Question 1

When taking radial pulse, a medical assistant should do all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Using the thumb when palpating pulse is incorrect action. The thumb has strong pulsation, and the medical assistant might be counting her own pulse, instead of the client's pulse.

Question 2

Kleine, age 57, was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. Andrea, the medical assistant assigned to him, knows that all of the following are appropriate interventions to promote adequate respiratory function, except:

Accepted Answer

Minimizing smoking is an inappropriate intervention to promote respiratory function. Instead, the appropriate intervention would be to avoid or quit cigarette smoking.

Question 3

An elderly client is admitted to the unit for the first time. Which of the following actions ensures the safety of the client?

Accepted Answer

The environment has to remain clutter-free; therefore, unnecessary pieces of equipment or furniture have to be out of the way. Lights on and side rails up are mandatory at all times. It is unnecessary to keep equipment out of view.

Question 4

Sipps has a nasogastric tube in place for intermittent feedings. During feedings she should be placed in which position, unless contraindicated?

Accepted Answer

High Fowler's position is when the patient's head is raised 80-90 degrees. This position enhances gravitational flow of the solution and prevents aspiration of fluid into the lungs.

Question 5

A client has been identified as having a very virulent bacterial infection that is spread through close physical contact. The medical assistant understands that, in order to decrease the chance of spreading these organisms, which of the following infection control precautions should be observed?

Accepted Answer

For infections spread by direct contact with infected items, the nursing staff would implement contact precautions. All other precautions listed are not necessary. Standard precautions, which is not listed as an option, would also be used.

Question 6

Michelle is giving a male client a bed bath. She noticed that the Foley catheter is no longer taped on the client's anterior thigh. Michelle obtains medical tape and secures the catheter back in place. The rationale for lateral or upward anchoring of the urethral catheter in a male is to:

Accepted Answer

Lateral or upward techniques of anchoring the urethral catheter in male client prevent pressure at the penescrotal area. This prevents tissue ischemia in the area.

Question 7

Which item is inappropriate for a client whose dietary prescription is for clear liquids?

Accepted Answer

A clear liquid diet consists of fluids and foods that are clear liquids at room temperature. Ice cream is composed of milk, which is not clear at room temperature, so it would be an inappropriate choice for a clear liquid diet.

Question 8

The medical assistant needs to remember that after a surgical repair of a hip, which of the following positions is best for the client's legs and hips?

Accepted Answer

Abduction is the desired position of the legs and hips after a surgical repair of a hip. This helps keep the prosthesis in place. The client needs to be in this position at all times, whether supine, being turned, or in side-lying position. Use pillows or abductor splints as directed.

Question 9

Sue McGregor, a 25 year-old schoolteacher, is being observed for a possible eating disorder. The physician orders daily weight-taking. Which action should be avoided to ensure an accurate weight?

Accepted Answer

A more accurate assessment of weight is obtained when the weight is measured at the same time each day.

Question 10

Stephanie is going to give Mrs. Crouton, a 65 year-old client, a bed bath. The initial action of Stephanie before performing the procedure is:

Accepted Answer

The initial nursing action when performing procedures, including bed bath, is to inform the client and explain the purpose of the procedure. This shows respect for human dignity and allays anxiety.

Question 11

The medical assistant takes a confused client to the bathroom every night at 9:00 PM prior to helping him to bed for the night. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Taking a client to the bathroom at the same time every day is an example ofestablishing a consistent routine. A confused client may not recognizepeople or know the time or where he is. Some people gradually lose the ability to perform daily activities. In order to establish a sense of order, follow the client's routine. Meals, bathing, exercises, TV, and other activities should have a schedule.

Question 12

Which statement about resident care conferences is correct?

Accepted Answer

Clients have the right to take part in their care planning, and they may refuse suggestions made by the health team The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) requires two types of resident care conferences:
§The interdisciplinary care planning (IDCP) conference is held regularly to develop, review, and update care plans. The RN, doctor, and other health team members attend. The client and family members also attend.
§Problem-focused conferences are held when a specific problem affects a person's care. Only staff members directly involved in the problem attend. The client and family may be asked to attend.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true about implementing an advanced directive?

Accepted Answer

Advanced directives are legal documents that describe the wishes of a person regarding health care to be used when they can no longer make choices for themselves. Advanced directives are not similar to do not resuscitate (DNR) orders. As long as the client can understand and make choices, the advanced directive is not effective. In addition, an advanced directive becomes effective only after these three steps:
1. A physician determines that the patient has lost decision-making capacity
2. A physician determines the patient's diagnosis and prognosis
3. A physician has evaluated the wishes as expressed in the document to determine what the client may want or not want

Question 14

While you are obtaining a client's vital signs, he tells you that he is experiencing pain on his IV site. You check his right arm where the intravenous line is connected and notice that it is reddened. What should be your priority action?

Accepted Answer

As a medical assistant, you help meet the safety, hygiene, and activity needs of persons with IVs. You are never responsible for maintaining IV therapy. Nor do you regulate the flow rate or change IV bags. You never give blood or IV drugs. Follow the nurse's directions and care plan. Other signs and symptoms of IV complications that you need to report to the licensed nurse are:
§Bleeding
§Puffiness or swelling
§Pale skin
§Hot or cold skin near the site
§Fever itching
§Drop in blood pressure
§Pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute
§Cyanosis
§Changes in mental function
§Difficulty breathing
§Shortness of breath
§Decreasing or no urine output
§Chest pain
§Nausea
§Confusion

Question 15

The supervisor is orienting newly hired medical assistants to the policies of the facility and their job responsibilities. The supervisor reminds them that they can refuse to perform a task for any the following reasons except:

Accepted Answer

The medical assistant has the right to say "no" in performing tasks even if delegated by a licensed nurse. Sometimes refusing to follow the nurse's directions is your right and duty. You should refuse to perform a task when:
§The task is beyond the legal limits of your role.
§The task is not in your job description.
§You are not prepared to perform the task.
§The task could harm the person.
§The person's condition has changed.
§You do not know how to use the supplies or equipment.
§Directions are unclear or inappropriate.
§Directions are unethical, illegal, or against agency policies.
§A nurse is not available for supervision.

Question 16

Clients with osteoarthritis may be on bed rest for prolonged periods. When working with these clients, the nursing assistant is aware that they should:

Accepted Answer

A bedridden client needs to be turned every two hours, have adequate nutrition, and to cough and breathe deeply to prevent potential complications such as pressure ulcers and pneumonia. Massage can minimize the pain, but keeping the client immobile is not the correct answer. Active and passive range of motion exercises and good hydration are also appropriate answers, as they prevent contractures and promote skin integrity.

Question 17

Direct questions focus on specific pieces of information that the medical assistant needs from the client. Which of the following is an example of a direct question?

Accepted Answer

"Do you feel better now?" is an example of a direct question. Direct questions have "yes" or "no" answers. Direct questions are especially appropriate if you need an immediate response or if the client has limited ways of communicating.

Question 18

Which of the following ways can a medical assistant demonstrate empathy?

Accepted Answer

Empathy is putting oneself in the place of someone else to try to understand what he or she might be experiencing without pitying him or her. Putting others ahead of self demonstrates caring. Sharing of emotions with residents demonstrates sharing by friends and is not appropriate for a professional relationship. Going the extra mile for someone is an example of respect.

Question 19

A client says to you, "I am worthless person. I should be dead." What should be your response?

Accepted Answer

Clients with depression are often overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions. Talking about these feelings can be beneficial. Initially, the medical assistant should encourage the client to describe in detail how she is feeling. Sharing the burden with another person can provide some relief, so the medical assistant should listen attentively, encourage the client, and validate the intensity of the client's experience. It is important at this point that the medical assistant does not attempt to "fix" the client's difficulties or offer clichés. These remarks belittle the client's feelings or make the client feel more guilty and worthless.

Question 20

If the agency wishes to do a background check on the newly hired medical assistant, who is the correct authority to provide such information?

Accepted Answer

The medical assistant Registry is the official record or listing of persons who have successfully completed a medical assistant training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP). The registry has information about each medical assistant, including:
§Full name, including maiden name and any married names
§Last known home address
§Registration number and its expiration date.
§Date of birth
§Last known employer, date hired, and date employment ended
§Date the competency evaluation was passed
§Information about findings of abuse, neglect, or dishonest use of property. It includes the nature of the offense and supporting evidence. All information stays in the registry for at least 5 years.

Quiz 6: Medical Assisting