CMSA flashcards

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

Normal adult oral temperature

Oral temperature in a resting adult ranges from about 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, or 97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Rectal readings run slightly higher and axillary readings slightly lower.

Body mass index formula

Body mass index equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A result of 25 to 29.9 is classified as overweight and 30 or higher as obesity.

Fowler position

Fowler position places the patient supine with the head of the bed elevated 45 to 60 degrees. Semi-Fowler uses 15 to 30 degrees. Fowler aids breathing and is used after many abdominal procedures.

Chain of infection links

The six links are infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any single link prevents transmission of infection.

Airborne precautions

Airborne precautions require an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room. They apply to tuberculosis, measles, and varicella. Standard precautions are still used at the same time.

Sterile field border

The outer 1-inch (2.5 cm) border of a sterile drape is considered contaminated. Sterile items may touch only sterile items, and a field below waist level is contaminated.

Korotkoff phase I

Phase I is the first clear tapping sound heard as the cuff deflates and corresponds to systolic pressure. Phase V, the disappearance of sound, corresponds to diastolic pressure.

Orthostatic hypotension criteria

Orthostatic hypotension is a fall of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing. Measure the patient lying, sitting, and standing.

Pulse quality grading

Pulse strength is graded 0 for absent, 1+ for weak and thready, 2+ for normal, and 3+ for bounding. An irregular radial pulse requires a full-minute apical count.

Intradermal injection angle

Intradermal injections use a 25 to 27 gauge needle at a 5 to 15 degree angle, just under the epidermis. Tuberculin skin testing is the classic example.

Dosage calculation formula

Desired dose divided by available dose, multiplied by the quantity on hand, equals the amount to administer. Confirm the result against the ordered dose before giving it.

Insulin route restriction

Only regular insulin may be given intravenously. Rapid-acting, intermediate, and long-acting insulins are given subcutaneously because their absorption profiles are not suitable for IV use.

Blood tube order of draw

The order is blood cultures, light blue citrate, serum red or gold, green heparin, lavender EDTA, then gray oxalate or fluoride. Order prevents additive cross-contamination between tubes.

Hemoglobin A1c meaning

Hemoglobin A1c reflects average blood glucose over roughly 2 to 3 months. It requires no fasting, and a value of 6.5 percent or higher supports a diabetes diagnosis.

Capillary puncture technique

Warm the site, puncture the side of the fingertip, and wipe away the first drop. Avoid the thumb and index finger, which are heavily used and more prone to infection.

Surgical count timing

Sponge, sharp, and instrument counts occur before the incision, before closure begins, and at skin closure. A discrepancy halts closure until it is resolved and documented.

Malignant hyperthermia antidote

Malignant hyperthermia presents with rapidly rising temperature, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia during anesthesia. Dantrolene is the specific treatment and must be available.

Suture gauge notation

The first number in suture notation is the gauge and the second is length. A 3-0 suture is thicker than a 5-0. Absorbable examples include Vicryl and chromic gut.

SOAP note format

SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. Subjective is the patient report, objective is measurable findings, assessment is the impression, and plan is treatment.

Correcting a medical record

Draw a single line through the error so the original stays legible, then add initials, date, and the correct information. Never use correction fluid or obliterate the entry.

Release of information elements

A valid authorization names the recipient, the specific information, the purpose, and an expiration date. It is signed by the patient or legal representative before disclosure.

Negligence four elements

Negligence requires duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. All four elements must be proven. A bad outcome alone does not establish negligence.

Informed consent responsibility

The provider performing the procedure obtains informed consent, not the medical assistant. Consent requires capacity, disclosure of risks and alternatives, and voluntary signature.

Mandatory reporting duties

Suspected child abuse, elder abuse, and certain communicable diseases must be reported to authorities. Reporting is required by law regardless of confidentiality concerns.

Teach-back method

The patient explains or demonstrates the skill in their own words to confirm understanding. A nod or yes answer is not confirmation. Document the response.

Therapeutic communication techniques

Open-ended questions, reflection, restating, clarification, and silence encourage expression. Avoid false reassurance, advice giving, changing the subject, and judgmental why questions.

Health literacy target

Patient materials should target roughly a sixth-grade reading level and avoid unexplained jargon. Low health literacy raises risk of medication errors and missed follow-up.

Interpreter use rules

Use qualified medical interpreters for limited-English-proficiency patients. Family members, especially children, are not appropriate for clinical discussions because of accuracy and confidentiality risks.

Americans with Disabilities Act access

The Americans with Disabilities Act entitles hearing-impaired patients to qualified sign language interpreters or auxiliary aids. The office generally bears the cost of accommodation.

Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing uses open questions, affirmation, reflective listening, and summarizing to strengthen the patient's own reasons for change. It avoids confrontation and unsolicited advice.

Kubler-Ross grief stages

The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. They are not strictly sequential, and patients may move back and forth among them.

Personal space zones

The intimate zone is under 18 inches and is reserved for care. Social distance is roughly 4 to 12 feet and is typical for interviews. Respecting space reduces anxiety.