NRCMA Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Questions and Answers

A tumor that isnon-progressive and not life-threateningis consideredbenign. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and generally grow slowly. They are not cancerous and are usually not a threat to life, although they can cause problems if they press on vital organs or tissues.

References:

American Cancer Society. (n.d.). What

Hypertension is also referred to as high blood pressure. It is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Managing hypertension typically involves lifestyle changes and medication to lower blood pressure to a normal range.

References:

The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7)

American Heart Association Guidelines

Physiologyis the scientific study of the functions and mechanisms in a living system. It focuses on how organs and systems within the body work, how they interact, and the physical and chemical processes that occur within living organisms. The other options (study of physical signs, process of life) are not accurate definitions of physiology.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and standard physiology textbooks.

The abbreviation forimmediatelyisSTAT. This term is used in medical contexts to indicate that an action is to be taken immediately, derived from the Latin word "statim."

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols (5th ed.). (2013). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

A patient’s financial account is referred to as aledger or ledger card. This document records all financial transactions related to a patient's care, including charges, payments, and adjustments. It serves as an essential tool for managing and tracking patient billing and ensuring accurate financial records.

References:

Kinn's The Administrative Medical Assistant (13th ed.). (2016). Elsevier.

Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Procedures (8th ed.). (2016). McGraw-Hill Education.

For a vaginal examination, the patient is typically positioned in the lithotomy position. This position involves the patient lying on their back with their legs flexed at the hips and knees, and the feet placed in stirrups. This positioning provides the healthcare provider with optimal access to the pelvic area for examination. Proper patient positioning is crucial for both the comfort of the patient and the effectiveness of the examination. The lithotomy position is standard for many gynecological procedures, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, and certain surgical procedures.

On a normal EKG (electrocardiogram) tracing, the first wave to show a downward deflection is theQ wave. The EKG tracing consists of several waves: the P wave (representing atrial depolarization), the QRS complex (representing ventricular depolarization), and the T wave (representing ventricular repolarization). The Q wave is the initial negative deflection after the P wave and before the R wave in the QRS complex.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and standard cardiology references.

Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells in the blood responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin is composed of four subunits, each containing an iron ion that can bind one molecule of oxygen. This binding and release of oxygen are critical for cellular respiration, which provides energy for the body's metabolic processes. The unique biconcave shape of RBCs increases their surface area for efficient gas exchange and allows them to navigate through the narrow capillaries.

The pH of a urine sample is checked to determine its acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. Urine pH can provide information about a person's diet, medications, and metabolic conditions.

References:

Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations by Michael L. Bishop

Urinalysis and Body Fluids by Susan King Strasinger

Metastasis refers to the growth of cancer cells from one tissue to another. This process involves the spread of cancer cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant sites in the body, forming new tumors. Metastasis is a hallmark of advanced cancer and significantly impacts prognosis and treatment strategies.

References:

The Biology of Cancer by Robert A. Weinberg

Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr., Theodore S. Lawrence, and Steven A. Rosenberg

Athoracotomyis a surgical procedure involving an incision into the chest wall to gain access to the thoracic organs, particularly the lungs and heart. This procedure is performed for various diagnostic and therapeutic reasons, including lung biopsy, tumor removal, or treatment of thoracic injuries. The other terms refer to related but different concepts:

Thoracic: Pertaining to the chest.

Thorax: The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, encasing the chest.

Thoracostomy: The creation of an opening into the chest cavity, often for the insertion of a chest tube.

Atriomegalyis a medical term that describes the enlargement of the atrium of the heart. The atria are the two upper chambers of the heart, and enlargement can be due to various conditions such as hypertension, valvular heart disease, or cardiomyopathy. This enlargement can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.

IPPB (Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing) treatment is commonly used for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). IPPB is a form of respiratory therapy that provides short-term mechanical ventilation to assist patients in breathing more deeply and improving lung function. It helps to deliver medication, reduce the work of breathing, and expand collapsed alveoli.

References:

Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Care by Robert L. Wilkins, James K. Stoller, and Craig L. Scanlan

Respiratory Care: Principles and Practice by Dean Hess

The first sound heard when taking the blood pressure is thesystolic pressure, not diastolic. When measuring blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer, the first Korotkoff sound indicates the systolic pressure. It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (contracts) and is the higher of the two blood pressure readings. Diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, is indicated by the last Korotkoff sound heard.

References:

Manual of Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension by Giuseppe Mancia

Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques - American Heart Assoc

TheFood and Drug Administration (FDA)is the U.S. governmental agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the manufacture, marketing, and clinical use of drugs, medical devices, and food products. The FDA ensures that these products are safe, effective, and properly labeled.

National Formulary: A publication that lists medications and their standards.

The Department of Health: General reference to various health departments, not specifically responsible for drug enforcement.

National Drug Abuse Administration: Not a correct agency name; it might refer to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Workers' compensation insurance provides medical care and financial benefits for employees who suffer job-related accidents or illnesses. This type of insurance is designed to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages resulting from work-related injuries or conditions, ensuring that employees receive the necessary care and support during their recovery.

References:

Workers' Compensation Law by Lex K. Larson

National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Guidelines

The word part "itis" means inflammation. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe inflammatory conditions affecting various parts of the body. For example, "arthritis" refers to inflammation of the joints, and "bronchitis" refers to inflammation of the bronchi.

References:

Medical Terminology: A Short Course by Davi-Ellen Chabner

Stedman's Medical Dictionary

When using a microscope, the total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnification power of the ocular lens (eyepiece) by the magnification power of the objective lens. In this case, a 10X ocular lens combined with a 40X objective lens results in a total magnification of400X(10X * 40X = 400X).Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials on microscopy.

A Z-tract injection is a technique used to administer medication intramuscularly to minimize leakage and irritation of the medication in the subcutaneous tissue. The Z-tract method involves pulling the skin and subcutaneous tissue to one side before inserting the needle into the muscle, injecting the medication, and then releasing the tissue after withdrawing the needle. This "zig-zag" path prevents the medication from leaking back along the needle track. The gluteal muscle, particularly the ventrogluteal or dorsogluteal sites, is commonly used for such injections due to its large muscle mass.

The word part"nephro-"comes from the Greek word "nephros," meaningkidney. It is used inmedical terminology to refer to conditions, procedures, or anatomical parts related to the kidneys. Examples include nephrology (the study of kidney function and diseases) and nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney).Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical dictionaries.

Ball and socket joints, like those in the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) and hip (acetabulofemoral joint), allow for rotational movement and a wide range of motion in multiple directions. These joints consist of a spherical head (ball) that fits into a cup-like cavity (socket). The design of ball and socket joints permits movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. This extensive range of motion makes them critical for various daily activities and athletic movements.

Good sources ofvitamin Carecitrus fruitssuch as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes. Vitamin C is also found in other fruits and vegetables like strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. It is essential for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues and plays a role in many bodily functions, including the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, nutritional guidelines.

The first step in demonstrating courtesy to a telephone caller involves promptly answering the call. Once answered, it's important to clearly identify yourself and your role, followed by inquiring how you can assist the caller. This approach shows respect, acknowledges the caller, and sets a professional tone for the conversation. It's critical to avoid immediately putting the caller on hold, as this can be perceived as dismissive. Additionally, if you must place the caller on hold at any point, it’s courteous to ask for their permission and provide a brief explanation. Proper telephone etiquette is essential in medical settings to ensure clear communication and patient satisfaction.

The most common place to take a pulse is at the radial artery. The radial artery is located on the lateral side of the wrist, proximal to the thumb. It is easily accessible and provides a reliable indicator of heart rate and rhythm.

References:

Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking by Lynn S. Bickley

Mosby's Guide to Physical Examination by Henry M. Seidel et al.

The word part which meansjointisarthro. This prefix is used in medical terminology to refer to joints, as seen in words like arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and arthroscopy (a procedure to look inside a joint).

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Thelarynxis commonly referred to as the voice box. It is located in the neck and performs several functions, including breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The larynx houses the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound when air is expelled from the lungs. The other options refer to different parts of the respiratory and digestive systems:

Pharynx: A muscular tube that serves both respiratory and digestive functions by connecting the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.

Glottis: The part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the opening between them. It is not a structure itself but rather a component of the larynx.

Trachea: Also known as the windpipe, it is a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs, allowing the passage of air.

A patient who is 68 years old is most likely covered by Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for people aged 65 and older, but it also covers some younger individuals with disabilities or specific diseases. Medicare consists of different parts that cover hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D).

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Mitosis consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm and organelles into two daughter cells. Unlike meiosis, which produces four genetically diverse gametes (sperm or egg cells), mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Autoclaving is a sterilization process that uses high-pressure saturated steam, and proper timing ensures the complete elimination of all microorganisms on the instruments.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities.

Rutala, W. A., & Weber, D. J. (2019).Disinfection, Sterilization, and Antisepsis: Principles, Practices, Current Issues, New Research, and New Technologies. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Thebrainstemis the subdivision of the brain that consists of the medulla, pons, and midbrain. It is located between the spinal cord and the cerebrum and plays a crucial role in regulating vital life functions such as heart rate, breathing, and sleep cycles. The brainstem acts as a conduit for all the information passing between the brain and the rest of the body.

The kidneys are vital organs in the urinary system. They filter waste products, excess substances, and fluids from the blood to form urine. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, which are the functional units responsible for this filtration process. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal arteries, is filtered in the nephrons, and then exits through the renal veins. The filtered waste is collected in the renal pelvis, passes through the ureters to the bladder, and is eventually excreted as urine. This process helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and overall homeostasis.

Hyperglycemia refers to elevated levels of glucose in the blood, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and retinopathy. Management of blood glucose levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes to prevent these complications.

The suffix-algiameanspain. It is used in medical terminology to describe pain in a specific part of the body, such as in "neuralgia" (nerve pain) or "myalgia" (muscle pain).

-ectomy: Refers to the surgical removal of a part of the body, as in "appendectomy."

algia: Correct suffix meaning pain.

olgíaandilgia: Incorrect and not used in medical terminology.

An inflamed condition of the tendon and tendon muscles is referred to as tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements. It commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

References:

Tendinopathy: From Basic Science to Clinical Management by Savio L-Y. Woo and Per A. F. H. Renström

Principles of Orthopedic Practice by Roger H. Michael

The facial bones that compose the lower jaw are referred to as themandibular bones. The mandible, or lower jawbone, is the largest and strongest bone of the face. It holds the lower teeth in place and is the only movable bone of the skull.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy textbooks.

An inflamed condition of the tendon and tendon muscles is referred to as tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements. It commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

References:

Tendinopathy: From Basic Science to Clinical Management by Savio L-Y. Woo and Per A. F. H. Renström

Principles of Orthopedic Practice by Roger H. Michael

The pre-determined amount of money paid by the patient before the insurance company pays is called the deductible. This is a common feature in health insurance plans, where the patient must pay a specified amount out-of-pocket for healthcare services before the insurance coverage begins to contribute to the costs.

References:

Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement, 14th Edition, Michelle A. Green

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Health Insurance Basics

Spina bifidais a congenital defect where there is an absence of a vertebral arch in the spinal column. This defect occurs during fetal development and can lead to varying degrees of disability, depending on the severity of the condition. The spinal cord and nerves can be exposed, leading to potential complications such as paralysis and infections.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, pediatric and congenital disorder textbooks.

When you are asked to take a cervical x-ray, you would take film of the neck region. Cervical x-rays are used to examine the cervical vertebrae, which are the seven vertebrae in the neck. These x-rays help diagnose fractures, dislocations, and other conditions affecting the cervical spine.

References:

Radiologic Science for Technologists by Stewart C. Bushong

Essentials of Radiographic Physics and Imaging by James Johnston and Terri L. Fauber

Hepatitisis inflammation of theliver. It can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, certain medications, and other factors. Hepatitis can lead to symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and liver damage if left untreated.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical pathology references.

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The abbreviation for "immediately" in medical terminology is"SIAI", which stands for "Statim" or "stat," a term used to indicate urgency. The use of "stat" comes from the Latin word "statim," meaning "immediately." This is a common term used in medical settings to convey the need for immediate action or treatment. The other options (Rx, IMM, IMI) do not represent the abbreviation for immediately.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and medical terminology references.

The termoccultmeanshidden. In medical contexts, this term is often used to describe conditions or symptoms that are not immediately apparent or visible. For example, occult blood in the stool refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through chemical tests.

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (32nd ed.). (2011). Elsevier.

A critical illness resulting in thesudden cessation of kidney functionis known asrenal failure. Acute renal failure, or acute kidney injury, can occur suddenly and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It requires immediate medical intervention to restore kidney function and maintain overall health.

The universal donor blood type isO negative (O-). This means that individuals with this blood type can donate blood to recipients of any other blood type. This is due to the absence of A and B antigens on the red blood cells and the lack of Rh antigen, which prevents the immune system of the recipient from recognizing the donor blood as foreign. The concept of universal donor is fundamental in emergency situations when there's no time to cross-match blood types.

References:

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Understanding Blood Types.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Blood Types and Compatibility.

Bradycardia refers to a slow heart beat, defined as a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. It can be a normal condition in well-trained athletes but may also indicate a problem with the heart's electrical system. Symptoms of bradycardia can include fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and fainting.

The abbreviation for every two hours is Q.2h. This medical abbreviation is derived from Latin "quaque 2 hora," meaning "every two hours." It is commonly used in medical prescriptions and instructions to indicate the frequency of medication administration or other recurring treatments.

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 10th Edition

If a patient calls the office stating they have received a blunt injury to the eye, it is essential to advise them tocome in as soon as possible to have the eye checked. Eye injuries can lead to serious complications, including vision loss, if not promptly evaluated and treated by a healthcare professional. Delaying treatment or improper self-care, such as applying heat or rubbing the eye, can exacerbate the injury.

Do nothing unless the eye is very swollen: Incorrect, as internal damage may occur without visible swelling.

Apply heat: Incorrect, as it may worsen inflammation.

Rub the eye to be sure there is nothing in it: Incorrect, as it can cause further injury.

The incorrectly spelled words are:

Annorcxlashould beAnorexia

Oitltlsshould beOtitis

Legdcrshould beLedger

Metabolismis correctly spelled.

During galvanic electrical stimulation, it is crucial that the patient is attended at all times. This procedure involves the use of direct current (DC) to stimulate muscle contraction and requires continuous monitoring to ensure the patient's safety and to adjust the settings if needed. Unattended galvanic stimulation can pose risks such as burns or other injuries, hence constant supervision is essential.

References:

Principles and Practice of Electrotherapy by Nelson and Currier

Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation by William E. Prentice

When a patient is bleeding heavily from a wound, the immediate priority is to control the bleeding. The best initial action is to apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage. This helps to stem the flow of blood and allows time for clotting to begin. Elevating the limb can also help reduce blood flow to the area, but applying direct pressure is the primary and most effective method. Tourniquets are used only as a last resort when direct pressure and elevation do not control the bleeding.

References:

American Red Cross First Aid Manual

Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured (AAOS)

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the human body, typically measuring between 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They form a network between the arterioles and venules and are the site of the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and tissues. This extensive network ensures that every cell in the body is in close proximity to a capillary, facilitating efficient physiological exchange processes.

References:

Gray's Anatomy

Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis

An insurance contract written for a company for its employees is called group coverage. Group insurance provides health, life, or other types of insurance to members of a defined group, typically employees of a company, under a single policy. This type of coverage is generally more affordable and provides uniform benefits to all members of the group.

References:

Health Insurance and Managed Care: What They Are and How They Work by Peter R. Kongstvedt

Employee Benefits Design and Planning: A Guide to Understanding Accounting, Finance, and Tax Implications by Bashker D. Biswas

During an eye examination using the Snellen's eye chart, the patient shouldkeep both eyes open, but cover one of them. This method ensures that the uncovered eye is tested for visual acuity without the influence of the other eye. The patient will then switch and cover the other eye to test it individually.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, ophthalmology examination protocols.

A tray for a pelvic examination normally includes a vaginal speculum and lubricant. The speculum is a medical tool used to open the vaginal walls for visual inspection and access to the cervix during the examination. Lubricant is applied to the speculum to ease insertion and increase patient comfort. Other instruments that may be included depending on the specific examination or procedure are gloves, tenaculum, and hemostat forceps. Proper preparation of the examination tray ensures that the healthcare provider has all necessary tools readily available, facilitating a smooth and efficient examination process.

Medicarepays80 percentof the approved amount for covered services after the beneficiary meets the deductible. The remaining 20 percent is typically paid by the patient or a secondary insurance if the patient has one. This cost-sharing helps manage the expenses between Medicare and the patient.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, Medicare guidelines.

Serum is the clear, yellowish fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is essentially plasma without the clotting factors (like fibrinogen). Serum can be separated from clotted blood and is used for various blood chemistry tests, but not typically for most hematology tests, which require whole blood or plasma.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical laboratory textbooks.

The abbreviation for every hour is "Q.H." This is derived from the Latin "quaque hora," meaning "every hour." It is used in medical prescriptions and instructions to indicate the frequency of medication or treatment administration.

References:

Medical Abbreviations: 32,000 Conveniences at the Expense of Communication and Safety by Neil M. Davis

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) - Abbreviation Guidelines