MEDICAL ASSISTANT PRACTICE TEST 2024

 MEDICAL ASSISTANT PRACTICE TEST 2024

Take your time and good luck!

1.

What does the term edema mean?

 
 
 
 

2.

What is the appropriate way to take a radial pulse?

 
 
 
 

3.

A patient is anxious and begins hyperventilating. His hands and lips start to feel numb and tingly, and he feels lightheaded. What is the physiological cause of his symptoms?

 
 
 
 

4.

Which of the following is NOT one of the five stages of grief as described by the Kübler-Ross model?

 
 
 
 

5.

Age, head circumference, height

 
 
 
 

6.

A patient is upset and angry after an appointment. She is distraught and unable to pay attention when you tell her what dates are available for her follow-up appointment. This results in some confusion, and the patient accuses you of not listening. What form of defense mechanism is this patient likely demonstrating?

 
 
 
 

7.

You are asked to give a three-year-old child a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol). The child weighs 15 kg. The medication order says to give the child a dose of 15 mg/kg. The oral solution concentration is 160 mg/5 mL. What dose of the oral solution should you give the child?

 
 
 
 

8.

You have finished all of your assigned tasks and are thinking of leaving a few minutes early for your lunch break when the doctor approaches you and tells you that there are patients waiting to be seen, but the exam rooms have not yet been cleaned after the last patients. You know that this is the responsibility of another medical assistant in the office, but she is on the phone dealing with an important personal problem. What should you do?

 
 
 
 

9.

How should you position yourself in an exam room with a patient who seems angry and potentially aggressive?

 
 
 
 

10.

How should electrocardiogram (ECG) chest leads be placed?

 
 
 
 

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What does a Medical Assistant (CMA) do?

Medical Assistants (CMA) typically work for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities to perform administrative and clinical duties to support medical staff. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to communicate with patients and maintain patient confidentiality. Their job is to restock supplies in examination rooms, change bandages, remove stitches and perform physical examinations. They may also be responsible for accepting payment from patients and coordinating prescription refills for patients to pick up at their local pharmacy.

Medical Assistant skills and qualifications

A successful Medical Assistant candidate will know how to interact with patients and be able to get information from those who may be in distress. They should have a background in computers, chemistry, anatomy, and biology. Candidates should be able to use analytical skills to understand medical diagnoses and follow medical charts. They must also understand medical codes.

Medical Assistants should have the following skills and qualifications:

  •      Associate’s degree in a medical field
  •      Pass a minimum of one exam from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies
  •       2+ years of working in the healthcare field
  •       Strong verbal and written skills
  •       Superior customer service skills
  •       A high level of professionalism

Medical Assistant Salary Expectations

A Medical Assistant makes an average of $15.47 per hour. The pay rate may depend on the level of education, experience, and geographical location.

Medical Assistant Education and Training Requirements

A successful Medical Assistant candidate should have a degree from a postsecondary schooling program. While this is not necessary for every employer, most of them strongly prefer candidates who have a degree. Medical Assistant programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical schools. They take an average of one year to complete. Some employers may be willing to train Medical Assistants once they hire them, but candidates should have familiarity with the health and medical fields. At a minimum, candidates should have a high school diploma.

Medical Assistant Experience Requirements

Medical Assistants should have experience working in a related healthcare position. This helps them have exposure to medical terminology and other information that is necessary to know as a medical assistant. Having a background working with the public can also be helpful to prepare the candidate to work with a variety of people. Job shadowing can be helpful for those who are interested in this field.

What is the difference between a Medical Assistant (CMA) and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

Medical Assistants and Certified Nursing Assistants assist healthcare professionals in providing standard care to their patients, but their professional requirements and job responsibilities differ. For example, Medical Assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare facility. They help patients sign up for appointments and update patient files in addition to completing specific clinical duties, like taking blood samples and performing physical examinations. They also need to obtain a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.

In contrast, Certified Nursing Assistants don’t perform administrative tasks. Instead, they assist healthcare professionals by providing standard care procedures to patients like helping them eat, bathe, reposition, change bandages and use the restroom. Further, Certified Nursing Assistants are more likely to be employed by home care services and assisted living facilities to aid elderly, disabled, or sick patients. All Certified Nursing Assistants must have a CNA certification from an accredited program.

What are the daily duties of a Medical Assistant (CMA)?

On a typical day, a Medical Assistant reviews the facility’s appointment schedule for the day. They organize patient documents and greet patients as they arrive. Throughout the day, Medical Assistants interact with patients during the examinations before the Physician or General Practitioner comes in. They ask patients about any changes in their medical history and any concerns to address with their Physician. They may also perform standard procedures like taking blood pressure, listening to their lungs, and checking their heart rate.

Medical Assistants also call patients with upcoming appointments to confirm their availability and reschedule appointments as necessary.

What qualities make a good Medical Assistant (CMA)?

A good Medical Assistant is well-organized, enabling them to maintain up-to-date patient files. They also value continued education and strive to obtain certifications regarding medical terminology and procedures to assist Doctors and Nurses as best they can. Medical Assistants should also have a calm and personable nature that helps patients feel comfortable and relaxed before, during, and after their appointment. Further, a good Medical Assistant has excellent interpersonal communication, which allows them to adjust their communication tactics to effectively speak with patients, Doctors, Nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Who does a Medical Assistant (CMA) report to?

A Medical Assistant typically reports to the Physician within a healthcare facility to perform administrative tasks on their behalf and assist them in medical examinations or procedures. In the absence of a Physician, a Medical Assistant may report to a Nurse Practitioner or a Registered Nurse for instruction.