ACMA MA Flashcards
What type of scheduling involves booking several patients with the same condition in the same time frame?
Clustering
What method of scheduling involves modified waiting?
Modified wave scheduling
What should the CMA do when a patient approaches the reception desk while they are on the phone?
Put the caller on hold and assist the patient
What closing is inappropriate in a formal letter?
Best wishes
What is the place of service code 11?
Office
What is the rationale for sending a post-op patient home with instructions to call for fever, redness, or swelling?
To monitor for signs of infection
How should the CMA respond to a patient demanding to see the physician immediately?
Acknowledge the patient’s concern and explain the situation
Which of these is NOT considered a patient’s right under the Patient’s Bill of Rights?
Eating whatever they want
Why is the first drop of blood wiped away during a capillary puncture?
To prevent contamination of the sample
How long should a tourniquet be in place?
Less than 1 minute
Which equipment is best used for venipuncture on an elderly patient?
Butterfly needle
What action should a CMA take after venipuncture?
Apply pressure and elevate the arm
Which tube is filled last in the order of draw?
Gray-top tube
What is the rationale for wiping from the center to the edge when preparing a wound for suturing?
To clean the area without introducing germs into the wound
What site is used to measure blood pressure?
Brachial artery
What is the proper cleaning method for a stethoscope?
Disinfection with alcohol wipes
What is the appropriate test for heparin therapy?
APTT
What mode of infection transmission occurs from touching contaminated bed linens?
Vehicle contact
What is the correct temperature for ear irrigation?
Room temperature (70°F or 21°C)
What is the basal state?
Fasting for 12 hours with no food, drink (except water), or exercise
Which lead shows the activity from the center of the heart to the positive pole of the left leg?
AVF
What is the name of the vein used for venipuncture?
Median cubital vein
What is the maximum amount of urine an adult can normally produce in a 24-hour period?
2000 mL
What is the name of the chart used for visual distance testing?
Snellen chart
What is the largest suture size?
2-0
Which of the following is an anticoagulant?
Aspirin, Heparin, and Lovenox (all of the above)
What is coinsurance?
A percentage of covered charges paid by the patient
What is the preferred vein for venipuncture?
Median cubital vein
What is the definition of pyrexia?
A fever
What should you do if you notice a patient has facial drooping and slurred speech?
Suspect a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and act accordingly
What is the rationale for assessing a patient for bruises on the arms and legs?
Notify the physician immediately, as it may indicate abuse
What is the proper cleaning method for a wound before suturing?
Wipe from the center to the edge
What is the correct action when a patient is having a seizure?
Loosen clothing around their neck
What tool tests visual acuity for distance vision?
The Snellen chart.
What test is often confused with the Snellen chart?
Colorblind tests.
What does adjustment mean in medical billing?
The difference between the provider’s charge and the insurance payment.
If a provider charges $200 and insurance pays $125, what is the adjustment?
$75.
How should hands be positioned after a surgical scrub?
Hands should be held upwards.
What is a bronchoscopy?
A procedure to examine the lungs using a flexible tube with a camera.
What does accounts payable handle?
Paying bills like office rent.
What does accounts receivable handle?
Receiving payments like insurance checks.
What is the functional unit of the kidney?
The nephron.
What condition involves large hands, feet, head, and thick skin in adults?
Acromegaly.
What is the difference between slander and libel?
Slander: Spoken defamation.
Libel: Written defamation.
Name two accessory organs to digestion.
Gallbladder and liver.
What soap is used for aseptic handwashing?
Antimicrobial soap.
What does a histologist do?
Examines tissue samples and performs biopsies.
Where is a tympanic temperature taken?
In the ear.
What does a wheal indicate during allergy testing?
A positive reaction with itching and a raised lesion.
What is vehicle contact in infection transmission?
Transmission through touching contaminated objects, like linens.
What is coordination of benefits?
Coordination of services between primary and secondary insurances.
What does systolic blood pressure represent?
The top number, indicating the first tapping sound when the BP cuff is deflated.
What is included in a patient information sheet?
Personal and insurance information.
What is the purpose of accreditation?
To ensure the facility meets or exceeds standards.
What is a centrifuge used for?
Separating liquids into different parts.
What is a progress note?
A follow-up note from a previous patient visit.
How do infants’ respiratory rates compare to adults’?
Infants have a faster respiratory rate than adults.
What is the purpose of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in the workplace?
To detail the proper handling and emergency procedures for chemicals.
What is the first step when cleaning up a spill of body fluids?
Notify the appropriate personnel and begin cleaning.
When will the CMA use a multi-sample needle?
In outpatient labs when multiple tubes of blood are needed, especially for family members needing the same tests.
What is damaged in a patient with tachycardia?
Heart muscle.
How are blood and other OPIM specimens prepared for transporting?
Place specimens in leak-proof containers.
Under which circumstances can a CNA accept a check from a third party?
From a patient’s health insurance company.
Which of the following is one of the six standardized elements found on chemical labels?
Pictograms.
What will happen to an insurance claim if the diagnosis code and procedure code do not match?
It will be rejected.
Which position should you put a patient in who is complaining of chest pain and SOB (shortness of breath)?
Upright (Fowler’s position).
What can make it difficult to draw blood from an elderly person?
Loss of skin elasticity and dry skin.
While taking a patient’s medical history for active tuberculosis, what PPE is required?
A mask (N95 mask due to airborne transmission).
For a patient’s medical information to be shared, what must the office do?
Have a release form signed by the patient.
A non-English-speaking patient makes an appointment, and the NA doesn’t speak their language; what’s the most appropriate action?
Use a translator.
What is true regarding crutches?
There should be approximately three finger-widths of space between the armpit and the top of the crutch.
A patient came into the lab for a GTT (glucose tolerance test) and said they had a cup of coffee; what should you do?
Reschedule the test because an 8-12-hour fast is necessary.
A patient needs to provide a clean-catch urine specimen; at what point should it be collected?
During mid-stream.
What is the name of a system used for documentation in a healthcare environment?
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Electronic Health Record (EHR).
What is the functional unit of the kidney?
Nephron.
What is the medical condition for an adult who has extremely large hands, feet, face, and height, and thick skin?
Acromegaly.
What’s the legal term for defamation through spoken statements?
Slander.
Hand asepsis uses which of these?
Antimicrobial soap.
What does a patient information sheet contain?
Personal and insurance information.
What equipment separates liquids into their different parts?
Centrifuge.
What is another way to call a follow-up note from a previous visit?
Progress note.
Anytime an employee in the medical office is injured, what must be completed?
Incident report (OSHA 301).
Which of the following is an example of demographic information?
Date of birth.
When might the MA have to call an insurance company?
To obtain preauthorization for a procedure.
What are signs of infection after surgery?
Redness, soreness, warmth, swelling, pus, a fever of 101.5°F or higher, slow healing, odor, and fatigue.
What is the prep for minor surgery?
Antiseptic.
What is a healthy HGB value?
Female: 12-16 g/dL. Male: 15-18 g/dL.
What is a doctor who specializes in bones called?
Orthopedic surgeon or orthopedist.
Which part of an EKG reading represents atrial contraction?
The P wave.
Which route of medication administration would you use for a patient with nausea and vomiting?
Sublingual or rectal.
Which agency requires SDS information to be available for all employees working with chemicals?
OSHA.
When bleach is being used as a disinfectant in a physician’s office, what is the ratio of bleach to water?
1 part bleach to 10 parts water (1:10).
What type of fever fluctuates?
Intermittent fever.
What is the correct procedure for taking a blood pressure reading?
Place the cuff around the patient’s arm and inflate it to about 200 mmHg.
What is the first drop of blood in a capillary puncture used for?
Preventing contamination of the sample.
Which agency approves chemical products used for disinfection of surfaces in the exam room?
EPA.
Which respiratory procedure involves visual examination of the lungs through a small camera?
Bronchoscopy.
What is the proper direction to clean a wound before suturing?
Wipe from the center to the edge.
How many times do you draw blood for a 3-hour glucose tolerance test?
Four times.
What is the name of the law that protects healthcare workers in accidents?
Good Samaritan Law.
What should you do if a patient’s medical release form has expired?
Reach out to the patient to fill out a new form.
What is a common timeframe for the development of hospital-acquired infections after a patient leaves the hospital?
2 to 3 days.
How often should patient medical records be reviewed to ensure accuracy and completeness?
Twice a year (different criteria apply to nursing homes).
What is another term for a clean-catch urine sample?
Midstream urine.
What preparation is needed before collecting a clean-catch urine sample?
Clean the genitalia.
Where should the label be placed on a urine collection cup?
On the cup itself, not the lid.
What are some appropriate closings for a formal letter?
Sincerely yours, best regards.
What type of closing should be avoided in a formal letter?
Informal closings using the physician’s first name (e.g., “Dr. John”).
What are the conditions that define a patient’s basal state?
Adequate rest, no food for at least 12 hours, and no strenuous exercise.
What is the most common method of sterilization used in medical offices?
Autoclaving.
What are the ideal temperature and pressure settings for an autoclave?
250-270°F and 15-30 PSI.
What type of water should be used in an autoclave?
Distilled water.
What is another term for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?
Stroke.
What is the difference between an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and an Electronic Health Record (EHR)?
EMR is limited to one facility and one patient; EHR includes information from outside sources.
What is one key right guaranteed to patients according to the Patient’s Bill of Rights?
The right to confidentiality of their treatment.
What do augmented leads (AV leads) on an electrocardiogram (EKG) measure?
The electrical potentials of the heart (the machine picks up the potentials, not electrodes directly on the body).
What steps should be taken before giving lab results over the phone?
Verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers (e.g., date of birth and social security number).
What are some alternative names for serum separator tubes (SSTs)?
Red and gray tubes, tiger tops, gold-colored tubes.
What is the primary purpose of laboratory techniques and procedures performed on patient specimens?
To detect biomarkers of disease at a cellular level.
What vein is generally preferred for blood collection in obese patients?
The median cubital or cephalic vein (avoid veins that roll easily).
Who in a hospital typically guides patients to community resources?
A social worker.
What causes a pink or red color in plasma samples?
Hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells).
What is the difference between coinsurance and a co-payment?
Coinsurance is a fixed percentage of the medical bill (after the deductible); a co-payment is a fixed dollar amount.
How should a clinical medical assistant measure liquid medication using a dosage cup?
At eye level; double-check the measurement with a fingernail aligned to the marking on the cup.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly used in a laboratory setting?
Goggles, gowns, and gloves.
What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?
Empathy involves understanding someone’s feelings; sympathy involves feeling pity or sorrow for someone.
Give an example of a biohazard in a healthcare setting.
A blood spill.
What profession helps patients regain independence in their homes?
Physical therapists.
What is meant by cultural competence in healthcare?
Understanding and respecting cultural differences in patient care.
Which government agency mandates the accessibility of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals in the workplace?
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
What happens to an insurance claim if the diagnosis and procedure codes do not match?
The claim will be rejected.
What is the most common cause of HIV exposure in a healthcare setting?
Accidental needlestick injuries.
What is the difference between slander and libel?
Slander is spoken defamation; libel is written defamation.
What is the correct ratio for mixing a bleach cleaning solution?
1 part bleach to 10 parts water (a 10% solution).
What is the name for a fever that fluctuates, returning to normal between temperature spikes?
Intermittent fever.
What hormone is typically tested for in a pregnancy test?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
What are aspirin and acetaminophen, in terms of their pharmacological action?
Analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers).
When would a clinical medical assistant use a multi-sample needle?
When collecting more than one tube of blood from a patient.
What is the best position to place a patient experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath (SOB) to aid in their breathing?
Fowler’s position (sitting upright).
