Clinical Medical Assistant Exam
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Question 1 of 5.
What is the recommended procedure for inspecting a crash cart's contents?
A. Only when hospital administration requests it
B. Only when there is a change in medical staff
C. Regularly and systematically, ensuring all items are present, not expired, and in working condition
D. Only when a particular item is needed
Explanation: Crash carts must be checked regularly according to a set schedule (often at the beginning of each shift or daily) using a standardized checklist. This inspection ensures that all required emergency medications, equipment, and supplies are present, have not expired, and are in working order (e.g., defibrillator batteries charged). This is a critical patient safety measure to ensure the cart is ready for immediate use in an emergency. Ad-hoc checks are insufficient.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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.