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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

NHA CCMA Exam Questions

Page 8 of 25

141.

A patient is short of breath, anxious, and has trouble sitting still. You need to obtain an accurate respiratory rate. What is the best way to obtain it?

  • Count their respiration without their knowledge

  • Ask them to sit quietly for 5 minutes while you observe their breath

  • Inform the patient that you are going to count their respiration now

  • Count respirations immediately after measuring blood pressure

Correct answer: Count their respiration without their knowledge

Patients may unintentionally change their respiration rate or hold their breath if they are aware that they are being measured. This is especially likely if they're anxious, nervous, or uncomfortable. You can take a pulse and count respirations at the same time to work around this issue. 

142.

Rhonda is working for a staffing company that is contracted by the police department to collect blood samples when individuals are suspected of driving under the influence. She is called to the station to collect a blood-alcohol sample from a 31-year-old woman.

What action could be considered a violation of the chain of custody during this process and/or compromise the specimen?

  • Rhonda leaves the specimen envelope unsealed so that the officers can add additional paperwork or specimens if needed.

  • Rhonda ensures the form is filled before drawing the blood specimen.

  • Rhonda takes the specimen while she goes to another room to make a copy of the form.

  • Rhonda verifies the name and date of birth on the form with the woman before drawing the blood sample to ensure accuracy.

Correct answer: Rhonda leaves the specimen envelope unsealed so that the officers can add additional paperwork or specimens if needed.

Chain of custody is the special process that must be followed whenever a lab specimen can be used in a court case. It provides special steps for collection, processing, and testing to provide reliable and valid results. This includes ensuring the identification of the individual undergoing testing, taking precautions to avoid falsification of or tampering with specimens, properly labeling the specimens, sealing the specimen's container after collection, and immediately sending the specimen to an outside laboratory for analysis or refrigerating it if there is a delay in transport.

143.

Which standard infection control process reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level?

  • Sanitization

  • Disinfection

  • Hand hygiene

  • Sterilization

Correct answer: Sanitization

Sterilization is the process of cleaning instruments and other contaminated items to reduce the number of microorganisms before the item is disinfected or sterilized.

Disinfection kills pathogenic organisms while sterilization kills all pathogens and spores. Hand hygiene is important for reducing the spread of pathogens from hands to other items or surfaces. Hand hygiene procedures may or may not include sanitization procedures. 

144.

Omar is the MA responsible for managing inventory in a large hospital-based clinic. What should Daniel do if he discovers that the safety data sheet (SDS) for a hazardous chemical in the clinic's storage is missing?

  • Reach out to the supplier or check the manufacturer’s website.

  • Ignore the missing SDS, as it is not crucial for routine inventory checks.

  • Replace the SDS by drafting a new document summarizing the chemical's properties.

  • Call the hospital’s central supply office.

Correct answer: Reach out to the supplier or check the manufacturer’s website.

A safety data sheet, also known as a material safety data sheet, is more extensive than a container label in terms of chemicals, risks, and precautions to take while handling a chemical. According to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, any hazardous chemical used or stored in the workplace must have a current SDS on file. SDSs must be readily available to employees and delivered upon request. In the case of unintentional exposure, the SDS should be easily accessible for emergency treatment. 

If an SDS is missing, it has to be replaced. You can contact either the supplier or the manufacturer. You may also go to the manufacturer's website.

145.

What is true about suture materials?

  • The diameter of the suture strand determines its size.

  • Smaller diameter sutures are numbered above 0.

  • Sutures are only available in one length.

  • Larger-diameter sutures are numbered below 0.

Correct answer: The diameter of the suture strand determines its size.

The diameter, or gauge, of a suture determines how thick or thin the suture is. Smaller-diameter sutures are numbered below 0, such as a 2-0 suture. Larger-diameter sutures are numbered above 0, such as a size 2 suture.

Sutures come in a variety of lengths.

146.

The lower abdomen, posterior of the upper arm, and anterior thigh are the best sites for which type of injection?

  • Subcutaneous 

  • Intramuscular 

  • Intradermal 

  • Intravenous 

Correct answer: Subcutaneous

The lower abdomen, posterior upper arm, and anterior thigh offer the best locations for subcutaneous injection.

Subcutaneous injections place medication into the subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis. Medication absorbs more slowly via this route, as the subcutaneous layer has fewer blood vessels than other body sites.

147.

You are the medical assistant for Dr. Juarez, the obstetrician caring for Mrs. Diaz. At her routine prenatal visit at 30 weeks, Mrs. Diaz is telling the doctor about her diet and sleep habits, when suddenly her membranes rupture. The doctor gives instructions to send her to the hospital for admission due to pre-term labor. Mrs. Diaz exhibits a rapid pulse and breathing, sweating, and shaking, and she is unable to remember her husband's cellphone number.

Which of the following would be the best way to reduce Mrs. Diaz's panic during this emergency?

  • Provide clear directions in a calm, reassuring voice

  • Encourage Mrs. Diaz to take quick, short breaths to release tension

  • Talk quickly to demonstrate that her medical team is in control

  • Avoid physical contact to respect the patient's personal space

Correct answer: Provide clear directions in a calm, reassuring voice

Clear, calm directions delivered in a reassuring voice can help minimize anxiety in patients during emergencies. It is important to guide the patient effectively and maintain a sense of control. It may be necessary to touch the patient to gain attention, and then directions should be given in short sentences.

148.

Is it ever appropriate for a medical assistant to open business letters or emails addressed to the medical office?

  • Yes, as long as it is not marked as private or personal

  • Yes, as long as it is marked private or personal

  • No, the medical assistant should not open letters addressed to the medical office

  • Medical assistants should only open business letters that are addressed to themselves or the medical office manager

Correct answer: Yes, as long as it is not marked as private or personal

Opening and screening business letters and emails daily is a normal role for a medical assistant at their medical office.

Business letters or emails should not be opened if they are marked private or personal. If the business letter or email is addressed personally to the medical office manager, the medical assistant should not open the correspondence.

149.

All of the following are common types of complementary medicine, except:

  • Anesthesiology

  • Chiropractic care

  • Meditation

  • Ayurvedic medicine

Correct answer: Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology is a branch of allopathic (traditional, Western) medical care. While an anesthesiology assistant (AA) is an allied health professional, this type of treatment is not considered complementary. 

Chiropractic care, meditation, and Ayurvedic medicine are all examples of complementary or alternative care, along with massage therapy, yoga, homeopathy, naturopathy, and acupuncture.

150.

What is an appropriate way for a medical assistant to educate a patient on postoperative care?

  • Give the patient a wound care sheet, then discuss wound care, signs of infection, and when to call the office. Make a follow-up call to the patient in 24 hours.

  • Explain when to come back to the clinic for a recheck and to call with any concerns.

  • Provide the patient with a wound care sheet.

  • Hand the patient a wound care sheet and explain the physician will reach out in the next day or two to answer any questions.

Correct answer: Give the patient a wound care sheet, then discuss wound care, signs of infection, and when to call the office. Make a follow-up call to the patient in 24 hours.

Patients may forget information once they leave the clinic, or they may have a concern but don't want to bother clinic staff. It's important to provide clearly written discharge instructions and go over them with the patient. Call the patient the next day to see if they have any concerns or questions.

151.

Where are all Medicare claims sent for payment of services? 

  • Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) 

  • Tricare

  • Medicaid state benefits 

  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Correct answer: Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) 

All claims for Medicare need to be submitted to the MAC, a multistate private healthcare insurer for both Part A and Part B plans.

Tricare is an insurance provider for veterans and their families utilizing civilian healthcare facilities. Medicaid is a healthcare option for low-income residents, and it is federally funded. Providers may choose not to take patients who use Medicaid benefits. CHIP is a healthcare option for children that is state-funded. It can be used with Medicaid or by itself. 

152.

One of the physicians in your medical office has been making inappropriate comments to you. You have told the provider that this makes you feel uncomfortable, but nothing has changed. What is the most appropriate response to this situation?

  • Go directly to your manager and speak to them in person

  • Set up a more formal meeting with the physician to discuss the problem

  • Let it go in an effort to set aside your personal feelings at work

  • Ask not to be paired with that physician and avoid them whenever possible

Correct answer: Go directly to your manager and speak to them in person

Going to the manager is the next step to escalate the problem. It is never acceptable for anyone to continue making inappropriate comments toward you, even if that person is a physician and/or your direct supervisor.

Asking the provider to stop making comments is an appropriate first step. If they ignore that request, it's time to escalate the problem. Don't ignore the problem or attempt to set aside your feelings. Instead, communicate your needs and boundaries as clearly and respectfully as possible.

153.

In some states, medical assistants are responsible for administering vaccines. Which type of vaccine contains living microorganisms?

  • Live-attenuated vaccine

  • mRNA vaccine

  • Toxoid vaccine

  • Conjugate vaccine

Correct answer: Live-attenuated vaccine

Live-attenuated vaccines contain living but weakened (or attenuated) organisms.

mRNA vaccines stimulate the production of a protein that triggers an immune response. Toxoid vaccines include a toxin made by the microorganism that is targeted by the vaccine. Conjugate vaccines, also called subunit or recombinant vaccines, use specific pieces of the microorganism to induce a strong immune response.

154.

In an orthopedic clinic, a doctor is performing a sterile procedure on a patient's shoulder. The medical assistant assists by providing the necessary instruments. The MA asks the patient to face the wall and avoid looking at the doctor or the site. 

What is the primary reason for instructing the patient to turn their head?

  • To prevent the patient from breathing or talking over the sterile field

  • To enhance patient comfort during the procedure

  • To prevent the patient from witnessing the procedure

  • To reduce the likelihood of patient movement during the procedure

Correct answer: To prevent the patient from breathing or talking over the sterile field

Turning the patient's head away from the sterile field serves to prevent the introduction of airborne contaminants, including respiratory particles, into the surgical area. This precaution aligns with the principles of maintaining surgical asepsis, where minimizing the risk of contamination is crucial. While patient comfort is important, the primary goal in this context is to preserve the sterility of the surgical field. 

155.

An insurance claim has been denied, and the patient is upset that they will now be responsible for the entire bill. What is the best course of action? 

  • Offer to resubmit the claim

  • Tell the patient that you understand why they are upset

  • Promise that you will find a way to ensure that the claim is accepted 

  • Offer to find new medical codes that might help the claim's acceptance 

Correct answer: Offer to resubmit the claim

Offering to resubmit the claim is the best choice of action. If there was a mistake or if additional documentation is needed, there is a possibility that the claim will be accepted in the future. 

Telling the person that you understand why they are upset may be validating, but it does not help fix the problem. Resubmitting could help the patient's problem. Never promise the patient anything that you cannot guarantee to deliver. Changing medical codes could be fraudulent and result in fines. 

156.

A patient is having a hard time remembering to take all his medications at the correct times. Sometimes, he accidentally skips pills. You know the importance of medication compliance for the patient's condition. How can you best counsel this patient on his medication?

  • Encourage the patient to speak to his pharmacy about getting a medication box prepared

  • Discuss the patient's medication schedule and firmly remind him of the importance of taking medications on time

  • Call the patient's family and ask them to help the patient remember his medication

  • Let the physician instruct the patient to comply with his medication

Correct answer: Encourage the patient to speak to his pharmacy about getting a medication box prepared

This patient would benefit from a pre-organized medication system that groups the correct medications to be taken at the correct times of day. Many pharmacies will assist a patient in setting up a medication box for this purpose. Giving the patient tools for compliance helps the patient feel in charge of his health.

Patients tend to forget large amounts of information. While you may go over verbal instructions on medication compliance with the patient, he may not recall all the information later.

The patient's family should not be notified unless the patient has given verbal consent and expressed interest in asking his family to help. The physician will review a patient's medications while the medical assistant provides patient coaching.

157.

A patient becomes angry because you did not take their blood pressure correctly. What is the most professional way to respond?

  • By displaying tact, compassion, and honesty

  • By describing your credentials to the patient

  • By immediately leaving the room to find a supervising physician

  • By asking the patient to leave

Correct answer: By displaying tact, compassion, and honesty

Medical assistants must remain calm and act professionally in any situation. How a medical assistant reacts and responds to situations is a reflection of the clinic and the provider. Patients often perceive the quality of their care based on how they are treated. Professionalism includes these qualities, among others:

  • Courtesy
  • Respect
  • Empathy
  • Compassion
  • Tact
  • Diplomacy
  • Respect for diversity
  • Honesty
  • Dependability

158.

As you approach the front desk, you find a client extremely upset at the medical assistant helping them. The medical assistant appears frustrated and tells the client that there is no way to help them. How should you respond in this situation?

  • Ask the patient and the medical assistant if there is anything that you can do to help.

  • Let your coworker handle this situation while you help the next patient.

  • Go get your manager.

  • Ask the patient to calm down and tell them to leave if they cannot.

Correct answer: Ask the patient and the medical assistant if there is anything that you can do to help

It is always important to be helpful and kind to patients. Validating their needs and trying to work something out for them can go a long way. The other medical assistant was frustrated, making it hard for them to give the patient a sense of contentment with their interaction. Asking them if there is anything that you could do is the best response to this situation.

Ignoring the situation does not help the patient or the other medical assistant. It is always important to try to help your coworkers and offer good customer service to patients.

Getting your manager may need to be done if the situation cannot be settled. However, asking the patient if there is anything that you could do first could help rectify the situation and the frustrations between your coworker and the patient. 

Telling the patient to calm down or leave is not the best response at this time.

159.

Electronic health record programs have the ability to track the activity of every user. What is this called?

  • Audit control

  • Meaningful use

  • Authentication

  • Network authorization

Correct answer: Audit control

Audit control allows administrators to monitor employee activity within an electronic health record to make sure it is not being misused.

Meaningful use is an incentive program for providers who utilize electronic technology to improve patient care. Authentication allows access to electronic health record programs, usually in the form of a passcode or password. Network authorization tells users which programs they are allowed to access and which they are not.

160.

A pain scale helps describe pain by communicating which of the following?

  • The severity of the patient’s pain

  • The duration of the patient’s pain

  • The context of the patient’s pain

  • The quality of the patient’s pain

Correct answer: The severity of the patient’s pain

A pain scale is just one detail about the patient’s pain that should be assessed. Other aspects of the patient’s pain include:

  • Location - Where in the body does the patient feel pain (e.g., arm, leg, head)?
  • Quality - How does it feel (e.g., achy, sore, burning)?
  • Severity - How bad is it, on a scale of 1–10?
  • Duration - How long has the pain been there?
  • Timing - When pain comes, how long does it last?
  • Context - How did it start? What is the cause?
  • Modifying factors - What makes the pain better/worse?
  • Associated signs/symptoms - What other symptoms come with the pain (e.g., nausea, blurred vision, numbness)?
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