Medical Assistant Exam Study Guide Questions And Answers Verified 100% Correct

Medical Assistant Exam Study Guide Questions And Answers Verified 100% Correct What is the rate of release of pressure when taking a bp? - answer 2 to 3mm Hg per second When to you take the systolic bp? - answer the level at which you hear the sounds of at least two consecutive beats When do you take the diastolic bp? - answer When beats disappear What are the 7 common errors in blood pressure measurements? - answer 1. improper cuff size 2. the arm is not at heart level 3. cuff is not completely deflated before use 4. deflation of the cuff is faster than 2-3mm Hg per second 5. the cuff is re-inflated during the procedure 6. improper cuff placement 7. defective equipment Define anthropometric measurements - answer comparative measurements of the body Why is length used in anthropometric measurements? - answer because infants and toddlers are unable to stand for a height measurement What are the 4 principles of physical examination? - answer 1. inspection 2. palpation 3. percussion 4. auscultation What does inspection focus on during the physical exam? - answer 1. general appearance 2. state of nutrition 3. body habitus 4. symmetry 5. posture and gait 6. gait Define palpation - answer use of the sense of touch to determine the characteristics of an organ Define percussion - answer tapping or striking the body, usually with the fingers or a small hammer to determine the position, size and density or the underlying organ or tissue. Define auscultation - answer listing to sounds produced by internal organs. Usually done to evaluate: 1. heart 2. lungs 3. abdomen What is the medical assistant's role in the physical examination? - answer 1. room preparation 2. patient preparation 3. assisting the physician What sources does the physician use to make a diagnosis? - answer 1. past medical history 2. physical examination 3. laboratory tests What position is used for most physical examinations? - answer horizontal recumbent position Describe the horizontal recumbent position - answer patient lies on back with legs extended. Arms may be above the head, alongside the body, or folded on the chest Describe the dorsal recumbent position - answer patient on back with knees flexed and soles of the feet flat on the exam table. MA's responsibility for patient in the dorsal recumbent position - answer fold a sheet once across the chest and fold a second sheet crosswise over the thigs and legs so that the genital area is easily exposed What is Fowler's Position used for? - answer to promote: 1. drainage 2. ease breathing 3. for patients with cardiovascular conditions 4. respiration problems 5. examination of the upper body and head Describe Fowler's position - answer sitting or semi-sitting position where the back of the examination table is elevated to either 45 degrees (semi-fowler's) or 90 degrees (highfowler's). Knees raised slightly by placing a pillow underneath, but usually the legs rest flat on the table Define Hyperventilation - answer Abnormally fast or deep respiration resulting in the loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, thereby causing a decrease in blood pressure and sometimes fainting. Horizontal Recumbent Position - answer Used for most physical exams - answer horizontal recumbent position Dorsal Recumbent Position - answer Examination position in which the knees are flexed and the soles of the feet are flat on the bed - answer dorsal recumbent position Fowler's Position - answer Semi-Fowler's Position - answer elevate the head 45 degrees High-Fowler's Position - answer elevate the head 90 degrees Used for patients with cardiovascular or respiratory problems - answer fowler's position Dorsal Lithotomy Position - answer Used for examination of the pelvic organs - answer dorsal lithotomy position Prone Position - answer Position used in the examination of the posterior aspect of the body, including the back and spine - answer prone position Which position cannot be used with an unconscious patient or one with an abdominal incision or breathing difficulty? - answer prone position Sim's Position - answer Position used for rectal examinations - answer sim's position Which position cannot be used when leg injuries or arthritis is present - answer sim's position