and Answers (Latest Update 2026)
The medical assistant preps the median cubital vein for a
venipuncture procedure. How should the medical assistant prep the
patient's skin? -
correct answer ✅Use a circular motion, from the inside out.
When preparing a site with alcohol for venipuncture, the medical
assistant should cleanse in which of the following motions? -
correct answer ✅From the inside out
Which type of medication is used to increase urinary output? -
correct answer ✅Diuretic
Rationale: Diuretics are medications that act by promoting the
excretion of excess fluid in the body which is eliminated through
the kidneys. A vasopressor is used to raise blood pressure, an
antiemetic is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting, and a
cathartic increases the amount of defecation.
A female patient has come in for an ECG following a mastectomy.
ECG electrodes should be placed -
correct answer ✅as close to the surgery site as possible without
touching the site.
,NCCT Practice Final Exam Questions
and Answers (Latest Update 2026)
Rationale: If a female patient needing an ECG has had a
mastectomy, the person performing the ECG should place the
electrodes as close to the area they would normally be placed
without touching the site of surgery. If that person were to place
the electrodes three inches above or below the surgery site, the
electrodes would be too far away from the correct placement and
therefore could give false recordings.
An incorrect dose of medication is delivered to a patient in the
medical clinic. As a result, the patient experienced mild kidney
damage. The responsible health care providers and/or clinic is at
risk for which of the following? -
correct answer ✅Negligence
Rationale: This is a case of negligence, a failure to practice within
the standard of care. Defamation occurs when someone
intentionally says or writes something false that causes harm to the
person's reputation. Slander is a form of defamation that is
heard/spoken. Libel is a form of defamation that is visible (written,
produced, etc.).
,NCCT Practice Final Exam Questions
and Answers (Latest Update 2026)
Which of the following actions by the medical assistant is
appropriate when interacting with a patient who is visually
impaired? -
correct answer ✅Explain where things are positioned by
referencing a clock image.
Rationale: By providing general orientation to the environment, the
visually impaired patient feels more comfortable. It is of utmost
importance to maintain a visually impaired patient's dignity and
independence in this type of setting. Guiding them physically takes
away independence and could decrease their comfort level.
Limiting communication or talking loudly is inappropriate.
When measuring oxygen saturation on a child breathing room air,
with normal color, and no signs of respiratory distress, the medical
assistant obtains a reading of 79%. Which of the following actions
should the medical assistant take next? -
correct answer ✅Reposition the finger probe
, NCCT Practice Final Exam Questions
and Answers (Latest Update 2026)
Rationale: Oxygen saturation (O2 Sat or Pulse Ox) on a child with a
structurally normal heart should be >92% . Patient movement, poor
probe attachment, or nail polish can distort the sensor reading
during monitoring. Always observe the child's condition first, and
machine reading 2nd when troubleshooting. O2 saturation should
be obtained and documented as part of a full set of vital signs for
patients being evaluated for respiratory conditions.
Which of the following resources should the medical assistant use
to look up the side effects of (enoxaparin) Lovenox in the medical
office? -
correct answer ✅Physician's Desk Reference (PDR)
Rationale: The PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) is published
annually, and is the most common drug reference book. It provides
information about medications, their functions, side effects,
contraindications, etc. The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding
System (HCPCS) is a system of healthcare codes put in place to
ensure insurance claims are handled correctly. A laboratory
reference manual would contain information about laboratory
tests, not medications. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes
are used to classify medical procedures and services, therefore
these codes don't include information on medication side effects.