NRCMA Sample Questions Answers

The application of water in the treatment of disease is referred to as hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy involves the use of water in various forms (liquid, steam, ice) to alleviate pain, promote healing, and improve physical function. It can include treatments such as whirlpools, hot and cold compresses, and therapeutic baths.

References:

Hydrotherapy: Principles and Practice by Margaret Reid Campion

Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice by Michelle H. Cameron

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.

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.

The purpose of applying paste or jelly when running anEKG (Electrocardiogram)is toreduce skin resistance. This conductive gel ensures better conductivity between the skin and the electrodes, resulting in a clearer and more accurate recording of the heart's electrical activity. Without the gel, poor contact can lead to high resistance and artifacts in the EKG trace.

References:

Thaler, M. S. (2018). The Only EKG Book You'll Ever Need (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer

Incorrect information given that may injure the reputation of another is calledslander. Slander is a form of defamation that involves making false spoken statements that harm someone's reputation. It differs from libel, which involves written or published defamatory statements.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, legal and ethical guidelines in healthcare.

The pH of a urine sample is checked to determine its acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. Urine pH can provide information about a person's diet, medications, and metabolic conditions.

References:

Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations by Michael L. Bishop

Urinalysis and Body Fluids by Susan King Strasinger

When you are asked to take a cervical x-ray, you would take film of the neck region. Cervical x-rays are used to examine the cervical vertebrae, which are the seven vertebrae in the neck. These x-rays help diagnose fractures, dislocations, and other conditions affecting the cervical spine.

References:

Radiologic Science for Technologists by Stewart C. Bushong

Essentials of Radiographic Physics and Imaging by James Johnston and Terri L. Fauber

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.

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.

Spina bifidais a congenital defect where there is an absence of a vertebral arch in the spinal column. This defect occurs during fetal development and can lead to varying degrees of disability, depending on the severity of the condition. The spinal cord and nerves can be exposed, leading to potential complications such as paralysis and infections.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, pediatric and congenital disorder textbooks.

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.

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 mysterious condition that kills apparently healthy infants between the ages of 4 weeks and 7 months is known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby, often during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with factors such as sleep environment, respiratory issues, and developmental vulnerabilities.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics - SIDS Guidelines

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Prevention by J. Bruce Beckwith

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)

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.

Acarotid pulseis taken at theneck. The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck and supply blood to the brain. To check the carotid pulse, one gently places their fingers on the side of the neck, next to the windpipe.

References:

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How to Check Your Pulse.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Carotid Artery Disease.

The muscle walls of the heart are called the myocardium. This is the thick, muscular layer of the heart responsible for contracting and pumping blood throughout the body. The myocardium is composed of specialized cardiac muscle cells that enable the heart to function as an efficient pump. It is distinct from the endocardium (inner lining) and the epicardium (outer layer) of the heart.

References:

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology

Cardiovascular Physiology by Mohrman and Heller

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

To establish eligibility for a Medicaid patient, you must check thecurrent ID. This ensures that thepatient is currently enrolled in the Medicaid program and eligible to receive benefits. Additional information, such as policy numbers and social security numbers, may also be required, but the current ID is the primary means of verification.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, healthcare administration guidelines.

A patient in thesupine positionis lying flat on their back with their palms and face up. This position is commonly used during surgeries and medical examinations as it provides easy access to the patient's anterior body, including the chest and abdomen.

Lying face down: This is known as the prone position.

Lying on the left side with the right leg flexed: This is often referred to as the left lateral or left Sims' position.

Lying on the right side with the left leg flexed: This is the right lateral or right Sims' position.

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.

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).

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

Thelithotomy positionis used when a patient is having avaginal examination. In this position, the patient lies on their back with their hips and knees flexed, and their feet placed in stirrups. This position provides the best access for pelvic and vaginal examinations, as well as certain surgical procedures.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical examination guidelines.

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.

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

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.

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

The words"Annorexia","Oititis", and"Legder"are incorrectly spelled. The correct spellings are:

Anorexia- An eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Otitis- Inflammation or infection of the ear.

Ledger- A book or other collection of financial accounts.

References:

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

Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary.

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.

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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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.

Carbohydrates are classified into three main groups based on their chemical structure and complexity: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose. Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units linked together, such as sucrose and lactose. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates consisting of long chains of monosaccharide units, examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose. These classifications are essential for understanding carbohydrate digestion and metabolism.

References:

Biochemistry by Berg, Tymoczko, and Stryer

Essentials of Human Nutrition by Jim Mann and Stewart Truswell

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.

The termintercostalrefers to the anatomical locationbetween the ribs. "Inter-" means between, and "costal" pertains to the ribs. The intercostal muscles, for example, are muscles located between the ribs that play a key role in the respiratory process by aiding in the expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity.

References:

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017).Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th ed.). Wiley.

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.

Anemiais a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a lack of oxygen being carried to the body's tissues. This can result from a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, or folate, among other causes. The other options refer to different conditions:

Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Ischemia: Restricted blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen needed for cellular metabolism.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by insulin deficiency or resistance. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, where the body does not produce insulin, and Type 2, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. Without effective insulin function, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high, leading to various health complications.

A condition characterized by frequent liquid stools isdiarrhea. Diarrhea involves the frequent passage of loose or watery stools and can be caused by various factors, including infections, food intolerances, or certain medications.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, gastrointestinal disorder references.

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.

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

Aging accounts receivable involves categorizing all receivables by the length of time they have been outstanding. This process helps in identifying overdue accounts that need collection action. It's a critical part of the financial management process in healthcare settings, ensuring that the organization maintains a healthy cash flow by actively managing and collecting outstanding patient accounts. This method also helps in assessing the effectiveness of the billing process and identifying trends in patient payments.

References:

National Health Services Finance Guide

Medical Office Financial Management Resources

A physician's narcotic license must be renewedevery 2-3 years. This license, issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), allows physicians to prescribe controlled substances. The renewal period ensures that physicians remain in good standing and comply with current regulations.

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

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.

Ultrasound should not be used for tumors. While ultrasound is effective for diagnosing and monitoring many conditions, it is not typically used as a treatment for tumors. Other modalities like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are used for tumor treatment.

Lipidsis the scientific term for fats. They are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, and others. Lipids are essential for storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes. The other options are related to different substances:

Lactose: A sugar found in milk.

Lipoproteins: Complexes of lipids and proteins that transport lipids through the bloodstream.

Lacteals: Lymphatic vessels in the small intestine that absorb fats.

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.

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.

The word partmegalo-is a prefix that meanslargeorenlarged. It is often used in medical terminology to describe abnormal enlargement of an organ or part, as inmegalocardia(enlargement of the heart) orhepatomegaly(enlargement of the liver).

Thepancreasis the organ responsible for secreting insulin directly into the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage as glycogen. The pancreas contains clusters of cells known as the islets of Langerhans, which include beta cells that produce insulin.

Gallbladder: Stores bile produced by the liver.

Colon: Part of the large intestine, involved in water absorption and feces formation.

Liver: Produces bile, detoxifies substances, and stores glycogen, but does not produce insulin.

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.

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 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.

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 abbreviation for every two hours is Q.2h. This medical abbreviation is derived from Latin "quaque 2 hora," meaning "every two hours." It is commonly used in medical prescriptions and instructions to indicate the frequency of medication administration or other recurring treatments.

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 10th Edition

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