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NCCT NCMA practice questions

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Question 1Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a routine visit and needs to record vital signs. Which measurement is obtained by placing the cuff around the upper arm and inflating it until the artery is occluded?

  1. Body temperature
  2. Respiratory rate
  3. Blood pressure Correct answer.
  4. Pulse oximetry

Explanation

Blood pressure is measured by wrapping an appropriately sized cuff around the upper arm, inflating it above systolic pressure to occlude the brachial artery, then releasing air while auscultating or using an automated device. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation, respiratory rate counts breaths, and temperature reflects core heat.

Question 2Clinical duties

During a venipuncture, the medical assistant should perform which action immediately after withdrawing the needle?

  1. Reinsert the needle to obtain more blood
  2. Apply pressure to the site with a dry gauze Correct answer.
  3. Remove the tourniquet after the needle is out
  4. Shake the collection tube vigorously

Explanation

Direct pressure with dry gauze promotes hemostasis and prevents hematoma formation after the needle is removed. The tourniquet should be released before withdrawal, tubes are gently inverted rather than shaken, and reinsertion is not appropriate once the needle is out.

Question 3Clinical duties

A patient reports a severe allergy to latex. Which action best reflects appropriate clinical preparation before the patient is examined?

  1. Proceed with latex gloves because allergy applies only to skin contact
  2. Substitute nitrile gloves and latex-free supplies for the visit Correct answer.
  3. Ask the patient to bring personal gloves from home
  4. Double-layer standard latex gloves for extra protection

Explanation

For a latex-allergic patient, the clinical environment should be prepared with latex-free gloves, tourniquets, bandages, and other supplies to prevent contact and airborne reactions. Doubling latex gloves increases rather than removes exposure, and the allergy can involve mucous membranes and inhalation, not skin alone.

Question 4Clinical duties

When obtaining an oral temperature with a digital thermometer, the medical assistant should place the probe where?

  1. Under the tongue tip near the incisors
  2. Against the buccal mucosa near the molars
  3. In the posterior sublingual pocket Correct answer.
  4. On the hard palate at the roof of the mouth

Explanation

The posterior sublingual pocket contains a rich blood supply and provides the most accurate oral temperature reading. The probe should be held there with the lips closed until the device signals completion.

Question 5Clinical duties

A medical assistant is asked to obtain a 12-lead ECG. Which action is correct before attaching the electrodes?

  1. Ask the patient to flex both arms during the tracing
  2. Apply lotion to improve electrode adhesion
  3. Clean the skin and clip excessive hair at electrode sites Correct answer.
  4. Place electrodes over the patient's clothing

Explanation

Electrode sites should be clean, dry, and free of excessive hair so the electrodes adhere and conduct properly. Lotions and clothing interfere with contact, and muscle tension from flexed arms can create artifact.

Question 6Clinical duties

A patient in the waiting room suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing. After calling for help and activating emergency response, the medical assistant should begin which intervention?

  1. Waiting for the physician to arrive before acting
  2. Chest compressions at the recommended rate and depth Correct answer.
  3. Rescue breathing alone without compressions
  4. Placing the patient in a seated position

Explanation

For an unresponsive, non-breathing adult, high-quality chest compressions are initiated immediately as part of CPR while emergency response is activated. Compressions maintain circulation until advanced care arrives.

Question 7Clinical duties

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the chain of infection in medical asepsis?

  1. Selecting the appropriate needle gauge for phlebotomy
  2. Documenting the patient's vaccination history
  3. Determining the correct billing code for a visit
  4. Identifying points at which transmission can be interrupted Correct answer.

Explanation

The chain of infection describes the sequence by which pathogens spread, and aseptic practice aims to break the chain at any link, such as hand hygiene or sterilization. It does not relate to billing, vaccination records, or needle selection.

Question 8Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination. Which action best protects the patient's privacy and dignity?

  1. Providing a gown and draping the patient during the examination Correct answer.
  2. Exposing only the area being examined without draping
  3. Discussing the patient's history in the crowded waiting area
  4. Leaving the examination room door open during the exam

Explanation

Providing a gown and appropriate draping preserves the patient's privacy and comfort during the examination. Conversations should occur in private areas, and the door should be closed to protect confidentiality.

Question 9Clinical duties

During a 12-lead ECG, the medical assistant notices that the baseline is wandering and the tracing is noisy. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Increase the paper speed to eliminate the artifact
  2. Remove the limb leads and record only chest leads
  3. Ask the patient to relax and keep still while rechecking electrode contact Correct answer.
  4. Continue the tracing and document the noise as a normal finding

Explanation

Wandering baseline and noise commonly result from patient movement, poor electrode adhesion, or muscle tension. Encouraging relaxation and verifying electrode contact addresses the likely cause before repeating the tracing.

Question 10Clinical duties

A patient is scheduled for a fasting blood glucose test. Which instruction should the medical assistant give the patient?

  1. Drink only fruit juice until the appointment
  2. Take all medications as usual without informing the provider
  3. Avoid food and caloric beverages for the required period before the draw Correct answer.
  4. Eat a light breakfast but skip coffee

Explanation

Fasting glucose requires that the patient avoid food and caloric beverages for the specified time, typically 8 to 12 hours, so the result reflects baseline glucose. Water is generally permitted, and medication questions should be directed to the provider.

Question 11Clinical duties

A medical assistant is performing a capillary puncture on an adult patient's finger. Which site is preferred?

  1. The center of the fingertip pad
  2. The fifth finger near the joint crease
  3. The side of the distal phalanx of the middle or ring finger Correct answer.
  4. The thumb pad near the nail

Explanation

Capillary puncture is best performed on the side of the distal phalanx of the middle or ring finger, where tissue depth is adequate and nerve endings are fewer. The central pad and thumb are more sensitive and prone to injury.

Question 12Clinical duties

A patient with a known bleeding disorder requires a venipuncture. Which precaution is most important for the medical assistant to take?

  1. Perform the draw without a tourniquet at all
  2. Apply the tourniquet for several minutes before puncture
  3. Use a larger needle to speed the draw
  4. Apply pressure for a longer period after needle removal Correct answer.

Explanation

Patients with bleeding disorders are at higher risk for hematoma and prolonged bleeding, so extended pressure after withdrawal is essential. A larger needle increases trauma, and prolonged tourniquet time can cause hemoconcentration and bruising.

Question 13Clinical duties

When measuring an infant's respiratory rate, which approach yields the most accurate count?

  1. Count respirations for a full minute while the infant is calm Correct answer.
  2. Count while the infant is crying vigorously
  3. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four
  4. Estimate based on the infant's activity level

Explanation

Infants have irregular breathing patterns, so counting for a full minute while the infant is calm provides the most reliable rate. Crying and activity alter the rate, and short counts multiply error.

Question 14Clinical duties

A patient reports chest pain and shortness of breath during a routine visit. Which action should the medical assistant take first?

  1. Complete the intake paperwork before alerting anyone
  2. Notify the provider immediately and stay with the patient Correct answer.
  3. Record the complaint and continue with routine vital signs only
  4. Send the patient to the waiting room to sit quietly

Explanation

Chest pain with shortness of breath may indicate a medical emergency, so the provider must be alerted immediately while the patient is continuously monitored. Completing paperwork or delaying care could worsen the outcome.

Question 15Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a sterile field for a minor procedure. Which action maintains sterility?

  1. Touching the tip of a sterile instrument with a bare hand
  2. Holding sterile items above the waist and never turning away from the field Correct answer.
  3. Reaching across the sterile field to place supplies
  4. Allowing the sterile drape to hang below waist level

Explanation

Sterile items must be kept above waist level and within the assistant's view at all times to avoid contamination. Reaching across the field, letting drapes hang below the waist, and touching sterile items with bare hands all break sterility.

Question 16Clinical duties

A provider orders a medication to be administered intramuscularly. Which site is commonly selected for an adult patient?

  1. Dorsal surface of the hand
  2. Antecubital fossa
  3. Ventrogluteal site Correct answer.
  4. Deltoid site in an infant

Explanation

The ventrogluteal site is a preferred intramuscular site in adults because it is free of major nerves and blood vessels and has a substantial muscle mass. The deltoid may be used in adults but not typically in infants, and the hand and antecubital fossa are not intramuscular sites.

Question 17Clinical duties

A patient is being tested for tuberculosis with a tuberculin skin test. When should the medical assistant instruct the patient to return for reading?

  1. 48 to 72 hours after placement Correct answer.
  2. 24 hours after placement
  3. 7 days after placement
  4. Immediately after placement

Explanation

The tuberculin skin test is read 48 to 72 hours after intradermal placement, when induration is measured. Reading too early or too late can produce inaccurate results.

Question 18Clinical duties

A medical assistant is obtaining a pulse oximetry reading, and the device shows a poor waveform. Which action should be taken?

  1. Record the reading as accurate despite the poor waveform
  2. Check the sensor placement and remove nail polish or artificial nails Correct answer.
  3. Increase the device sensitivity setting without checking placement
  4. Apply the sensor to the same finger on the opposite hand without checking

Explanation

Poor waveform signals often result from poor perfusion, incorrect sensor placement, or interference from nail polish or artificial nails. Verifying placement and removing interfering substances improves accuracy.

Question 19Clinical duties

A patient is scheduled for a 24-hour urine collection. Which instruction is essential for accurate results?

  1. Add water to each collection container to preserve the sample
  2. Refrigerate all specimens only after the 24 hours are complete
  3. Collect only the first voided specimen of the day
  4. Discard the first voided specimen and collect all urine afterward for the full period Correct answer.

Explanation

For a 24-hour urine collection, the first voided specimen is discarded and all subsequent urine is collected and pooled for the entire period. Proper preservation and storage instructions should be followed throughout the collection.

Question 20Clinical duties

A patient with diabetes reports feeling shaky and sweaty. Which action should the medical assistant take first?

  1. Wait for the provider to arrive before taking any action
  2. Have the patient exercise to raise blood sugar
  3. Check the blood glucose level and provide a fast-acting carbohydrate if it is low Correct answer.
  4. Administer insulin according to the standing order

Explanation

Shakiness and sweating suggest hypoglycemia, so the glucose level should be checked promptly and a fast-acting carbohydrate given if it is low. Insulin would lower glucose further, and exercise would worsen hypoglycemia.

Question 21Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing to administer an intradermal injection. Which technique is correct?

  1. Insert the needle at a shallow angle with the bevel up to create a wheal Correct answer.
  2. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into subcutaneous tissue
  3. Insert the needle with the bevel down to reduce pain
  4. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle deep into muscle

Explanation

Intradermal injections are given with the needle at a shallow angle, bevel up, just under the epidermis to create a small wheal. A 90-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections, and a 45-degree angle is typical for subcutaneous injections.

Question 22Clinical duties

A patient's medication order reads 0.5 mg, but the available vial is labeled 1 mg/mL. Which volume should the medical assistant draw up?

  1. 0.25 mL
  2. 2 mL
  3. 0.5 mL Correct answer.
  4. 1 mL

Explanation

Using the ratio of 1 mg per 1 mL, 0.5 mg corresponds to 0.5 mL. Setting up the proportion 1 mg/1 mL = 0.5 mg/x mL yields x = 0.5 mL.

Question 23Clinical duties

A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's medication list and notes that the patient takes warfarin. Which laboratory test is most relevant to monitor this therapy?

  1. Serum potassium
  2. Complete blood count with differential
  3. Prothrombin time with INR Correct answer.
  4. Hemoglobin A1c

Explanation

Warfarin therapy is monitored with prothrombin time and the international normalized ratio (INR) to assess clotting tendency and adjust dosing. Hemoglobin A1c reflects long-term glucose control, and potassium is unrelated to warfarin monitoring.

Question 24Clinical duties

A patient reports taking an over-the-counter medication that can interact with a newly prescribed drug. Which action best supports medication safety?

  1. Record only prescription medications in the chart
  2. Document all medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, for the provider to review Correct answer.
  3. Advise the patient to stop the new prescription without consulting the provider
  4. Assume the provider already knows about the interaction

Explanation

A complete medication history includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements because they can interact with prescribed therapy. The provider should review the full list before any changes are made.

Question 25Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a procedure requiring informed consent. Which action is within the medical assistant's role?

  1. Obtain the signature before the provider discusses the procedure
  2. Witness the signature and confirm the patient understands the information provided Correct answer.
  3. Answer the patient's questions about expected outcomes
  4. Explain the risks and benefits of the procedure in detail

Explanation

The medical assistant may witness the patient's signature and confirm that the patient received and understood the information, but the provider is responsible for explaining risks, benefits, and outcomes. Consent should be obtained after the provider's discussion.

Question 26Clinical duties

A medical assistant is about to take a patient's blood pressure. Which action should be performed first to help ensure an accurate reading?

  1. Place the cuff over the patient's sleeve to save time
  2. Have the patient sit quietly for about five minutes before measuring Correct answer.
  3. Pump the cuff to 300 mmHg regardless of the patient's arm size
  4. Ask the patient to stand during the measurement

Explanation

Resting quietly for roughly five minutes before measurement reduces transient elevation from activity, anxiety, or caffeine and improves accuracy. The patient should be seated with feet flat, back supported, and the arm at heart level.

Question 27Clinical duties

A medical assistant is counting an adult patient's radial pulse. Which technique produces the most accurate rate?

  1. Count for a full 60 seconds, especially when the rhythm is irregular Correct answer.
  2. Estimate the rate by feeling the pulse for a few seconds
  3. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four when the rhythm is irregular
  4. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two for a regular rhythm

Explanation

Counting for a full minute is the most accurate method, and it is essential when the rhythm is irregular because beats are not evenly spaced. Short counts and multiplication magnify error.

Question 28Clinical duties

A medical assistant is measuring an adult patient's oral temperature with a digital thermometer. Which action is correct?

  1. Leave the probe in place for only a few seconds regardless of the signal
  2. Place the probe against the inside of the cheek
  3. Take the reading immediately after the patient drinks hot coffee
  4. Place the probe under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket Correct answer.

Explanation

The posterior sublingual pocket near the base of the tongue has good blood supply and gives a reliable oral reading. The probe should stay in place until the device signals completion.

Question 29Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing to collect a urine specimen for routine urinalysis. Which specimen is generally preferred?

  1. The first voided specimen of the day collected at home
  2. A specimen that has been refrigerated for 48 hours
  3. A specimen collected from the collection bag of a bedpan
  4. A midstream clean-catch specimen collected in a sterile container Correct answer.

Explanation

A midstream clean-catch specimen limits contamination from the urethral opening and surrounding skin, giving the most reliable urinalysis results. The container should be sterile and the specimen delivered promptly.

Question 30Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a scheduled venipuncture. Which action best reduces the risk of hemolysis in the specimen?

  1. Shaking the tube vigorously after collection to mix the additive
  2. Drawing blood through a small-gauge needle with strong suction
  3. Allowing the blood to flow gently down the tube wall and mixing by gentle inversion Correct answer.
  4. Expelling blood forcefully from a syringe into the tube

Explanation

Hemolysis results from mechanical trauma such as forceful expulsion, vigorous shaking, or excessive suction. Letting blood run down the tube wall and inverting gently with the additive preserves cell integrity.

Question 31Clinical duties

A medical assistant must obtain a throat swab for a rapid strep test. Which technique is correct?

  1. Collect saliva into a cup and send it to the laboratory
  2. Swab both tonsillar pillars and the posterior pharynx while avoiding the tongue and uvula Correct answer.
  3. Swab only the tip of the tongue
  4. Swab the inside of both cheeks and the front teeth

Explanation

Group A streptococcus resides in the posterior pharynx and tonsillar area, so the swab must firmly sample those sites. Avoiding the tongue, cheeks, and uvula reduces contamination and false-negative results.

Question 32Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a spirometry test. Which instruction should be given?

  1. Take the deepest possible breath, then blast the air out as hard and fast as possible Correct answer.
  2. Breathe normally into the mouthpiece for one minute
  3. Hold the breath for 30 seconds before exhaling slowly
  4. Inhale through the nose while keeping the mouth open

Explanation

Spirometry measures forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume, so the patient must inhale maximally and then exhale as forcefully and rapidly as possible. A tight lip seal around the mouthpiece and a nose clip improve accuracy.

Question 33Clinical duties

A medical assistant is applying a Holter monitor to a patient. Which instruction is most important for the patient to follow?

  1. Remove the electrodes each night before sleeping
  2. Take a shower twice daily while wearing the device
  3. Keep a diary of symptoms and activities during the monitoring period Correct answer.
  4. Disconnect the leads whenever the device beeps

Explanation

A symptom and activity diary lets the provider correlate ECG changes with what the patient was doing or feeling at that time. The device must remain connected continuously for the full monitoring period.

Question 34Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a 12-lead ECG. Which action is correct before applying the electrodes?

  1. Apply lotion to the skin to improve conduction
  2. Clean the skin with alcohol and allow it to dry, and clip excessive hair if needed Correct answer.
  3. Place electrodes over the patient's clothing
  4. Instruct the patient to remain standing during the tracing

Explanation

Oily, hairy, or moist skin increases impedance and artifact, so the skin should be cleansed and dried and excess hair clipped. Electrodes must contact bare skin for a clean tracing.

Question 35Clinical duties

A medical assistant is about to administer a subcutaneous injection of insulin. Which technique is correct?

  1. Pinch the skin, insert the needle at 45 to 90 degrees depending on tissue, and aspirate routinely
  2. Insert the needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle into the fatty tissue, then inject without massaging the site Correct answer.
  3. Use a 1.5-inch needle inserted at 90 degrees into the deltoid
  4. Inject rapidly into muscle to speed absorption

Explanation

Subcutaneous tissue is reached with a short needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle depending on the patient's tissue thickness. Massaging the site is avoided because it alters absorption, and routine aspiration is no longer recommended.

Question 36Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing to give an oral medication to a patient who has difficulty swallowing pills. Which action is appropriate?

  1. Withhold the medication permanently and document refusal
  2. Verify with the provider or pharmacist whether the medication may be crushed or opened Correct answer.
  3. Dissolve the medication in hot coffee to mask the taste
  4. Crush any tablet and mix it with applesauce

Explanation

Some tablets and capsules are extended-release or enteric-coated and must not be crushed or opened, because doing so can cause dose dumping or loss of protection. The prescriber or pharmacist must confirm suitability before altering the form.

Question 37Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a toddler. Which site is preferred?

  1. The dorsogluteal site
  2. The deltoid
  3. The vastus lateralis Correct answer.
  4. The ventral forearm

Explanation

The vastus lateralis in the anterolateral thigh is the preferred intramuscular site in infants and young children because the muscle is well developed and away from major nerves and vessels. The dorsogluteal site is avoided until the muscle is fully developed.

Question 38Clinical duties

A medical assistant is assisting with a wound dressing change. Which action best supports wound healing and infection control?

  1. Apply the new dressing without cleansing the wound
  2. Clean from the wound center outward using a new swab for each stroke Correct answer.
  3. Clean from the outer edges toward the wound center
  4. Reuse the same gauze for the entire cleaning process

Explanation

Cleaning from the least contaminated area, the wound center, outward prevents dragging contaminants into the wound. Using a fresh swab for each stroke avoids recontaminating cleaned tissue.

Question 39Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination. Which action best maintains the patient's modesty?

  1. Examine the patient without explaining what will happen
  2. Leave the door open so staff can monitor the patient
  3. Keep the patient draped and expose only the area being examined Correct answer.
  4. Ask the patient to undress in the hallway

Explanation

Draping the patient and exposing only the area being examined protects privacy and comfort while preserving a professional environment. Explaining each step also supports the patient's sense of control.

Question 40Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a pelvic examination. Which action is appropriate?

  1. Ask the patient to drink two liters of water immediately before the examination
  2. Have the patient lie prone with legs extended
  3. Ask the patient to empty her bladder before the examination Correct answer.
  4. Skip the explanation to reduce embarrassment

Explanation

An empty bladder improves comfort and allows better palpation during a pelvic examination. The patient should also be given a clear explanation and adequate draping.

Question 41Clinical duties

A medical assistant is performing a capillary puncture on a patient's finger. Which action is correct?

  1. Puncture the side of the fingertip, perpendicular to the ridges Correct answer.
  2. Squeeze the fingertip hard to increase blood flow
  3. Use the thumb because it has the best blood supply
  4. Puncture the center of the fingertip pad directly

Explanation

The side of the fingertip has fewer nerve endings and less callus, reducing pain and improving blood flow. Puncturing perpendicular to the ridges and wiping away the first drop reduces contamination.

Question 42Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing an autoclave load for reusable instruments. Which action is correct?

  1. Arrange instruments loosely with hinged items open and indicator strips included Correct answer.
  2. Run the cycle without any chemical or biological indicator
  3. Pack instruments tightly to maximize the load
  4. Place instruments so steam can circulate freely and leave the door ajar during the cycle

Explanation

Steam sterilization requires free circulation of steam to all surfaces, so instruments are arranged loosely and hinged instruments are opened. Indicators verify that sterilization conditions were met.

Question 43Clinical duties

A medical assistant is performing hand hygiene before a procedure. Which action is correct when using an alcohol-based hand rub?

  1. Apply the rub only to the palms
  2. Rinse the hands with water immediately after rubbing
  3. Apply the product to dry hands and rub until they are dry Correct answer.
  4. Apply the product to wet hands so it spreads more easily

Explanation

Alcohol-based hand rub is applied to dry hands and rubbed over all surfaces until completely dry. Wet hands dilute the product and reduce its effectiveness.

Question 44Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient who reports a latex allergy for a procedure. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Ask the patient to bring their own gloves from home
  2. Use latex gloves but double them for protection
  3. Use latex-free gloves and latex-free supplies in the patient's care area Correct answer.
  4. Proceed with standard latex supplies because the allergy is mild

Explanation

Patients with latex allergy require a latex-free environment because reactions can range from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis. Latex-free gloves and supplies should be used for all contact with the patient.

Question 45Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a hearing test. Which action is appropriate?

  1. Explain that the patient should raise a hand when a tone is heard Correct answer.
  2. Tell the patient to ignore the tones and relax
  3. Place headphones over a hat to keep them clean
  4. Instruct the patient to speak loudly during the test

Explanation

During pure-tone audiometry the patient signals whenever a tone is perceived, which allows the examiner to establish thresholds. A quiet environment and proper headphone placement are also important.

Question 46Clinical duties

A medical assistant is assisting with a vision screening using a Snellen chart. Which action is correct?

  1. Test both eyes together only
  2. Have the patient cover one eye and read the smallest line possible Correct answer.
  3. Stand beside the chart so the patient can follow the assistant's eyes
  4. Allow the patient to squint to improve the result

Explanation

Visual acuity is measured one eye at a time with the other eye properly covered, and the patient reads the smallest line that can be identified. Squinting or peeking invalidates the result.

Question 47Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a barium enema. Which instruction is essential?

  1. Avoid drinking any fluids for 48 hours before the procedure
  2. Complete the prescribed bowel preparation and follow dietary restrictions Correct answer.
  3. Eat a full breakfast on the morning of the procedure
  4. Take iron supplements the night before the procedure

Explanation

A barium enema requires a clean colon so that barium coating can be visualized without interference from stool or gas. The prescribed bowel preparation and dietary restrictions must be completed exactly as instructed.

Question 48Clinical duties

A medical assistant is collecting a sputum specimen for culture. Which action produces the best specimen?

  1. Collect the specimen after the patient has eaten a full meal
  2. Collect saliva that has pooled in the mouth
  3. Instruct the patient to cough deeply and produce material from the lungs after rinsing the mouth Correct answer.
  4. Use a swab of the inside of the cheek

Explanation

A sputum specimen must come from the lower respiratory tract, so the patient is instructed to rinse the mouth and then cough deeply to produce sputum rather than saliva. The specimen is collected in a sterile container.

Question 49Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a cold pack application to a sprained ankle. Which action is correct?

  1. Wrap the cold pack in a cloth and limit application to about 15 to 20 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Use heat instead of cold during the first 24 hours
  3. Place the cold pack directly against bare skin for 30 minutes
  4. Apply the cold pack to the opposite ankle

Explanation

Cold reduces swelling and pain in acute injury, but direct contact with bare skin can cause tissue damage. Wrapping the pack in cloth and limiting application to roughly 15 to 20 minutes protects the skin.

Question 50Clinical duties

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for an exercise stress test. Which instruction is most important?

  1. Take an extra dose of beta blocker before the test
  2. Avoid caffeine and smoking for several hours before the test Correct answer.
  3. Eat a heavy meal right before the test
  4. Wear tight clothing that restricts movement

Explanation

Caffeine and nicotine can alter heart rate and blood pressure and interfere with stress test results, so they are avoided for the period specified by the facility. The patient should also follow instructions about medications and wear comfortable clothing.