Clinical Medical Assistant Exam
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Question 1 of 5.
Holter monitor is used in diagnostic testing to primarily:
A. Monitor blood pressure levels throughout the day
B. Detect irregularities in the digestive system
C. Record the heart's activity over a period of 24 to 48 hours
D. Measure the oxygen level in the blood
Explanation: A Holter monitor is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device that continuously records the heart's rhythms over a 24 to 48-hour period while the patient goes about their daily activities. This is crucial for detecting arrhythmias or other cardiac events that may not occur during a standard, short-duration ECG. Monitoring blood pressure is typically done with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, not a Holter monitor. Detecting digestive irregularities is not related to cardiac monitoring. Measuring oxygen levels is performed by a pulse oximeter.
Question 2 of 5.
What is the correct procedure for a medical assistant to sanitize an examination room prior to patient care?
A. By disposing of all paper products
B. By spraying air freshener
C. By using hospital-grade disinfectant on all surfaces
D. By using a vacuum cleaner
Explanation: Infection control protocols in healthcare settings mandate the use of hospital-grade disinfectants on all high-touch and clinical surfaces to eliminate pathogens and prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Disposing of paper products and using a vacuum cleaner are part of general cleaning but do not achieve disinfection. Spraying air freshener only masks odors and does not kill germs.
Question 3 of 5.
Where is the preferred site for capillary blood sampling?
A. The fingertip
B. The elbow
C. The wrist
D. The thumb
Explanation: The fingertip, specifically the sides of the distal end of the finger, is the preferred site for capillary blood sampling in adults and children. This area has a rich capillary network, providing an adequate blood flow for tests like glucose monitoring. The thumb has a pulse and is more sensitive. The elbow is the site for venipuncture, not capillary sampling. The wrist is not a standard site for blood collection due to thinner skin and less capillary density.
Question 4 of 5.
A patient is prescribed 2 grams of an intravenous antibiotic. If the medication is provided in 1 gram vials, how many vials should the medical assistant prepare?
A. 4 vials
B. 2 vials
C. 0.5 vials
D. 1 vial
Explanation: This is a straightforward calculation. The prescribed dose is 2 grams. Each vial contains 1 gram. Therefore, to obtain 2 grams, the medical assistant must prepare 2 vials (1 gram/vial * 2 vials = 2 grams). 4 vials would be 4 grams, which is an overdose. 0.5 vials would be 0.5 grams, which is an underdose. 1 vial would only provide 1 gram.
Question 5 of 5.
Why is it important to properly dispose of blood-soaked gauze in a biohazard waste container?
A. It doesn't matter where it's disposed
B. To prevent it from being reused
C. To prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens
D. To keep the workplace tidy
Explanation: Blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must be disposed of in designated biohazard containers to comply with OSHA standards and prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. These pathogens can remain infectious in dried blood. While tidiness is a benefit, it is not the primary reason. Reusing contaminated gauze is never a consideration.