NRCMA Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Question and Answers

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.

Thegaugeof a needle refers to its diameter, with a lower gauge number indicating a larger diameter. Therefore, a19 gauge needlehas the widest lumen among the options given. It is commonly used for rapid blood transfusions or for drawing viscous fluids.

21 gauge: Smaller lumen than 19 gauge.

22 gauge: Smaller lumen than 21 gauge.

26 gauge: Smallest lumen of the options listed.

An inflamed condition of the tendon and tendon muscles is referred to as tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements. It commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

References:

Tendinopathy: From Basic Science to Clinical Management by Savio L-Y. Woo and Per A. F. H. Renström

Principles of Orthopedic Practice by Roger H. Michael

The abbreviation for "immediately" in medical terminology is"SIAI", which stands for "Statim" or "stat," a term used to indicate urgency. The use of "stat" comes from the Latin word "statim," meaning "immediately." This is a common term used in medical settings to convey the need for immediate action or treatment. The other options (Rx, IMM, IMI) do not represent the abbreviation for immediately.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and medical terminology references.

The abbreviation forthree times a dayist.i.d.This stands for "ter in die," which is Latin for "three times a day." This notation is commonly used in medical prescriptions to indicate that a medication should be taken three times throughout the day.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical abbreviation guides.

Athoracotomyis a surgical procedure involving an incision into the chest wall to gain access to the thoracic organs, particularly the lungs and heart. This procedure is performed for various diagnostic and therapeutic reasons, including lung biopsy, tumor removal, or treatment of thoracic injuries. The other terms refer to related but different concepts:

Thoracic: Pertaining to the chest.

Thorax: The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, encasing the chest.

Thoracostomy: The creation of an opening into the chest cavity, often for the insertion of a chest tube.

Hyperglycemia refers to elevated levels of glucose in the blood, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and retinopathy. Management of blood glucose levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes to prevent these complications.

An unacceptable procedure for a fainting victim is topour water over the victim’s face. This action can cause further distress and does not address the underlying cause of fainting. Instead, appropriate measures include loosening tight clothing, checking for injuries, and keeping the victim lying down until they recover.

References:

American Heart Association. (n.d.). First Aid Guidelines.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Fainting: First Aid.

AnEndocrinologistis a physician specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases and malfunctions of the endocrine glands, which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These glands include the thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, pituitary, and others. Endocrinologists manage conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances.

Gynecologist: Specializes in women's reproductive health.

Gastroenterologist: Specializes in the digestive system.

Urologist: Specializes in the urinary system and male reproductive organs.

When applying a cast,plaster is applied over a stockinetteand padding to protect the skin and provide comfort. The stockinette is a soft, stretchable fabric sleeve that prevents direct contact between the plaster and the skin. The padding, often made of cotton or synthetic materials, cushions the area and absorbs any moisture. The other options are incorrect and can lead to complications such as skin irritation or pressure sores.

Atriomegalyis a medical term that describes the enlargement of the atrium of the heart. The atria are the two upper chambers of the heart, and enlargement can be due to various conditions such as hypertension, valvular heart disease, or cardiomyopathy. This enlargement can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.

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 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.

A patient with a rapid pulse hastachycardia. Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. It can result from various factors including stress, exercise, or medical conditions.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, cardiology references.

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.

Large amounts of injectable medication, at least 2 ml or more, are given intramuscularly. Intramuscular (IM) injections are administered into the muscle tissue, which allows for a larger volume of medication to be absorbed more rapidly than subcutaneous or intradermal routes. Common sites for IM injections include the deltoid, gluteus, and vastus lateralis muscles.

References:

Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants by Kathy Bonewit-West

Injection Techniques in Musculoskeletal Medicine by Stephanie Saunders and Steve Longworth

The most common bacteriology stain is the Gram stain. The Gram stain differentiates bacterial species into Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups based on the composition of their cell walls. This staining technique is crucial in microbiology for identifying and classifying bacteria, guiding antibiotic treatment decisions.

References:

Bailey & Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology by Patricia Tille

Medical Microbiology by Patrick R. Murray

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.

The suffix-orrheameansdischarge or flow. It is used in medical terminology to describe an abnormal flow or discharge from a body part or organ. Examples include diarrhea (flow of loose or watery stools) and rhinorrhea (nasal discharge).

References:

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

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

A patient who is 68 years old is most likely covered by Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for people aged 65 and older, but it also covers some younger individuals with disabilities or specific diseases. Medicare consists of different parts that cover hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D).

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)is a substance produced by the stomach lining. It plays a crucial role in digestion by creating an acidic environment, which helps in the breakdown of food, activates digestive enzymes like pepsin, and kills harmful bacteria ingested with food. The other options are:

Glycogen: A stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles, not directly involved in digestion.

Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels, not involved in digestion in the stomach.

Glucose: A simple sugar that is an end product of carbohydrate digestion, not a substance produced by the stomach.

The abbreviation for teaspoon is "tsp." This abbreviation is commonly used in medical prescriptions, cooking, and other measurements. It is important to use standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and ensure accurate dosage and measurement.

References:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Metric Conversion Guidelines

Medical Abbreviations and Acronyms - A Comprehensive Guide

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.

The first step in demonstrating courtesy to a telephone caller involves promptly answering the call. Once answered, it's important to clearly identify yourself and your role, followed by inquiring how you can assist the caller. This approach shows respect, acknowledges the caller, and sets a professional tone for the conversation. It's critical to avoid immediately putting the caller on hold, as this can be perceived as dismissive. Additionally, if you must place the caller on hold at any point, it’s courteous to ask for their permission and provide a brief explanation. Proper telephone etiquette is essential in medical settings to ensure clear communication and patient satisfaction.

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

During an eye examination using the Snellen's eye chart, the patient shouldkeep both eyes open, but cover one of them. This method ensures that the uncovered eye is tested for visual acuity without the influence of the other eye. The patient will then switch and cover the other eye to test it individually.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, ophthalmology examination protocols.

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

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.

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

Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells in the blood responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin is composed of four subunits, each containing an iron ion that can bind one molecule of oxygen. This binding and release of oxygen are critical for cellular respiration, which provides energy for the body's metabolic processes. The unique biconcave shape of RBCs increases their surface area for efficient gas exchange and allows them to navigate through the narrow capillaries.

On a normal EKG (electrocardiogram) tracing, the first wave to show a downward deflection is theQ wave. The EKG tracing consists of several waves: the P wave (representing atrial depolarization), the QRS complex (representing ventricular depolarization), and the T wave (representing ventricular repolarization). The Q wave is the initial negative deflection after the P wave and before the R wave in the QRS complex.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and standard cardiology references.

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

TheFood and Drug Administration (FDA)is the U.S. governmental agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the manufacture, marketing, and clinical use of drugs, medical devices, and food products. The FDA ensures that these products are safe, effective, and properly labeled.

National Formulary: A publication that lists medications and their standards.

The Department of Health: General reference to various health departments, not specifically responsible for drug enforcement.

National Drug Abuse Administration: Not a correct agency name; it might refer to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Pathologyis the study of disease, including its causes, processes, development, and consequences. Pathologists examine tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and autopsies to understand disease mechanisms and assist in diagnosis and treatment. The field encompasses several branches, such as clinical pathology, anatomical pathology, and forensic pathology.

Study of paths: Not relevant in medical terminology.

Process of disease: Part of pathology but not a complete definition.

Remission of disease: Refers to the reduction or disappearance of symptoms, not the study.

An insurance contract written for a company for its employees is called group coverage. Group insurance provides health, life, or other types of insurance to members of a defined group, typically employees of a company, under a single policy. This type of coverage is generally more affordable and provides uniform benefits to all members of the group.

References:

Health Insurance and Managed Care: What They Are and How They Work by Peter R. Kongstvedt

Employee Benefits Design and Planning: A Guide to Understanding Accounting, Finance, and Tax Implications by Bashker D. Biswas

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.

When a patient is bleeding heavily from a wound, the immediate priority is to control the bleeding. The best initial action is to apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage. This helps to stem the flow of blood and allows time for clotting to begin. Elevating the limb can also help reduce blood flow to the area, but applying direct pressure is the primary and most effective method. Tourniquets are used only as a last resort when direct pressure and elevation do not control the bleeding.

References:

American Red Cross First Aid Manual

Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured (AAOS)

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.

The word part "peri" means around. It is used in medical terminology to describe structures or conditions surrounding a specific area, such as "pericardium" (around the heart) or "peripheral" (around the edge of an area).

References:

Medical Terminology: A Short Course by Davi-Ellen Chabner

Stedman's Medical Dictionary

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 kidneys are vital organs in the urinary system. They filter waste products, excess substances, and fluids from the blood to form urine. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, which are the functional units responsible for this filtration process. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal arteries, is filtered in the nephrons, and then exits through the renal veins. The filtered waste is collected in the renal pelvis, passes through the ureters to the bladder, and is eventually excreted as urine. This process helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and overall homeostasis.

Persons incapable of forming melanin are called albino. Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, leading to very light skin and hair, and vision problems. The condition results from mutations in genes involved in the production of melanin.

References:

Genetics and Pathophysiology of Albinism by David C. Bennett and Dorothy C. Cooper

Clinical Dermatology by Thomas P. Habif

For a patient to be entitled to 'paid in full' benefits under the Blue Shield program, their physician must be a participating physician. Participating physicians have agreements with Blue Shield to provide services at negotiated rates, ensuring that patients receive full coverage according to their insurance plans.

References:

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association - Participating Provider Information

Health Insurance and Managed Care - Policy and Practice Guidelines

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.

The tiny microscopic projections in the wall of the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream are calledvillus; villi. These finger-like projections increase the surface area of the intestine, allowing for more efficient nutrient absorption.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy and physiology textbooks.

The digestion of fats primarily occurs in the small intestine. Bile produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder is released into the small intestine, where it emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets. This process increases the surface area for pancreatic lipase to act on, further breaking down the fats into fatty acids and glycerol which can then be absorbed by the intestinal lining. The small intestine is thus the major site for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.

References:

Gastrointestinal Physiology by Leonard R. Johnson

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems by Lauralee Sherwood

In medical terminology, the prefix "brady-" means slow. It is commonly used in terms related to heart rate, such as bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is typically defined as a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute. It can be a sign of a healthy, well-conditioned heart, but it can also indicate underlying health issues if it causes symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or fainting.

A technique that employs high-frequency, inaudible sound waves which bounce off body tissues and are then recorded is called asonogram or echogram. This imaging technique is widely known as ultrasound and is commonly used in medical diagnostics to visualize muscles, tendons, and internal organs, capture their size, structure, and any pathological lesions.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, radiology and imaging textbooks.

Drug agents that neutralize the hydrochloric acid in the stomach are called antacids. Antacids are used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They work by neutralizing stomach acid to reduce irritation and discomfort.

References:

Pharmacology for Health Professionals by Bronwen Bryant and Kathleen Knights

Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Gram stainingis a laboratory technique used to classify bacteria based on the characteristics of their cell walls. This method differentiates bacteria intogram-positive(which retain the crystal violet stain and appear purple) andgram-negative(which do not retain the violet stain and appear red after counterstaining). This classification helps in guiding the appropriate antibiotic treatment and understanding the bacterial structure. It does not determine the species of the organism directly, nor is it used to diagnose cervical cancer.

The abbreviation for four times a day is "q.i.d." This stands for "quater in die," which is Latin for four times a day. It is commonly used in medical prescriptions to indicate the frequency of medication 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

Metastasis refers to the growth of cancer cells from one tissue to another. This process involves the spread of cancer cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant sites in the body, forming new tumors. Metastasis is a hallmark of advanced cancer and significantly impacts prognosis and treatment strategies.

References:

The Biology of Cancer by Robert A. Weinberg

Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr., Theodore S. Lawrence, and Steven A. Rosenberg

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.

The outermost cellular layer of skin is called the epidermis. The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium that provides a protective barrier against environmental factors such as pathogens, UV radiation, and physical injury. It is composed of several layers, including the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of dead keratinized cells.

The opposite ofsuperficialisdeep. In medical terminology, "superficial" refers to structures near the surface of the body, while "deep" refers to structures further away from the surface and closer to the interior of the body. For example, muscles that are deep are located beneath more superficial layers of tissue.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy and physiology textbooks.

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Mitosis consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm and organelles into two daughter cells. Unlike meiosis, which produces four genetically diverse gametes (sperm or egg cells), mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Anticoagulantsare medications that prevent blood from clotting. They are commonly prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism to prevent the formation of harmful clots. Examples of anticoagulants include warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Analgesics: Used to relieve pain.

Tranquilizers: Used to reduce anxiety or induce sleep.