office protocols and appointments.
15.
Which of the following best describes the work of an internist?
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Providing comprehensive care, often for patients with chronic illnesses
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Performing general surgery
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Interning in a medical facility before completing their medical degree
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Offering general care to patients of every age
Correct answer: Providing comprehensive care, often for patients with chronic illnesses
Internists perform internal medicine. They offer comprehensive care, and often work with patients who have chronic, long-term health issues.
Surgeons perform general surgery. An internist is a licensed doctor, not a medical student. Primary care providers (PCPS) often practice family medicine, providing general care to patients of every age.
16.
Automatic blood pressure cuffs are a good option for people who want to monitor their blood pressure at home, as they are inexpensive, portable, and easily found at many pharmacies and retail stores. Which person should be cautioned about using an at-home automatic blood pressure machine?
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An 80-year-old female with arteriosclerosis
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A 50-year-old male with a strong pulse
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A 60-year-old female with diabetes
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A 70-year-old male with hearing impairment
Correct answer: An 80-year-old female with arteriosclerosis
Certain conditions may result in an inaccurate reading with an automatic blood pressure monitor. These include preeclampsia, dysrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation), arteriosclerosis, and a very weak pulse. If any of these conditions are present, an alternative method of blood pressure measurement should be used.
Because the monitor relies on brachial artery oscillations to obtain a reading, stiff arteries in older patients can interfere with obtaining an accurate reading.
17.
A medical assistant is compiling patient information to use for a research project. What document or regulation is the medical assistant violating by using patient information for research without all participants' permission?
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The Patients' Bill of Rights
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Informed consent
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The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
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The Family and Medical Leave Act
Correct answer: The Patients' Bill of Rights
The Patients' Bill of Rights states that in order to use a patient's information for a research project, the patient must be advised of this proposal and have the right to decline if they so choose.
When a patient gives their informed consent, they agree to receive care with a full understanding of the potential risks and benefits. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act forbids health insurance companies and employers from using genetic information to make certain decisions like hiring. The Family and Medical Leave Act refers to the entitlement that employees can receive up to 12 unpaid weeks off work for certain circumstances such as illness. This only applies to companies with over 50 employees.
18.
One form of active listening involves summarizing the patient's understanding and perception of what you taught them to resolve any confusion. What is it?
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Clarification
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Restatement
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Reflection
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Interruption
Correct answer: Clarification
Clarifying what you just said, or asking for clarification about what the patient means, can help both of you avoid confusion. This strategy bridges any gaps in communication and helps patients receive better care.
Restating exactly what the patient said may be helpful. However, it does not clarify how they may understand or perceive what you are trying to teach them. Reflecting helps you identify the patient's feelings in the situation but may not help you clarify their understanding or perception of what you taught them. Interrupting the patient is not a form of active listening, and it can hinder communication between you and the patient.
19.
John is a medical assistant at a community health clinic. He had close contact with a patient who later tested positive for a new strain of the COVID-19 virus. Throughout the conversation, John wore adequate personal safety equipment. As a responsible healthcare worker, John will continue to check his health regularly.
Given the typical incubation time, when might John expect to see symptoms if he is infected?
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2–14 days
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Immediately after contact
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14–20 days
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1–4 days
Correct answer: 2–14 days
The incubation period for SARS-CoV-2 infection is 2–14 days, with a maximum of 27 days. Although the severity of signs and symptoms can vary, they often appear within 2–14 days.
20.
What is the best description of allied health professionals?
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Trained healthcare providers who must act under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner
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Alternative treatment providers, such as acupuncturists
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Anyone who works in a medical facility, including receptionists and others without medical training
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Healthcare professionals who work as part of a team, collaborating closely with clinicians who have different specialties
Correct answer: Trained healthcare providers who must act under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner
An allied health professional has some specialized medical training but must act under the supervision of a doctor or other licensed expert. Outside of this, the definition of the term "allied health professional" can vary widely. Some examples of allied health professionals include art therapists, dental assistants, dietitians, and massage therapists.
Alternative treatment providers have some specialized training, and they may or may not be required to practice under supervision. Other employees in a healthcare facility, like receptionists, are not considered allied health professionals. A person's credentials or licensure status is not determined by the status of their colleagues.