NAHP NRCMA Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Exam Practice Test

When encountering a baffling term, the best course of action is toconsult a dictionary. This ensures that the term is understood correctly, including its pronunciation, meaning, and usage. In a medical setting, accuracy is crucial, and referring to a reliable source like a medical dictionary helps prevent misunderstandings and errors.

A patient’s financial account is referred to as aledger or ledger card. This document records all financial transactions related to a patient's care, including charges, payments, and adjustments. It serves as an essential tool for managing and tracking patient billing and ensuring accurate financial records.

References:

Kinn's The Administrative Medical Assistant (13th ed.). (2016). Elsevier.

Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Procedures (8th ed.). (2016). McGraw-Hill Education.

When using a microscope with a 10X ocular lens and a 40X objective lens in place, the total magnification is400X. This is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens (10X * 40X = 400X).

Hepatitisis inflammation of theliver. It can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, certain medications, and other factors. Hepatitis can lead to symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and liver damage if left untreated.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical pathology references.

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If a patient who has complained of chest pain collapses in the office, you shouldbe sure the patient is breathless and pulseless before administering CPR. This step is crucial to ensure that CPR is necessary and appropriate. After confirming the need for CPR, you should proceed with chest compressions and rescue breaths as needed while someone else calls for emergency medical services.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, emergency response guidelines.

The abbreviation for every hour is "Q.H." This is derived from the Latin "quaque hora," meaning "every hour." It is used in medical prescriptions and instructions to indicate the frequency of medication or treatment administration.

References:

Medical Abbreviations: 32,000 Conveniences at the Expense of Communication and Safety by Neil M. Davis

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) - Abbreviation Guidelines

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that can be identified under a microscope by their large blue to purple staining granules. These granules contain histamine and heparin, which play a role in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions. Basophils are involved in immune system responses and can be recognized during a differential white blood cell count due to their distinctive staining properties and granule appearance.

References:

Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis

Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology

The word part "itis" means inflammation. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe inflammatory conditions affecting various parts of the body. For example, "arthritis" refers to inflammation of the joints, and "bronchitis" refers to inflammation of the bronchi.

References:

Medical Terminology: A Short Course by Davi-Ellen Chabner

Stedman's Medical Dictionary

Relapse refers to the return of symptoms or worsening of a condition after a period of improvement. It does not refer to systolic pressure. A relapse indicates that a disease or condition that was previously under control has become active again, which can happen in chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, or addiction.

References:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary

Thefemuris the longest bone in the body. It is located in the thigh and extends from the hip to the knee. The femur is crucial for supporting the weight of the body and allowing for movement and locomotion.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy textbooks.

A Z-tract injection is an intramuscular injection technique used to prevent medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue and to minimize irritation. This technique involves displacing the skin and subcutaneous tissue before injecting the medication into the muscle, and then releasing the skin to lock the medication in place. It is commonly administered in the gluteal muscle of the buttocks.

References:

Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants by Kathy Bonewit-West

Injection Techniques in Musculoskeletal Medicine by Stephanie Saunders and Steve Longworth

Persons who are unable to pay for medical care or who have dependent children may apply for Medicaid. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. It provides benefits not typically covered by Medicare, including long-term care and personal care services.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, particularly in muscle and adipose tissue. It also inhibits the production of glucose by the liver. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, insulin is released to help lower glucose levels back to a normal range. Insufficient insulin production or action leads to diabetes mellitus, characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

TRICAREis the health care program for retired military personnel, their dependents, and active-duty military personnel. It provides comprehensive coverage, including health plans, special programs, prescriptions, and dental plans. TRICARE serves uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, TRICARE program guidelines.

Auscultation is a clinical procedure used to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body, typically the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system. This process is performed using a stethoscope. The stethoscope is an essential medical instrument that amplifies the internal sounds, allowing healthcare providers to assess the function and condition of these organs. During auscultation, the healthcare provider places the diaphragm or bell of the stethoscope on the patient's skin to listen for normal and abnormal sounds, such as heart murmurs, lung crackles, or bowel sounds. This method is crucial for diagnosing conditions like respiratory infections, cardiovascular disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.

Using a percussion hammer, otoscope, or speculum would not be appropriate for auscultation. A percussion hammer is used to test reflexes, an otoscope is used to examine the ears, and a speculum is used to inspect body cavities like the vagina or nasal passages. Therefore, the stethoscope is the correct and verified tool for auscultation.

When a patient must cancel an appointment, it is appropriate to express regret and immediately schedule another appointment. This approach maintains a professional and empathetic relationshipwith the patient, ensuring continuity of care. Reprimanding the patient or refusing to re-book another appointment can damage the patient-provider relationship and is not considered professional behavior. Instead, expressing regret acknowledges the inconvenience while rescheduling ensures the patient’s medical needs are still met.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the human body, typically measuring between 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They form a network between the arterioles and venules and are the site of the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and tissues. This extensive network ensures that every cell in the body is in close proximity to a capillary, facilitating efficient physiological exchange processes.

References:

Gray's Anatomy

Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis

The termselfrefers toauto. This prefix is used in medical terminology to denote self or same, as seen in words like autoimmune (where the immune system attacks the body's own cells) and autopsy (self-examination of a body after death).

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

When focusing the microscope, one should begin with the10Xobjective. This low-power objective lens provides a broad field of view and makes it easier to locate and center the specimen before switching to higher magnification objectives like 40X or 100X.

A medical assistant is permitted to administer injections only when they have explicit orders from a physician or a nurse who has the authority to delegate this task. This ensures that the medical assistant is acting within their scope of practice and is administering the correct medication and dosage as prescribed. This protocol helps to maintain patient safety and adhere to legal and professional standards.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical guidelines.

An agent given to counteract an unwanted effect of a drug is called an antidote. Antidotes are used to neutralize or mitigate the effects of poisons or overdoses of medications, ensuring patient safety and recovery from toxic exposures.

References:

Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies by Lewis R. Goldfrank

Poisoning & Drug Overdose by Kent R. Olson

A critical illness resulting in thesudden cessation of kidney functionis known asrenal failure. Acute renal failure, or acute kidney injury, can occur suddenly and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It requires immediate medical intervention to restore kidney function and maintain overall health.

Osteoporosisis a metabolic bone disorder characterized by the loss of bone density and strength due to the depletion of calcium and phosphate. This condition primarily affects postmenopausal women because the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause accelerates bone loss. Osteoporosis makes bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures.

Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine.

Kyphosis: An excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunchback appearance.

The abbreviation forimmediatelyisSTAT. This term is used in medical contexts to indicate that an action is to be taken immediately, derived from the Latin word "statim."

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols (5th ed.). (2013). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The word part which meansjointisarthro. This prefix is used in medical terminology to refer to joints, as seen in words like arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and arthroscopy (a procedure to look inside a joint).

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Serum is the clear, yellowish fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is essentially plasma without the clotting factors (like fibrinogen). Serum can be separated from clotted blood and is used for various blood chemistry tests, but not typically for most hematology tests, which require whole blood or plasma.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical laboratory textbooks.

Palpationis done byfeeling a part with the hand. It is a technique used by healthcare providers to examine the body through touch to assess the size, shape, firmness, or location of a structure. Palpation is commonly used in physical examinations to detect abnormalities such as swelling, tenderness, or lumps.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical examination techniques.

Theclavicle, commonly known as the collar bone, is a slender bone that runs horizontally between the top of the breastbone (sternum) and the shoulder blade (scapula) on each side of the body. It serves as a strut to keep the scapula in place, allowing the arm to hang freely.

Scapula: Also known as the shoulder blade, located at the back.

Acromion: The bony process on the scapula.

The act of giving birth is called parturition. Parturition involves the process of labor and delivery, where the fetus and placenta are expelled from the uterus. It includes several stages: dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.

References:

Williams Obstetrics by F. Gary Cunningham

Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies by Steven G. Gabbe, Jennifer R. Niebyl, and Joe Leigh Simpson

Aminortypically cannot legally act as an agent for another patient, including their younger siblings, because they are not considered legally competent to make medical decisions. A parent or a legal guardian can act as an agent for a child or a ward, as they have the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.

TRICARE, formerly known asCHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services), is a healthcare program for military members, retirees, and their dependents. It is sponsored by theU.S. Militaryand provides comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and pharmacy services.

An agent which excites and promotes functional activity is called astimulant. Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of the central nervous system and the body, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. Examples include caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications used to treat ADHD.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, pharmacology references.

Liver enlargement is medically referred to as hepatomegaly. The term "hepatomegaly" comes from "hepato," meaning liver, and "megaly," meaning enlargement. This condition can be indicative of various underlying health issues, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure, infections, or cancer. Diagnosing hepatomegaly typically involves physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, and sometimes liver function tests. Recognizing and understanding the term hepatomegaly is essential for healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing conditions related to liver health.

Glaucomais a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss or blindness if not treated. The increased pressure is usually due to a buildup of aqueous humor in the eye, either from overproduction or blocked drainage channels.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, ophthalmology textbooks.

Eczemais an inflammatory condition of the skin that usually causes itching and can be accompanied by scaling, blisters, or other symptoms. It can be chronic and is often related to an allergic response or other irritants.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, dermatology textbooks.

Aglucose tolerance test (GTT)is used to evaluate how well the body processes glucose, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to sugar metabolism, such as diabetes and insulin resistance. During the test, a patient consumes a glucose-rich beverage, and blood samples are taken at intervals to measure blood glucose levels. The primary purpose is to assess the body's ability to metabolize sugar.

The most common place to take a pulse is at the radial artery. The radial artery is located on the lateral side of the wrist, proximal to the thumb. It is easily accessible and provides a reliable indicator of heart rate and rhythm.

References:

Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking by Lynn S. Bickley

Mosby's Guide to Physical Examination by Henry M. Seidel et al.

Tendonitisis an inflamed condition of the tendon and tendon muscles. It is often caused by overuse or injury and can result in pain, swelling, and impaired movement. Common areas affected by tendonitis include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and heels.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, musculoskeletal disorder references.

The words"lisense"and"Euforia"are incorrectly spelled. The correct spellings are"license"and"euphoria"respectively. The words "keloid" and "doctrine" are spelled correctly.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical dictionaries.

For a vaginal examination, the patient is typically positioned in the lithotomy position. This position involves the patient lying on their back with their legs flexed at the hips and knees, and the feet placed in stirrups. This positioning provides the healthcare provider with optimal access to the pelvic area for examination. Proper patient positioning is crucial for both the comfort of the patient and the effectiveness of the examination. The lithotomy position is standard for many gynecological procedures, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, and certain surgical procedures.

Poikilocytosis refers to the variation in the shape of red blood cells. This condition is usually detected through a blood smear examination and can indicate various types of anemia and other blood disorders. Poikilocytes are abnormally shaped red blood cells, and their presence can suggest underlying health issues that need further investigation.

References:

Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas, and Jon C. Aster

American Society of Hematology, Blood Disorders Overview

Bradycardia refers to a slow heart beat, defined as a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. It can be a normal condition in well-trained athletes but may also indicate a problem with the heart's electrical system. Symptoms of bradycardia can include fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and fainting.

Under the Controlled Substance Act, there are five schedules. These schedules classify drugs based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. Schedule I includes drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule V includes drugs with a lower potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule IV and consisting of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics.

References:

Controlled Substances Act - U.S. Department of Justice

Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations - National Institute on Drug Abuse

The medical term for a nosebleed isepistaxis. It refers to bleeding from the nose, which can result from a variety of causes including trauma, dry air, high blood pressure, or underlying medical conditions.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Nosebleeds (Epistaxis).

The most common positions for chest x-rays arePA (posteroanterior) and lateral. These positions provide a comprehensive view of the chest, including the lungs, heart, and bones, and help in diagnosing conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, and fractures.

Another name for myocardial infarction is heart attack. A myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. It is typically caused by the blockage of a coronary artery due to plaque buildup.

Medicarepays80 percentof the approved amount for covered services after the beneficiary meets the deductible. The remaining 20 percent is typically paid by the patient or a secondary insurance if the patient has one. This cost-sharing helps manage the expenses between Medicare and the patient.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, Medicare guidelines.

The human adult body typically has206 bones. These bones provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Infants are born with approximately 270 bones, some of which fuse together during growth to form the 206 bones in an adult skeleton. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the total bone count in the adult human body.

Sickle cell anemiais a congenital form of anemia that predominantly affects Black or African American individuals. It is an inherited condition caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which encodes the beta-globin subunit of hemoglobin. This mutation results in the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S (HbS). Under low oxygen conditions, HbS causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to various complications including pain, infections, and anemia. Approximately one in ten African Americans carry the gene for sickle cell trait, making it one of the most common genetic disorders in this population.

Adiureticis an agent that increases the flow of urine, thereby reducing the volume of fluid in the body and affecting blood pressure. Diuretics are commonly used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and edema. By promoting the excretion of sodium and water, they help decrease blood volume and lower blood pressure.

Emetic: An agent that induces vomiting.

Depressant: A substance that slows down the central nervous system.

Cathartic: A substance that accelerates defecation.

The United States health care system relies heavily onPrivate Health Insurance. The majority of Americans obtain health insurance through private insurers, often provided as part of employment benefits. This system contrasts with other countries that may rely more on public health insurance or national health services. Private health insurance covers a wide range of medical services and is a critical component of the U.S. healthcare infrastructure.

A simple sugar to which all forms of carbohydrates are ultimately converted isglucose. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells and is transported in the blood to be used immediately or stored for later use. Carbohydrates from foods are broken down into glucose during digestion.

References:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (n.d.). Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar.

Lehninger, A. L., Nelson, D. L., & Cox, M. M. (2017). Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (7th ed.). W.H. Freeman.

Infantile eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, typically appears in the first year of life. It is characterized by red, raised, pruritic (itchy), and scaling areas, commonly found on the cheeks,scalp, and diaper area. It is not associated with an increase in sebaceous activity, and while it often improves with age, it does not resolve permanently in all cases by the age of three.

References:

American Academy of Dermatology - Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Information

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics

Hemostats are a type of forceps. They are surgical instruments used to control bleeding during surgery by clamping blood vessels. Hemostats can be locked in place to maintain constant pressure on a bleeding site, allowing the surgeon to work on other areas.

References:

Surgical Instruments: A Pocket Guide by Maryann Papanier Wells

Textbook of Surgery by David C. Sabiston

The size of a needle is expressed bygauge numbers. The gauge number indicates the diameter of the needle: the higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter of the needle. For example, a 25-gauge needle is thinner than an 18-gauge needle. Needle gauges are used to match the needle size to the type of injection and the patient's needs.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical practice guidelines.

The prefix"osteo-"comes from the Greek word "osteon," meaningbone. It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to bones or bone-related conditions. For example, osteoporosis (a condition characterized by weakened bones) and osteoarthritis (a type of arthritis that affects the bones and joints).Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and standard medical dictionaries.

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master" gland of the human body. It is located at the base of the brain and is a critical part of the endocrine system. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate a wide range of bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes. It controls the function of other endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive glands. Because of its broad regulatory functions, the pituitary gland plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Normal oral temperature of 98.6°F is equivalent to 37.0°C. This conversion is based on the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius: C=(F−32)×59\text{C} = (\text{F} - 32) \times\frac{5}{9}C=(F−32)×95​. Maintaining accurate temperature readings is important for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.

References:

Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations by Walker, Hall, and Hurst

Temperature and Vital Signs Monitoring in Clinical Practice

Workers' compensation insurance provides medical care and financial benefits for employees who suffer job-related accidents or illnesses. This type of insurance is designed to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages resulting from work-related injuries or conditions, ensuring that employees receive the necessary care and support during their recovery.

References:

Workers' Compensation Law by Lex K. Larson

National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Guidelines

When collecting specimens for a white blood count (WBC), you would use a tube that containsEDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)as an anticoagulant. EDTA prevents blood from clotting by binding calcium ions, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the blood sample for accurate WBC analysis.