Practice Test Questions Flashcards
The medical assistant should attempt to answer all incoming telephone calls:
a. within 30 seconds.
b. by the third ring.
c. by the second ring.
d. within 10 seconds.
by the third ring
Changing the voice pitch to avoid a monotonous tone that implies boredom is called:
a. volume.
b. inflection.
c. diction.
d. pronunciation.
inflection
Active immunity is best obtained by:
a. maternal antibodies acquired by the baby from breast milk.
b. producing antibodies as a result of having a disease.
c. maternal antibodies passed from the mother to the baby in the womb.
d. immunization with antibodies.
producing antibodies as a result of having a disease
The growth hormone is produced by the:
a. thyroid.
b. thymus.
c. pituitary.
d. hypothalamus.
pituitary
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the appointment book?
a. It should be treated as a legal document
b. Cancellations are deleted from the book if they reschedule
c. No-shows should be erased since they did not arrive for their appointment
d. The daily pages are shredded at the end of the day
It should be treated as a legal document
Due to occasional patient dismissals from medical practices, all records of patient appointments become evidence in medicolegal cases.
Which of the following statements is TRUE of appointment scheduling guidelines?
a. Walk-in patients are given priority ahead of patients who have been waiting
b. New patients should be scheduled for an abbreviated first visit just to get to know the physician
c. New patients are usually allotted more time than established patients
d. Regular patients are allotted more time than new patients
New patients are usually allotted more time than established patients
The standard margin used for a business letter is
1 inch
In a professional letter, the author’s keyed signature is typed:
four lines below the complimentary closing
Tthe horizontal line on the ECG paper represents:
time
You would immediately report to the physician all the following EXCEPT:
a. premature atrial contractions (PAC)
b. ventricular tachycardia (V Tach)
c. bigeminy
d. ventricular fibrillation (V Fib)
premature atrial contractions (PAC)
Remember - PAC gets a pass!
V Tach, V Fib, and Bigeminy are all considered life threatening.
A picture of a heart with a lightning bolt in the center is a symbol for a(n):
AED
What is the type of shock caused by severe allergic reaction?
anaphylactic
Funds placed in a banking account are called a(n):
deposit
A list of procedural charges developed from fees charged by most of the physicians in the same region or geographic area is referred to as:
a. coordination of benefits.
b. explanation of benefits.
c. utilization review.
d. usual, customary, and reasonable.
usual, customary, and reasonable
The defense mechanism used when a person transfers negative feelings to something or someone unrelated to a negative situation is:
a. projection.
b. denial.
c. introjection.
d. displacement.
displacement
When communicating with pediatric patients:
a. Avoid allowing children to touch any medical equipment.
b. Use slang to help the child understand.
c. Always state the truth.
d. Position yourself at a higher level than the child.
Always state the truth
The microscopic examination of urine includes the:
a. presence of crystals.
b. pH of the urine.
c. glucose concentration in the urine.
d. specific gravity of the urine.
presence of crystals
Plasma is described as:
a. clear yellow liquid portion of blood.
b. 1% of whole blood that contains the white blood cells.
c. red part of the blood after centrifugation.
d. bottom layer of blood after centrifugation.
clear yellow liquid portion of blood
Failure to act when duty indicates, resulting in or causing harm, is referred to as:
a. nonfeasance.
b. standard of care.
c. misfeasance.
d. malfeasance.
nonfeasance
Nonfeasance is failure to act when there was a duty to act, resulting in or causing harm. Malfeasance is performing an improper act that causes harm, and misfeasance is an improper performance of an act that causes harm. The standard of care is the quality or measure of care that is recognized as acceptable by usage.
Sexual harassment is addressed in:
a. the Healthcare Portability and Accountability Act.
b. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
c. the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
d. the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects employees from sexual harassment and hostile work environment. The office of the EEOC has created guidelines on sexual harassment and the liability for the employer in regard to this.
The largest section in the CPT codes is:
a. E&M.
b. Surgery.
c. Radiology.
d. Medicine.
Surgery
The primary coding manual for procedures and services performed by doctors in medical offices is commonly called:
a. HCPCS.
b. DRG.
c. ICD.
d. CPT.
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology)
When a patient has a condition that is not provided for or covered under his or her health insurance benefits, it is called a(n):
a. exclusion.
b. deduction.
c. waiting period.
d. review.
exclusion
What is the correct sequence for filing using reverse chronologic order?
When filing in reverse chronologic order, dates from present will be in front of previous year dates. For example, office visit entries from June of 2008 would be in front of visits from December 2006.
A preexisting condition is one that:
the patient had prior to obtaining health insurance
The medical record material is the property of:
a. patient’s family.
b. health-care provider.
c. insurance company.
d. patient.
the health care provider
The term laparoscopy means:
inspection of the abdominal organs through a lighted scope
The suffix -ad means:
toward
The term arteriostenosis means:
narrowing of an artery
Treating all blood and bodily fluids as contaminated is a standard enforced by:
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
The infection ringworm is caused by what type of pathogen:
fungus
Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding setting up a sterile tray?
a. Maintain a border of at least one-half inch between nonsterile and sterile areas.
b. Do not pass contaminated or nonsterile items over a sterile field.
c. Pour liquids such as sterile saline into a sterile waterproof container on the sterile field.
d. Do not lean or reach over sterile field.
Maintain a border of at least one-half inch between nonsterile and sterile areas.
A border from 1 inch inside the sterile border; anything outside the 1-inch border is considered nonsterile. Do not lean or reach over sterile field.
What are adhesive materials used in minor lacerations or as a follow-up to sutures to hold wound edges together?
a. Staples
b. Montgomery straps
c. Steri-Strips
d. Ligatures
Steri-Strips
Vitamin B-12 is used to treat which of the following:
a. osteoporosis.
b. night blindness.
c. clotting disorders.
d. scurvy.
e. pernicious anemia.
pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia is a disorder in which the body cannot absorb vitamin B12. The body uses vitamin B12 to help produce red blood cells (RBC). Patients with pernicious anemia are treated with injections of vitamin B12.
The primary function of vitamin B12 is to promote what body process?
red blood cell (RBC) formation
Which type of patient education training materials would benefit a blind patient?
Braille materials
When a diabetic patient does not want to learn to give himself insulin injections, it is best to:
a. Refer the patient to a diabetic support group or a social worker who specializes in diabetes.
b. Ask the patient to return to the office only when ready to comply with the instruction.
c. Recommend that the patient see an endocrinologist.
d. Train a member of the patient’s family to do it.
e. Notify the patient’s physician for further assistance.
Notify the patient’s physician for further assistance.
If a diabetic patient is refusing to comply with insulin injections, it is important to notify the physician who will consider options. Another person close to the patient may be identified to learn to give the injections or another option selected.
Providing patient education on immunizations is an example of:
a. preventing illness.
b. restoring health.
c. conducting a treatment.
d. coping with impaired function.
e. maintaining and promoting health.
preventing illness (via preventative education)
Written patient education materials must:
a. Be explained to the patient.
b. Come from a credible source.
c. Include medical terms.
d. Be available in Braille.
e. Contain an area for the patient to write questions.
come from a credible source
The measurement of height and weight is referred to as:
a. auscultation.
b. inspection.
c. palpation.
d. mensuration.
mensuration
Hypertension is now considered anything over:
a. 139/89.
b. 140/90.
c. 130/88.
d. 129/84.
139/89
The medical word that means to take away pain or to be free from pain is:
a. algesia.
b. angina.
c. analgesia.
d. anesthesia.
analgesia
The common route for tuberculosis skin testing is:
a. intramuscular.
b. intradermal.
c. intravenous.
d. subcutaneous.
e. oral.
intradermal
What type of therapy would be used for a newborn baby with jaundice?
a. Thermotherapy
b. Hydrotherapy
c. Ultrasound heat therapy
d. Ultraviolet lamps
Ultraviolet lamps
Hydrotherapy includes the use of:
a. infrared.
b. exercises.
c. diathermy.
d. whirlpool.
whirlpool
The term “costal” refers to the:
a. skin.
b. wrist.
c. head.
d. ribs.
ribs
The mucous membrane that lines the uterus is called the:
a. endometrium.
b. peritoneum.
c. periosteum.
d. epithelium.
endometrium
The medical term for the upper jaw bone is the:
a. hyoid.
b. maxilla.
c. mandible.
d. ethmoid.
maxilla
The term “nephrolysis” means:
a. fixation of the renal pelvis.
b. destruction of kidney tissue.
c. surgical repair of the kidneys.
d. incision into the kidneys.
destruction of kidney tissue
The prefix con- means:
a. bad.
b. condition.
c. outside.
d. with.
with
Remember: a pair of cons work together
Authorization is usually not needed to give information to a(n):
a. attorney.
b. spouse.
c. custodial parent of a minor.
d. Patient’s insurance company.
custodial parent of a minor
When a patient telephones the office with an emergency situation, the first step is to:
a. Access the patient’s medical record.
b. Instruct caller to hang up and activate EMS.
c. Ask the patient if he or she is taking any medications.
d. Alert the physician.
Alert the physician
Oxygenated blood is usually carried by:
a. atria.
b. venules.
c. arteries.
d. veins.
arteries
The lobe of the brain that contains the area that interprets sound is the:
a. frontal.
b. temporal.
c. parietal.
d. occipital.
temporal
Remember: temporal is similar to timpani which creates a sound, so temporal = sound
When making an initial appointment over the telephone, for a new patient, it is important to obtain the:
a. Patient’s date of birth.
b. name of the patient’s insurance plan.
c. Patient’s place of employment.
d. amount of co-payment due from the patient.
Name of the patient’s insurance plan
The filing system used as a reminder of things to do by a certain date or time is referred to as a/an:
a. appointment diary.
b. appointment file.
c. recall file.
d. tickler file.
tickler file
Which of these represents the correct spelling of the term?
a. Ophtalmology
b. Ophtholmology
c. Ophthalmology
d. Opthalmology
Ophthalmology
The vertical line on the ECG paper represents:
a. time.
b. small blocks.
c. large blocks.
d. voltage.
voltage
A cardiac stress test requires a(n):
a. 12-lead ECG.
b. echocardiogram.
c. treadmill.
d. cardiac angiogram.
treadmill
The type of shock resulting from loss of blood is:
a. hypovolemic.
b. traumatic.
c. septic.
d. anaphylactic.
hypovolemic
A percentage of each employee’s income paid by the employer for an unemployment fund is referred to as:
a. Employers’ Compensation Fund.
b. FUTA.
c. FICA.
d. Social Security.
FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act)Federal
Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) is a percentage of the employee’s income paid by the employer into an unemployment fund.
The listing of charges for a medical practice is called the:
a. fee schedule.
b. UCR.
c. claim form.
d. RVU.
fee schedule
When communicating with a sight-impaired patient, it is important to:
a. Raise your voice to assure the patient hears you.
b. Use open body language.
c. Transport the patient in a wheelchair to avoid an accident.
d. Tell the patient what you are about to do and what it involves.
Tell the patient what you are about to do and what it involves
If a patient does not speak English, you should try to communicate by:
a. only communicating with the patient if accompanied by someone who speaks fluent English.
b. using gestures to demonstrate information.
c. raising your voice to increase understanding.
d. shouting at the patient.
using gestures to demonstrate information
The blood test used to test kidney function is:
a. complete blood count.
b. human chorionic gonadotropin.
c. sedimentation rate.
d. blood urea nitrogen.
blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Advance directives include a:
a. advance payment for a procedure.
b. notarized will.
c. living memorial.
d. living will.
living will
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people reasonable accommodations:
a. in pay.
b. for age.
c. in employment.
d. for race.
in employment
A person who has received care from the physician or another physician of the same specialty in the same group practice within 3 years is a(n):
a. minor patient.
b. new patient.
c. established patient.
d. recalled patient.
established patient
ICD-9 coding that identifies health-care encounters for reasons other than illness is called:
a. E codes.
b. fifth digits.
c. V codes.
d. modifiers.
V codes
The amount of money paid by an individual for a health benefits policy is the:
a. premium.
b. coinsurance.
c. co-payment.
d. deductible.
premium
The assignment of benefits means that the:
a. Patient will pay a lower co-payment.
b. Provider will accept the insurance remittance as full payment.
c. Provider will receive the full fee for service.
d. Patient will not be covered for certain services provided.
Provider will accept the insurance remittance as full payment
Proper patient charting requires following the “C’s” of charting. One of these “C” features is that the charting must be:
a. computerized.
b. complex.
c. clear.
d. closed.
clear
Which of the following is not an appropriate procedure to insure proper maintenance of medical records and to help avoid legal issues?
a. Sending letters to patients to notify of withdrawal of care
b. Delay in filing test results
c. Documenting any broken or missed appointments
d. Notation of patient’s noncompliance with the treatment plan
delay in filing test results
The term “intravascular” means:
a. inside a cell.
b. within a vessel.
c. outside the artery.
d. inside a valve.
within a vessel
The medical term for fainting is:
a. anaphylaxis.
b. sepsis.
c. shock.
d. syncope.
syncope
The medical term meaning inflammation of the inside lining of the heart is:
a. intracardial.
b. intracardiosis.
c. endocarditis.
d. endopathy.
endocarditis
The bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract but can cause a urinary tract infection if introduced through contamination is:
a. Bacillus anthracis.
b. Treponema pallidum.
c. Clostridium tetani.
d. Escherichia coli.
Escherichia coli
Which of the following would NOT be performed when doing a surgical handwash?
a. Apply hand lotion.
b. Remove jewelry.
c. Dry with sterile towel.
d. Use cuticle stick on nails.
apply hand lotion
The first step in setting up a sterile field is to:
a. Fill a sterile syringe with local anesthetic agent.
b. Pour solutions that will be used during the procedure.
c. Cleanse the appropriate patient body area.
d. Wash your hands.
wash your hands
Suture scissors are used to:
a. Cut suture material.
b. Make an incision.
c. Remove jagged edges from a laceration site.
d. Cut tissues.
cut suture material
Which of the following is TRUE of carbohydrates?
a. Foods with sugar and starch do not have any carbohydrates.
b. Carbohydrates are optional and not necessary in the recommended daily diet.
c. Carbohydrates are either complete or incomplete.
d. Carbohydrates produce 4 calories per gram.
e. Carbohydrates produce 9 calories per gram.
Carbohydrates produce 4 calories per gram
Trace minerals include:
a. sodium.
b. zinc.
c. potassium.
d. calcium.
zinc
When the medical assistant is trying to reinforce verbal instructions for a patient, it is recommended to also:
a. Reassure the patient using constant therapeutic touch.
b. Ask the patient to call you in a couple of days to see if there are any questions.
c. Have the front office staff explain medical procedures.
d. Provide the patient with written instructions.
e. Explain the directions in the form of pronounced body language.
Provide the patient with written instructions.
The affective domain of learning involves:
a. values.
b. mental and physical abilities.
c. knowledge.
d. comprehension.
e. sensory skills.
values
A method to reevaluate the effectiveness of a patient education plan is by:
a. documenting in the medical record.
b. providing a list of resources.
c. sending the patient a questionnaire.
d. showing a DVD.
e. conducting a follow-up telephone call.
conducting a follow-up telephone call
The pulse point located on the wrist is the:
a. dorsalis pedis.
b. popliteal.
c. radial.
d. femoral.
radial
The average adult respiration rate is:
a. 8 to 12 per minute.
b. 10 to 20 per minute.
c. 12 to 20 per minute.
d. 16 to 24 per minute.
12 to 20 per minute
A common example of an antidiarrheal is:
a. Coumadin.
b. Compazine.
c. Lomotil.
d. Tegretol.
Lomotil
Which of the following is good practice when using a transfer belt?
a. The belt is safely used for all patients who have abdominal, back, and rib conditions.
b. The belt is buckled over the patient’s clothes around the waist at the midabdominal area.
c. The belt should not be used to assist in lifting a patient.
d. The belt is buckled over the patient’s clothes around the hip area.
The belt is buckled over the patient’s clothes around the waist at the midabdominal area.
The stomach is located between the:
a. esophagus and gall bladder.
b. esophagus and duodenum.
c. larynx and gall bladder.
d. trachea and pharynx.
esophagus and duodenum.
The term “plantar” refers to the:
a. back of the knee.
b. sole of the foot.
c. palm of the hand.
d. kneecap.
sole of the foot
The term “meningitis” means:
a. swelling of the brain and spinal cord.
b. pain in the meninges and spinal cord.
c. destruction of the tissue covering the spinal cord.
d. inflammation of the membranes covering the brain.
inflammation of the membranes covering the brain
The medical term meaning disease of the nerves is:
a. neuropathy.
b. neurogenesis.
c. nephrolysis.
d. nephropathy.
neuropathy
A mobile computer with a camera, microphone, and touch screen is a/an:
a. digital video unit.
b. facsimile.
c. electronic tablet.
d. word processor.
electronic tablet
When managing multiple incoming calls, all the following are appropriate except:
a. automatically placing the second caller on hold.
b. obtaining permission of the first caller to be placed on hold.
c. attempting to respond to callers within 30 seconds.
d. providing options if the hold will be longer.
automatically placing the second caller on hold
The snail-shaped tube that contains the receptors for hearing is the:
a. malleus.
b. cochlea.
c. incus.
d. stapes.
cochlea
Active immunity is best obtained by:
a. maternal antibodies passed from the mother to the baby in the womb.
b. maternal antibodies acquired by the baby from breast milk.
c. immunization with antibodies.
d. producing antibodies as a result of having a disease.
producing antibodies as a result of having a disease
The abbreviation “S/R” refers to:
suture removal
Time-specific scheduling is used when:
a. Several procedures are scheduled at the same time.
b. There is a need to limit the time allotted to each patient.
c. Appointments are scheduled based on the physician’s availability.
d. A patient is given an appointment based on the length of time needed and available time.
A patient is given an appointment based on the length of time needed and available time.
The mail service used to send the majority of medical office mail is:
a. Priority Mail.
b. Second-Class Mail.
c. Express Mail.
d. First-Class Mail.
First-Class Mail
Which of the following is true regarding the date on a business letter?
a. The date is not necessary on a business letter.
b. The date includes the month and year only.
c. It is proper to abbreviate the date to save space.
d. The date is placed two lines below the letterhead.
The date is placed two lines below the letterhead.
The patient asks the medical assistant if his ECG is normal. If the ECG is normal, what is the correct response from the medical assistant?
a. I don’t know.
b. Yes.
c. I only perform the test; the doctor must interpret it.
d. From what I can tell it is normal, but the doctor will confirm it.
I only perform the test; the doctor must interpret it
A cardiac stress test requires a(n):
a. treadmill.
b. 12-lead ECG.
c. cardiac angiogram.
d. echocardiogram.
treadmill
Another term for a partial-thickness burn is:
a. second degree.
b. full thickness.
c. superficial.
d. third degree.
second degree
Another term for a first-degree burn is:
a. third degree.
b. second degree.
c. superficial.
d. first degree.
superficial
The W-4 form states the:
a. amount of money withheld from the employee’s paycheck.
b. employee’s income and deductions for the total year.
c. number of exemptions an employee wishes to claim for tax purposes.
d. employee’s net income taxes.
number of exemptions an employee wishes to claim for tax purposes.
A percentage of each employee’s income paid by the employer for an unemployment fund is referred to as:
a. FICA.
b. Employers’ Compensation Fund.
c. FUTA.
d. Social Security.
FUTA
Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) is a percentage of the employee’s income paid by the employer into an unemployment fund.
What is the proper procedure to handle an unidentified caller who insists on speaking with the physician?
a. Put the caller on hold until he or she hangs up.
b. Hang up.
c. Transfer the call immediately to the physician.
d. Tell the caller that the physician is with a patient and you need a name and a number so the call can be returned.
Tell the caller that the physician is with a patient and you need a name and a number so the call can be returned.
If you answer a call from an individual who would like to speak with the physician, you should try to obtain their name and the reason for the call. If the patient is insistent on speaking with the physician, let the patient know that he is in with a patient and as soon as available you will give him or her the message, then ask for their full name and a number that the physician can reach him or her back at.
When communicating with pediatric patients:
a. Avoid allowing children to touch any medical equipment.
b. Use slang to help the child understand.
c. Always state the truth.
d. Position yourself at a higher level than the child.
Always tell the truth
Trust is important, and one should never intentionally mislead or lie to a person of any age. If a child is lied to about a procedure not hurting and then there is some pain or discomfort associated with the procedure, the child will not trust future comments about procedures not hurting.
Which of these tests is specific to immunology?
a. Rh typing
b. HBV
c. HCG testing
d. BUN
Rh type
The qualitative analysis refers to:
a. the type of pathogen present in a specimen.
b. the quality of the specimen.
c. a pathogens susceptibility to specific antibiotics.
d. the number of pathogens present.
the type of pathogen present in a specimen.
The law requires a person working in health care to report to the proper authority a patient diagnosed with:
a. cancer.
b. pneumonia.
c. alcohol abuse.
d. tuberculosis.
tuberculosis
Performance of an improper act, resulting in or causing harm, is referred to as:
a. malfeasance.
b. nonfeasance.
c. misfeasance.
d. standard of care.
malfeasance
The universal health-care insurance claim form currently in use in the United States is called the:
a. HCFA 1500 form.
b. CMS 1500 form.
c. super bill.
d. HCPCS form.
CMS 1500 form
The largest section in the CPT codes is:
a. Surgery.
b. Radiology.
c. Medicine.
d. E&M.
Surgery
The EOB is a(n):
a. authorization for the insurance company to send insurance payments.
b. the person eligible to receive insurance benefits.
c. established dollar amount of actual costs of medical services.
d. claim summary indicating what services were covered.
claim summary indicating what services were covered.
The second party in an insurance plan is the:
a. insurance company.
b. patient.
c. physician.
d. insured party.
physician
Which of the following is not an appropriate procedure to insure proper maintenance of medical records and to help avoid legal issues?
a. Documenting any broken or missed appointments
b. Sending letters to patients to notify of withdrawal of care
c. Delay in filing test results
d. Notation of patient’s noncompliance with the treatment plan
Delay in filing test results
Proper maintenance of medical records is an important task for the medical assistant or administrative specialist and helps to avoid legal issues that may arise from improper management of medical records. A couple of tasks that will help ensure proper maintenance is to document any missed or rescheduled appointments in the patient’s medical record. Also, if a patient is to be discharged from care, a letter must be sent to them with a copy of this letter in the chart and always document any noncompliance of care within the patient’s medical record.
A patient’s demographic information is part of the:
a. database using POMR charting.
b. assessment using SOAP documentation.
c. treatment plan portion of POMR charting.
d. progress notes.
database using POMR charting.
A patient’s demographic information is part of the patient’s database. With POMR, the patient’s problems are numbered and listed on a form which is placed in front of the chart for easy reference.
The term “menostasis” means:
a. suppression of menses.
b. formation of menses.
c. abnormal decrease in menses.
d. relating to menses.
suppression of menses.
The word root men/o means menses; menstruation, and the suffix -stasis means to stop, control, or suppress.
The term “subcutaneous” means:
a. through the skin layers.
b. above the skin layers.
c. beneath or below the skin.
d. between the skin.
beneath or below the skin.
The prefix sub- means beneath or below; the word root cutane/o means skin, and the suffix -ous means pertaining to.
The term “lipogenesis” means:
a. removal of fat cells.
b. suctioning fat from the body.
c. destruction of fat cells.
d. producing or forming fat.
producing or forming fat.
The word root lip/o means fat, and the suffix -genesis means producing or forming.
“Anaerobic” is a term used to describe bacteria that:
a. cannot live without oxygen.
b. cannot be treated with antibiotics.
c. lives without the presence of oxygen.
d. is killed with the use of antiseptics.
lives without the presence of oxygen.
An anaerobe is a microorganism that can live and grow without oxygen: “a” meaning without or absence, “aerobic” meaning air = without air.
Example of asepsis in the reception area are all EXCEPT:
a. allowing children to share toys.
b. offering a coughing patient a mask.
c. having PPE available.
d. posting flyers about flu prevention.
allowing children to share toys.
When setting up a sterile tray, which of these statements is true?
a. Bandages used following the procedure are sterile.
b. Sterile solutions are not poured into the basin on the sterile tray.
c. A 1-inch border around the sterile field is considered contaminated.
d. Handwashing is not required.
A 1-inch border around the sterile field is considered contaminated.
Which of the following items is allowed on the surgical field?
a. Sterile needle holder
b. Tube gauze
c. Bottle of Betadine®
d. Bandage scissors
Sterile needle holder
Vitamin C is also knows as:
a. riboflavin.
b. cyanocobalamin.
c. thiamin.
d. ascorbic acid.
ascorbic acid.
Common food allergens are:
a. peanuts and chocolate.
b. shellfish and beef.
c. eggs and gluten.
d. eggs and shellfish.
eggs and shellfish.
All of the following are purposes of patient education except:
a. Conduct treatment.
b. Maintain and promote health.
c. Restore health.
d. Cope with impaired function.
e. Prevent illness.
Conduct treatment.
When a diabetic patient does not want to learn to give himself insulin injections, it is best to:
a. Notify the patient’s physician for further assistance.
b. Train a member of the patient’s family to do it.
c. Refer the patient to a diabetic support group or a social worker who specializes in diabetes.
d. Ask the patient to return to the office only when ready to comply with the instruction.
e. Recommend that the patient see an endocrinologist.
Notify the patient’s physician for further assistance.
When teaching flu prevention, the best source of information is the:
a. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
b. American Lung Association.
c. National Advisory Committee on Immunizations.
d. American Academy of Family Physicians.
e. National Dairy Council.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A method to evaluate the patient’s understanding of his or her educational plan is:
a. feedback.
b. documentation in the medical record.
c. physician review of the plan.
d. Ask a relative.
feedback
Radiology procedures are used to:
a. Provide physiatry.
b. Heal fractures.
c. Treat cancer.
d. Allow medical assistants to broaden their scope of practice.
treat cancer
Some radiology procedures are used to treat cancer; radiation oncology is a specialized area of imaging.
Hypertension is now considered anything over:
a. 140/90.
b. 129/84.
c. 139/89.
d. 130/88.
139/89
New guidelines published by the National Institute of Health states that any blood pressure reading above 139/89 is considered hypertension.
The drug type that is used to control seizures is an:
a. antiemetic.
b. anticonvulsant.
c. anticoagulant.
d. antihypertensive.
anticonvulsant
A common example of an antiemetic is:
a. Benadryl.
b. Compazine.
c. Lomotil.
d. Tegretol.
Compazine
Splints and casts are used to:
a. Passively exercise muscles.
b. Immobilize a bone or joint.
c. Take away pain.
d. Apply pressure on a muscle.
Immobilize a bone or joint.
The type of exercise that contracts opposing muscles without the muscles shortening is called:
a. isometric.
b. resistant.
c. passive.
d. ergonomic.
isometric
Isometrics are done in static positions; the joint and muscle either worked against an immovable force or are held in static position while opposed by resistance without shortening the muscle. This is a type of active exercise.
The term “cephalic” refers to the:
a. head.
b. ribs.
c. skin.
d. wrist.
head
The word root cephal/o means head, and the suffix -ic means pertaining to.
The term “popliteal” refers to the:
a. kneecap.
b. lower back.
c. back of the knee.
d. palm of the hand.
back of the knee
Which of these describes the correct flow of urine through the urinary tract?
a. From the ureter to the bladder to the kidney
b. From the ureter to the bladder to the urethra
c. From the urethra to the bladder to the ureter
d. From the kidney to the urethra to the bladder
From the ureter to the bladder to the urethra
The term “transthorax” means:
a. across the chest.
b. through the chest.
c. inside the chest.
d. below the chest.
across the chest
The prefix trans- means across or through; the suffix -thorax means chest; pleural cavity.
The term “nephropexy” means:
a. draining of the kidney.
b. puncture into the kidney.
c. creating a new opening into the kidney.
d. fixation of the kidney.
fixation of the kidney.
The word root nephr/o means kidney, and the suffix -pexy means surgical fixation.
Which of the following is a phone call that usually requires the party to speak directly to the physician?
Select one:
a. A pharmacist verifying a patient’s name and information written on a prescription form
b. A nurse calling from the local hospital emergency department regarding patient admission orders
c. A patient requesting an appointment complaining of vomiting and diarrhea
d. A laboratory technician relating normal blood test results
A nurse calling from the local hospital emergency department regarding patient admission orders
The medical assistant will be responsible for handling incoming calls to the medical office. Some of the calls that the MA would be responsible for handling are a pharmacist verifying information written on a prescription form, a patient complaining of vomiting and diarrhea, a laboratory relating normal blood test results, and verifying insurance coverage. If there is an emergency call, the MA should direct this call to the physician.
The main memory bank of a computer located on the motherboard is the: Select one: a. LAN. b. CPU. c. RAM. d. URL.
RAM
All of the following are muscle traits except: Select one: a. elasticity. b. excitability. c. contractility. d. viscosity.
viscosity
The body system that includes the pituitary and thyroid glands is the: Select one: a. integumentary system. b. excretory system. c. nervous system d. endocrine system.
endocrine system
When two or more patients are scheduled for an appointment at the same time, it is known as: Select one: a. double booking. b. matrix scheduling. c. time-specific scheduling. d. wave scheduling.
double booking
The medical practice appointment book:
Select one:
a. does not need a matrix designed.
b. is discarded when it is filled.
c. is only applicable for practices that do open-book scheduling.
d. is a document that needs to conform to the HIPAA privacy standards.
is a document that needs to conform to the HIPAA privacy standards.
Which of these represents an example of a properly keyed signature? Select one: a. Dr. Martin Garcia, MD b. James Jones, MD c. Doctor Tang, MD d. Dr. Brown, MD
James Jones, MD
The reference initials on the bottom of a document are the initials of the person:
Select one:
a. who processed the letter in uppercase letters.
b. who is the signator in uppercase letters.
c. who is the signator in lowercase letters.
d. receiving the letter.
who is the signator in uppercase letters.
If a patient asks if there is any discomfort from an ECG procedure, what should the medical assistant tell the patient?
Select one:
a. The ECG procedure does not hurt and does not send electricity through you.
b. The electrodes are cold and may feel too tight, but we need to get a good connection.
c. Don’t worry. We do lots of these examinations every day.
d. If you feel any shocks or electrical tingling, please let me know.
The ECG procedure does not hurt and does not send electricity through you.
When performing an ECG, leads aVR, aVL, and aVF are the: Select one: a. standard leads. b. bipolar leads. c. augmented voltage leads. d. limb leads.
augmented voltage leads.
An open wound caused by forceful tearing away of skin from bony structure by trauma, sometimes leaving a skin flap, is a(n): Select one: a. Incorrect. b. contusion. c. puncture. d. laceration. e. avulsion.
avulsion
Purposefully altering a diagnosis on a medical claim is an example of: Select one: a. accounts receivable. b. liability. c. fraud. d. accounts payable.
fraud
Why: Fraud is an act of deception that is used to take advantage of another person or entity. Improperly altering a diagnosis on a medical claim would be an example of fraud.
A list of procedural charges developed from fees charged by most of the physicians in the same region or geographic area is referred to as: Select one: a. utilization review. b. coordination of benefits. c. usual, customary, and reasonable. d. explanation of benefits.
usual, customary, and reasonable.
The stage of development characterized by the importance of self-image is the: Select one: a. preschool-age child. b. adolescent. c. adult. d. school-age child.
adolescent
When communicating with a sight-impaired patient, all the following techniques may be used except:
Select one:
a. Speak in a louder tone.
b. Explain what you are going to do and what you are doing.
c. Alert patient before touching him or her.
d. Describe surroundings and locations of structures.
Speak in a louder tone
Unless hearing is also impaired, it is not necessary to speak louder to a sight-impaired person.
The normal range for an adult blood glucose level is: Select one: a. 110 to 170 mg/dL. b. 110 to 170 mg/mL. c. 70 to 110 mg/mL. d. 70 to 110 mg/dL
70 to 110 mg/dL
In a healthy adult patient, a normal WBC count would be: Select one: a. 2,000 cells/mm3. b. 1,000 cells/mm3. c. 20,000 cells/mm3. d. 7,000 cells/mm3.
7,000 cells/mm3
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 deals with: Select one: a. sexual harassment. b. equal employment. c. equal pay. d. racial discrimination.
sexual harassment.
An incident report contains all the following EXCEPT the injured party's: Select one: a. address. b. immediate treatment. c. insurance carrier. d. name.
insurance carrier.
All of the following are examples of HCPCS Level II code charges except a(n): Select one: a. appendectomy. b. ambulance transport. c. durable medical equipment. d. dental procedure.
appendectomy
The medical assistant or administrative specialist must have the patient give written authorization for reimbursement to the physician for billed charges. This is called: Select one: a. co-payment. b. capitation. c. assignment of benefits. d. coordination of benefits.
assignment of benefits
Assignment of benefits is when the patient signs a written authorization to allow the physician to bill for charges as well as accept direct payment for those from the insurance provider.
An association that provides all health care to the insured person for a fixed fee is a(n): Select one: a. PPO. b. RVU. c. HMO. d. CMS.
HMO
An HMO, health maintenance organization, is comprised of physicians who work under contract to provide services to the subscriber of the plan. Plans are set up on a contracted fee for service.
When you remove paper clips from the papers and gather all chart items together before filing the chart, it is known as:
a. indexing.
b. destroying.
c. sorting.
d. conditioning.
conditioning
The process of conditioning or inspecting the medical records means removing all paper clips and rubber bands that do not need to be filed in the chart.
An alphabetic file is also referred to as a: Select one: a. manila file folder. b. master file. c. color-coded file. d. numeric file.
master file.
A numeric file is a file that is filed by numbers; a color-coded file is one that is filed using numbers or letters that are on color-coded tabs. Manila folders describe the outside color of the files that hold the medical documents.
The medical term meaning referring to the sole or bottom of the foot is: Select one: a. plantar. b. dorsal. c. caudal. d. palmar.
plantar
The prefix dys- means:
painful; difficult
The Escherichia coli bacteria are normally found in the: Select one: a. throat. b. lungs. c. intestines. d. nose.
intestines
When preparing a biopsy tray, the instrument not included is a: Select one: a. bandage scissors. b. forceps. c. needle holder. d. scalpel.
bandage scissors
Tubular gauze would be best used to: Select one: a. Pack an orifice that is bleeding. b. Apply pressure to a chest wound. c. Bandage fingers and toes. d. Cover a wound on the abdomen.
Bandage fingers and toes.
High levels of triglycerides in the diet may lead to: Select one: a. hypertension. b. hyperthyroidism. c. cardiovascular disease. d. diabetes.
cardiovascular disease
Which of the following is FALSE of the diabetic diet?
Select one:
a. A well-maintained diabetic diet will aid in preventing fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
b. Diabetic patients should not avoid eating regular meals.
c. Diabetics should not limit the intake of simple sugars.
d. The goal of the diabetic diet is to prevent abnormal fluctuations in insulin.
e. The caloric intake for a diabetic should be tailored for each patient.
Diabetics should not limit the intake of simple sugars.
The Joint Commission recommends that a patient educational plan be: Select one: a. exclusive. b. a patient charge. c. conducted only by a licensed person. d. multidisciplinary. e. performed outside the medical office.
multidisciplinary
The Joint Commission (TJC) recommends that patient educational plans be team oriented and multidisciplinary. It is important to incorporate all members of the team who are involved with patient’s health-care needs.
An effective educational tool to use with the patient would probably not include a/an: Select one: a. anatomical model. b. DVD. c. journal. d. brochure. e. medical dictionary.
medical dictionary.
When conducting patient education, HIPAA requirements must be upheld regarding: Select one: a. posters. b. DVDs. c. brochures. d. emails. e. CDs.
emails
The hearing test that measures the patient’s response to sound is called:
Select one:
a. tuning fork.
b. tympanometry.
c. An otoscope is a lighted instrument used to examine the middle and inner ear canal.
d. otoscopy.
e. audiometry.
audiometry
A growth chart reflects all the following EXCEPT:
Select one:
a. the length compared to the height.
b. the height compared to the weight.
c. the percentile compared with other children of the same age and sex.
d. the weight compared to the height.
the length compared to the height
The sublingual route for medication administration is: Select one: a. on the tongue. b. on the skin. c. under the tongue. d. under the skin.
under the tongue
A common drug for hypertension is: Select one: a. Dilantin. b. albuterol. c. lisinopril. d. Decadron.
lisinopril
The proper temperature for hot soaks should be: Select one: a. 60°F to 70°F. b. 100°F to 105°F. c. 85°F to 95°F. d. 120°F to 125°F.
100°F to 105°F
Resistance exercise is performed:
Select one:
a. by walking or jogging.
b. with counter pressure applied to the muscle to increase the effectiveness and to assess improvement.
c. to realign an affected area.
d. on the patient by another person or mechanical device.
with counter pressure applied to the muscle to increase the effectiveness and to assess improvement.
The thalamus and hypothalamus are located in the: Select one: a. medulla oblongata. b. diencephalon. c. mediastinum. d. diaphragm.
diencephalon
The diencephalon is the second largest portion of the brain and is made up of the hypothalamus and thalamus.
The cell that forms bone tissue is a/an: Select one: a. osteoclast. b. osteoblast. c. osteosarcoma. d. osteochondroma.
osteoblast
Which of the following is the innermost layer of the uterus? Select one: a. Myometrium b. Endometrium c. Perineum d. Epimetrium
Endometrium
The medical term meaning pertaining to the neck and face is: Select one: a. cervicolacrimal. b. blepharocervical. c. fasciobuccal. d. cervicofacial.
cervicofacial
The term “arthrocentesis” means: Why: The word root arthr/o means joint, and the suffix -centesis means surgical puncture to remove fluid.
Select one:
a. discharge from a joint.
b. creation of a new opening into a joint.
c. surgical reconstruction of a joint.
d. puncture into a joint to aspirate fluid.
puncture into a joint to aspirate fluid.
A blood pressure reading of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is considered to be normal for an adult. Select one: a. 110/90 b. 120/80 c. 140/90 d. 130/80
120/80
Pulse rate is a measurement of the number of times the heart beats in a(n): Select one: a. minute. b. hour. c. day. d. second.
minute
A pulse with an irregular rhythm is known as a(n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Select one: a. thready pulse b. tachyrhythmia c. dysrhythmia d. unusual pulse
dysrhythmia
Which of the following is NOT one of the physiological factors affecting blood pressure?
Select one:
a. condition of the heart muscle
b. volume or amount of blood in the arteries
c. volume or amount of blood in the veins
d. peripheral resistance of the vessels
volume or amount of blood in the veins
The physician's hands are the primary tool used for the physical exam, but special instruments are also used to help with the exam and diagnosis and include all of the following EXCEPT: Select one: a. telescope. b. otoscope. c. sphygmomanometer. d. tape measure.
telescope
A pulse rate above 100 BPM is known as: Select one: a. bradypnea. b. tachypnea. c. tachycardia. d. bradycardia.
tachycardia
The objective section of a SOAP chart note includes all of the following except? Select one: a. fever b. medication dosage c. weight d. blood work
medication dosage
Which of the following is NOT one of the standard positions used for a variety of medical and surgical examinations and procedures? Select one: a. lithotomy b. dorsal recumbent c. Trendelenburg d. Turners
Turners
The systolic is the top number of blood pressure and the heart is in a relaxation state.
Select one:
True
False
False
Which of the following is NOT correct about the acronym SOAP charting? Select one: a. A = Administration b. O = Objective c. P = Plan d. S = Subjective
A = Administration
A childhood disease would be considered part of the patient's Select one: a. social history. b. demographic information. c. past medical history. d. family history.
past medical history
Palpation is used to determine anything unusual EXCEPT: Select one: a. function. b. size. c. shape. d. tenderness.
function
Which of the following is a characteristic that needs to be noted and recorded when pulse rate is observed? Select one: a. rhythm b. all of the above c. rate d. volume
all of the above
The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is used to examine the interior of the eye, especially the retina. Select one: a. otoscope b. stethoscope c. ophthalmoscope d. sphygmomanometer
ophthalmoscope
During a female exam which position would be used when performing a PAP and pelvic examination? Select one: a. Lithotomy b. Sim's c. Supine d. Knee-chest
Lithotomy
If a patient indicates he or she does not have any allergies, the medical assistant should record this information as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Select one: a. PH b. NA c. CC d. NKA
NKA
Also, NKDA for No Known Drug Allergies
The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is used to detect sounds produced by blood pressure. Select one: a. mercury sphygmomanometer b. aneroid sphygmomanometer c. manometer d. stethoscope
stethoscope
Which reading is considered Hypertension (HTN)? Select one: a. 140/90 b. 136/88 c. 139/76 d. 120/70
140/90
While interviewing a patient about his or her chief complaint, a medical assistant would use \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ questions. Select one: a. open-ended b. leading c. closed d. rhetorical
open-ended
You will obtain a/an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ pulse from the chest. Select one: a. Pedis b. Apical c. Sternal d. Carotid
apical
Which of the following is an incorrect respiration range for the indicated age group? Select one: a. 40 - 60 infant b. 20 - 30 for 2 - 10 year old c. 14 - 20 adult d. 18 - 24 for 11 - 18 year old
40 - 60 infant
SOAP notes are also called:
progress notes
Vital signs, weight change, fevers, blood work, and other measurable data are all examples of \_\_\_\_\_\_ information. Select one: a. Objective b. Observation c. Subjective d. Source-oriented
Objective
Blood pressure is actually caused by the action of the blood moving against the walls of the arteries.
Select one:
True
False
True
Which medical record format makes it complicated to identify and locate past medical problems, treatments and results?
Select one:
a. POMR - problem-oriented medical record
b. SOMR - source-oriented medical record
c. SOAP - subjective, objective, assessment, plan
SOMR
A patient has come in complaining of SOB (shortness of breath), cough producing green sputum, and difficulty breathing. Which of the following positions would be most appropriate for this patient? Select one: a. Dorsal recumbent b. Prone c. Semi-Fowler's d. Trendelenburg
Semi-Fowler’s
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the use of special tools to measure the body or specific parts. Select one: a. Mensuration b. Menstruation c. Methylation d. Microcirculation
Mensuration
Which of the following is NOT considered one of the vital signs? Select one: a. BMI b. pulse c. temperature d. respiration
BMI
Which of the following is NOT a normal temperature for the method used? Select one: a. 98.6 axillary b. 99.6 rectal c. 98.6 oral d. 97.6 axillary
98.6 axillary
The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the instrument used for measuring the pressure the blood exerts against the walls of the artery. Select one: a. otoscope b. sphygmomanometer c. ophthalmoscope d. stethoscope
sphygmomanometer
In a healthy person, normally the heart beats around \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ times per minute. Select one: a. 110-140 b. 60-100 c. 40-55 d. 150+
60-100
The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is used to examine the eyes. Select one: a. ophthalmoscope b. stethoscope c. telescope d. otoscope
ophthalmoscope
A patient’s distance vision is tested by using a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Chart. Select one: a. Jaeger b. Snellen c. Ishihara
Snellen
Which of the following is NOT one of the six commonly used methods of physical examination? Select one: a. inspection b. auscultation c. palpation d. pronunciation
pronunciation
All of the following information would be found on a medical history form EXCEPT: Select one: a. past medical history. b. present illness. c. insurance information. d. family history.
insurance information
A blood pressure reading that indicates a temporary fall in blood pressure
that occurs when a patient moves rapidly from a lying to a standing position is known as ________ hypotension.
Select one:
a. postprandial
b. severe
c. orthostatic/postural
d. neurally mediated
orthostatic/postural
A tympanic temperature is taken on the side of the forehead.
Select one:
True
False
False
Tympanic temperature is taken in the ear (think… tympanic membrane)
Which of the following is considered a normal/average blood pressure? Select one: a. 130/80 b. 100/80 c. 90/58 d. 120/80
120/80
Which of the following would not be included in the problem section of the medical record? Select one: a. Anemia b. Increased thirst c. Hypertension d. Urinary tract infection
Increased thirst
A(n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is used to examine the ears. Select one: a. protoscope b. stethoscope c. ophthalmoscope d. otoscope
otoscope
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is passively assessing the range of motion of a joint. Select one: a. Inspection b. Manipulation c. Mensuration d. Auscultation
Manipulation
A patient’s near vision is tested by using a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Reading Card. Select one: a. Ishihara b. Jaeger c. Snellen
Jaeger
The physical examination may include all of the following except: Select one: a. percussion b. EKG c. laboratory tests d. menstruation
menstruation
Menstruation refers to female bleeding as part of their monthly cycle.
MenSURation refers to measurements.
The first time you hear the heartbeat is called the diastolic pressure
Select one:
True
False
False
The first heart sound is the systolic and the last is the diastolic
