What urinary changes might be expected after a patient has been on ant

Clinical Medical Assistant Exam

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Question 1 of 5.

What urinary changes might be expected after a patient has been on antibiotics for a bacterial infection?

A. Increased urinary pH

B. Decreased urinary specific gravity

C. Increase in urinary glucose

D. Reduction in bacteria and possibly white blood cells in the urine

Explanation: Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). A successful course of antibiotics should eradicate the bacteria causing the infection. Therefore, a follow-up urinalysis would be expected to show a significant reduction or absence of bacteria. White blood cells (WBCs or leukocytes) in the urine indicate inflammation in response to infection; these should also decrease as the infection resolves. Antibiotics are not expected to directly affect pH, specific gravity, or glucose levels in the urine.

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.