Deck 32: Assisting With the Primary Physical Examination

Question 1

When transferring a patient from a wheelchair to the examination table, the medical assistant should always assist the patient on the person's weak side.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

The skin assists in regulating the temperature of the body.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Oxygen is carried throughout the bloodstream attached to red blood cells.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

The medical assistant should push a heavy item rather than trying to pull it.

Question 5

When using proper body mechanics, medical assistants should twist the body in the direction of the object to be lifted.

Question 6

The intracellular space is where the cell nucleus is located.

Question 7

Bending both the knees and the back is the best method of picking up a heavy object.

Question 8

Examples of involuntary muscles are the muscles that line arteries and arterioles.

Question 9

An example of manipulation is assisted ROM exercises.

Question 10

A "growling" stomach is an example of peristalsis.

Question 11

Transillumination is used to evaluate the patency of the sinus cavities.

Question 12

The most common tissue in the body is epithelial tissue.

Question 13

The lymphatic system is responsible for filtering waste from the blood.

Question 14

One of the functions of the skeletal system is to create blood cells in the red bone marrow.

Question 15

The myocardium is made up of striated voluntary muscle fibers.

Question 16

A murmur indicates a possible problem with a cardiac valve.

Question 17

Sharps containers should be changed when they are three fourths full to prevent accidental needle sticks.

Question 18

Platelets are specialized blood cells that help combat infections.

Question 19

The examination of the small intestine with a fiberoptic instrument is a colonoscopy.

Question 20

The medical assistant is responsible for obtaining informed consent for any scheduled procedures.

Question 21

Which examination position requires the medical assistant to raise the head of the bed to a 30- to 45-degree angle?

A)Dorsal recumbent
B)Fowler's
C)Lithotomy
D)Semi-Fowler's

Question 22

The physician asks the medical assistant to position a patient on the examination table so that the patient can breathe more easily.The most appropriate position is:

A)dorsal recumbent
B)jackknife
C)lithotomy
D)semi-Fowler's
E)Trendelenburg's

Question 23

Patients with aphasia are unable to talk because of severe laryngitis.

Question 24

Which examination position requires the most careful monitoring of patients to ensure their safety from falls?

A)Dorsal recumbent
B)Prone
C)Lithotomy
D)Knee-chest

Question 25

If you are interested in working with patients of all ages who seek help for a wide variety of disorders, employment with which medical specialist would be your best choice?

A)Primary care physician
B)Oncologist
C)Internist
D)Physical medicine physician

Question 26

During a physical examination, the physician discovers a bruit.What method would she be using to make this discovery?

A)Manipulation
B)Palpation
C)Percussion
D)Auscultation

Question 27

The medical term for chewing food is eructation.

Question 28

If patients need help transferring from a chair to an examination table, you should suggest that they wrap their arms around your neck for support.

Question 29

Lymphadenopathy may be noted when the physician palpates the nodes of the neck.

Question 30

Which examination position is used in emergencies for patients with severe hypotension or who are in shock?

A)Dorsal recumbent
B)Knee-chest
C)Lithotomy
D)Trendelenburg's

Question 31

Which examination position is used for gynecologic examinations?

A)Dorsal recumbent
B)Knee-chest
C)Lithotomy
D)Trendelenburg's

Question 32

The usual sequence of the general physical examination moves from the:

A)head toward the feet
B)center of the body
C)area where there is a complaint
D)trunk outward to the limbs

Question 33

An ECG records the nervous energy created within the heart muscle during a contraction.

Question 34

With whom can you ethically discuss patient information that is gathered during the physical examination?

A)Your co-workers who do not work with this patient
B)Your family members who do not know this patient
C)The physician who performed the examination
D)Family members of the patient who are involved in the person's care

Question 35

The physician performs manipulation during the physical examination to gain information about the:

A)condition of internal organs
B)irregularities that can be felt just beneath the skin
C)range of motion of a joint
D)strength of the muscles

Question 36

A positive skin turgor test result indicates that the patient is dehydrated.

Question 37

Which examination position is used for rectal or sigmoid examinations?

A)Dorsal recumbent
B)Knee-chest
C)Lithotomy
D)Trendelenburg's

Question 38

A deformity that is identified as gross in medical terminology is one that is particularly disgusting.

Question 39

A patient with sensory aphasia may call a glass of soda a cup of coffee.

Question 40

Aphonia typically is seen in patients who have overused their voice.

Question 41

The examination method used to assess the patient's manner of walking is:

A)palpation
B)inspection
C)manipulation
D)ROM

Question 42

Which of the following is the medical assistant's responsibility when preparing the patient for a physical examination?

A)Make sure all informed consent forms have been signed.
B)Write prescriptions for patients in need of refills.
C)Check the patient's eye with an ophthalmoscope.
D)Perform a hemoccult test.

Question 43

The physician might use a __________ to assess a patient's ability to detect sound vibrations.

A)Snellen chart
B)tongue blade
C)tuning fork
D)reflex hammer

Question 44

Which of the following positions is most appropriate for a patient having a breast examination?

A)Dorsal recumbent
B)Jackknife
C)Lithotomy
D)Semi-Fowler's
E)Horizontal recumbent

Question 45

One of the medical assistant's responsibilities when preparing a room for a patient's physical examination is to gather the instruments and supplies needed.Which of the following is not needed for a routine physical examination?

A)Specimen bottles
B)Hemoccult supplies
C)Sterile gloves
D)Lubricating gel

Question 46

After a proctoscopic examination, the patient should be helped to the upright position slowly to prevent:

A)defecation
B)diarrhea
C)flatulence
D)syncope

Question 47

The examination technique by which the practitioner listens to internal body signs is:

A)percussion
B)manipulation
C)palpation
D)auscultation

Question 48

Which of the following examination positions can be used for a rectal examination?

A)Trendelenburg's
B)Sims'
C)Supine
D)Prone

Question 49

Which of the following positions is most appropriate when the physician needs to check heart and lung sounds?

A)Knee-chest
B)Prone
C)Sims'
D)Fowler's
E)Supine

Question 50

An instrument used to test auditory acuity is the:

A)ophthalmoscope
B)otoscope
C)tuning fork
D)Snellen chart

Question 51

Which position requires the patient to lie flat on his or her back?

A)Supine
B)Prone
C)Sims'
D)Fowler's

Question 52

When preparing a patient for a physical examination, the medical assistant is responsible for all of the following except:

A)providing the patient with a gown and instructions on how to wear it
B)making sure the patient has emptied the bladder
C)providing refill prescriptions as needed
D)measuring and recording vital signs

Question 53

Which is the best method of moving a heavy object?

A)Pull it in the direction it needs to be moved.
B)Twist toward the object and slide it toward you.
C)Roll or push the item in the desired direction.
D)Bend at the waist and use arm muscles to push the object.

Question 54

A percussion hammer is used for which part of the physical examination?

A)Neurologic
B)Gastrointestinal
C)Urinary
D)Respiratory

Question 55

When lifting a heavy object, the medical assistant should:

A)bend at the waist, keeping the back straight
B)pull the object in the direction needed
C)keep the weight as close as possible to the body
D)twist and reach for the object

Question 56

The physician uses a(n) ______ to examine the eyes.

A)ophthalmascope
B)otoscope
C)flashlight
D)ophthalmoscope

Question 57

An example of a bruit is:

A)bowel sounds
B)carotid obstruction from atherosclerotic plaque
C)breath sounds
D)sound from an obstructed airway

Question 58

Which of the following positions may be used when an anterior examination is to be done, but the patient has back pain?

A)Lithotomy
B)Semi-Fowler's
C)Dorsal recumbent
D)Horizontal recumbent

Question 59

Which of the following positions is achieved by lying prone with the head down, the knees bent, and the buttocks elevated?

A)Dorsal recumbent
B)Lithotomy
C)Knee-chest
D)Sims'
E)Trendelenburg's

Question 60

Placement in the _______ position requires the patient to lie prone with the buttocks elevated and the head and legs lowered.

A)Sims'
B)proctologic
C)Trendelenburg
D)dorsal recumbent

Question 61

__________ is a method of examination that uses tapping or striking the body with fingers or a small hammer to determine alterations in sound or vibration.

Question 62

What is the quickest and easiest method for checking skin turgor?

A)Draw blood for analysis.
B)Examine the patient's eyes.
C)Examine the condition of the nails.
D)Pinch the skin on the posterior surface of the hand.

Question 63

As a result of his CVA, Mr.Johnson suffers from motor aphasia.What does this mean?

A)He pronounces words easily but identifies items inaccurately.
B)He knows what he wants to say but cannot pronounce the words clearly.
C)He is unable to talk or write because of the damage to his brain.
D)He is able to talk clearly if given enough time.

Question 64

What is the normal color of the tympanic membrane?

A)Pink
B)Slightly yellow
C)Off-white
D)Pearly gray

Question 65

A(n) __________ is a medical instrument that is used to inspect the inner structures of the eye.

Question 66

For administration of a rectal suppository, the patient would be placed in the __________ position.

Question 67

__________ are used to test the ability to conduct vibrations through bone.

Question 68

What type of breath odor may be observed in patients with diabetes?

A)Acetone or fruity
B)Musty
C)Tangy or citrus
D)Ammonia

Question 69

Which of the following is a patient confidentiality practice supported by HIPAA regulations?

A)The initial patient information is gathered in the office waiting room.
B)The patient's record is placed on the examination room door with the name facing out so it can be easily identified by the physician.
C)Diagnostic tests for one patient are scheduled while another patient is standing by, waiting for discharge.
D)A sign-in sheet is used that covers the names of patients who had signed in previously.

Question 70

How does the physician typically begin the examination of body parts and systems?

A)By assessing the body part causing the patient's complaint
B)By starting with the head and working methodically toward the feet
C)By auscultating breath and heart sounds
D)By performing a breast examination on female patients

Question 71

A body __________ is composed of several organs and their associated structures.

Question 72

The __________ position is used for vaginal examinations.

Question 73

Clubbing of the fingertips is associated with which of the following health problems?

A)Skin conditions
B)Heart or lung disease
C)Congenital deformity
D)Inherited defect

Question 74

An otorhinolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in what area?

A)Ear and throat
B)Eye, ear, and throat
C)Eye, ear, and nose
D)Ear, nose, and throat

Question 75

A(n) __________ is used to examine the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane.

Question 76

A(n) __________ is composed of two or more types of tissues that form together to perform a particular function.

Question 77

Measuring the circumference of an infant's head is an example of __________.

Question 78

The technique of __________ involves using touch during the physical examination of a patient, for example, to determine the size and consistency of a tumor.

Question 79

A few months ago, Mr.Thomas Johnson suffered a stroke that left him with weakness on the right side.You need to assist him from his wheelchair onto the examination table.Which technique should you use?

A)Support Mr.Johnson on his right side.
B)Bend at the waist and support Mr.Johnson as he stands.
C)Support Mr.Johnson close to your body on his left side.
D)You do not have to worry about locking the chair wheels, because you are providing support.

Question 80

The sclera of the eye is described as the:

A)tissue that lines the interior part of the eye
B)part of the eye that is responsible for eye color
C)white part of the eye that may show inflammation
D)area of the eye where tears form