CCMA (NHA) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Bradycardia

A heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute in an adult; the prefix brady- means slow and the suffix -cardia refers to heart rate.

Chain of infection links

Six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any one link interrupts transmission.

Autoclave sterilization parameters

Standard gravity-displacement autoclave sterilization uses 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) at 15 psi for 15 to 30 minutes, which destroys bacterial spores.

Kilogram to pound conversion

One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds. To convert a weight in pounds to kilograms, divide the number of pounds by 2.2.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right portions; the midsagittal plane divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Sinoatrial node

The sinoatrial node lies in the right atrium and generates the electrical impulse that sets heart rate; it is the heart's natural pacemaker.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, which filter blood, reabsorb nutrients, and form urine.

Appendicitis pain location

The appendix lies in the right lower quadrant. Classic appendicitis pain begins near the umbilicus and then shifts to the right lower quadrant.

Smooth muscle characteristics

Involuntary, non-striated muscle found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, stomach, and urinary bladder.

Intradermal injection angle

Given with a 26- to 27-gauge needle at a 10- to 15-degree angle, usually on the inner forearm; used for tuberculosis and allergy testing.

Order of draw

Blood cultures, light blue citrate, red or gold serum, green heparin, lavender EDTA, then gray fluoride/oxalate. This order prevents additive carryover between tubes.

Orthostatic vital signs

Blood pressure and pulse measured with the patient lying, then sitting, then standing; a drop of 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic suggests orthostasis.

Ventrogluteal injection site

A preferred adult intramuscular site located in the hip; it is free of major nerves and blood vessels and accepts up to 3 mL of medication.

ECG paper timing

At the standard speed of 25 mm per second, one small box equals 0.04 second and one large box of five small boxes equals 0.20 second.

Capillary puncture site

Puncture the lateral side of the middle or ring finger; avoid the thumb, index finger, and fifth finger because they have less tissue and more nerve endings.

Teach-back method

Asking the patient to explain instructions in their own words. It verifies understanding and reveals gaps better than asking whether they have questions.

Prochaska stages of change

Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Patients move through these stages when adopting a health behavior such as smoking cessation.

Health literacy

The ability to obtain, process, and understand health information to make decisions. Patient materials should be written at a fifth- to sixth-grade reading level.

Maslow physiological needs first

Physiological needs such as airway, breathing, and circulation are met before safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization when prioritizing patient care.

CPT versus ICD-10-CM

CPT codes describe the procedures and services performed, while ICD-10-CM codes describe the patient's diagnoses. Payers require both to justify and pay a claim.

Explanation of benefits

A statement sent to the patient summarizing services, allowed amounts, payer payments, and patient responsibility. It is a summary, not a bill.

Terminal digit filing

A filing system that sorts records by the last two digits of the identification number first, then the middle pair, then the first pair.

Release of information authorization

A signed patient authorization must name the records, recipient, purpose, and expiration date; psychotherapy notes require a separate authorization.

Active listening

Concentrating fully on the speaker and using eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing to confirm the message; it reduces errors and builds patient trust.

Therapeutic communication techniques

Open-ended questions, restatement, reflection, clarification, summarizing, and silence encourage patients to share concerns without feeling judged or rushed.

Medical jargon as barrier

Technical terms unfamiliar to the patient cause misunderstanding and reduce adherence; use plain language and confirm comprehension instead.

AIDET framework

Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you. This standardized greeting framework improves patient perceptions of communication and service quality.

Informed consent

Requires patient competence, voluntariness, and disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives. The provider obtains consent; the medical assistant may witness the signature.

Autonomy

The ethical principle that patients have the right to make their own health care decisions, including the right to refuse recommended treatment.

Mandated reporting

Health care workers must report suspected child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse, and specified communicable diseases to designated agencies as required by state law.

HIPAA minimum necessary

Only the least amount of protected health information needed for the purpose may be accessed or disclosed; treatment disclosures are generally exempt.

Scope of practice

The legally defined duties a medical assistant may perform. Diagnosing, prescribing, and giving medical advice fall outside that scope regardless of training.