NRCMA Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Questions and Answers

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

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.

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.

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.

The suffix-oplastyrefers to the surgical repair or reconstruction of a part of the body. This term is commonly used in procedures such as rhinoplasty (surgical repair of the nose) and angioplasty (surgical repair of blood vessels). The other suffixes have different meanings:

-orrhaphy: Refers to surgical suturing.

-ocentesis: Refers to surgical puncture to remove fluid.

-opexy: Refers to surgical fixation or attachment.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier against environmental damage from pathogens, UV radiation, and water loss. It is composed of multiple layers of keratinocytes, which produce the protein keratin, giving the skin its strength and resilience. The epidermis is avascular (contains no blood vessels) and relies on the dermis for nutrient and waste exchange. The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, consists of dead, flattened cells that are continuously shed and replaced by new cells from the deeper layers.

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.

Thebrainstemis the subdivision of the brain that consists of the medulla, pons, and midbrain. It is located between the spinal cord and the cerebrum and plays a crucial role in regulating vital life functions such as heart rate, breathing, and sleep cycles. The brainstem acts as a conduit for all the information passing between the brain and the rest of the body.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Asthma attacks can be precipitated by various factors including volatile irritants from organic solvents, inhalation of cold air, and exposure to mists and dusts in industrial plants. These triggers can cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation in individuals with asthma, leading to difficulty in breathing and other symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is a critical part of asthma management.

References:

Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Guidelines

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

The branch of medicine which uses radionuclides in the diagnosis and treatment of disease isnuclear medicine. Radionuclides are radioactive isotopes that are used in imaging techniques such as PET scans and SPECT scans, as well as in therapeutic procedures for conditions like cancer.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical imaging and nuclear medicine references.

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 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).

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.

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.

During galvanic electrical stimulation, it is crucial that the patient is attended at all times. This procedure involves the use of direct current (DC) to stimulate muscle contraction and requires continuous monitoring to ensure the patient's safety and to adjust the settings if needed. Unattended galvanic stimulation can pose risks such as burns or other injuries, hence constant supervision is essential.

References:

Principles and Practice of Electrotherapy by Nelson and Currier

Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation by William E. Prentice

The best way to take a respiratory rate is bywatching the patient's chest rise and fall while appearing to take the pulse. This method allows for an accurate count of breaths per minute without making the patient conscious of their breathing, which could alter the rate. This approach is subtle and ensures that the patient remains relaxed.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical examination techniques.

The termoccultmeanshidden. In medical contexts, this term is often used to describe conditions or symptoms that are not immediately apparent or visible. For example, occult blood in the stool refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through chemical tests.

References:

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

Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (32nd ed.). (2011). Elsevier.

The word part meaning white is "leuko." It is used in medical terms to refer to white or white blood cells, such as in "leukocyte," which is a white blood cell. The prefix "leuko-" is derived from the Greek word "leukos," meaning white.

References:

Medical Terminology: The Language of Health Care by Marjorie Canfield Willis

Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary

The most common combining form in medical terminology is"o". A combining form consists of a root word and a combining vowel, typically "o", which is used to ease pronunciation when adding suffixes or when combining multiple roots.

References:

Chabner, D.-E. (2016). The Language of Medicine (11th ed.). Elsevier.

Cohen, B. J., & DePetris, A. (2013).Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide (7th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The incorrectly spelled words are:

Annorcxlashould beAnorexia

Oitltlsshould beOtitis

Legdcrshould beLedger

Metabolismis correctly spelled.

Aprefixis a group of letters placed at thebeginningof a word to modify its meaning. Prefixes can change the word into a different form of the original word, often changing the meaning significantly. For example, the prefix "un-" added to "happy" forms "unhappy," meaning not happy.

A patient is more likely to be cooperative if theyunderstand the procedure to be done. When patients are well-informed about the medical procedures they will undergo, it reduces their anxiety, increases their trust in the healthcare provider, and enhances their compliance with the treatment plan.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, patient communication guidelines.

One who studies disease is apathologist. Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and organs. They play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, guiding treatment decisions, and conducting research to understand disease mechanisms.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical profession descriptions.

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

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

Galactoseis a simple sugar that is a product of the digestion ofmilk. Lactose, the sugar found in milk, is broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase. This process occurs in the small intestine, allowing these sugars to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The latest date an employer may give the employee theW-2 formisby January 31stof the following year. This form reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck, which is necessary for the employee to complete their annual tax return.

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.

Thelarynxis commonly referred to as the voice box. It is located in the neck and performs several functions, including breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The larynx houses the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound when air is expelled from the lungs. The other options refer to different parts of the respiratory and digestive systems:

Pharynx: A muscular tube that serves both respiratory and digestive functions by connecting the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.

Glottis: The part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the opening between them. It is not a structure itself but rather a component of the larynx.

Trachea: Also known as the windpipe, it is a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs, allowing the passage of air.

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.

Hypertensionis the medical term for high blood pressure. It is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The other terms refer to different conditions:

Hyperemia: Increased blood flow to a particular area of the body.

Hypertrophy: Enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in the size of its cells.

Hyperthermia: Abnormally high body temperature.

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.

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.

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

In order to inflate the blood pressure cuff, the valve isnot turnedinitially, meaning it should be closed to build up pressure. Once the cuff is inflated to the desired level, the valve is then gradually opened (usually turned counter-clockwise) to slowly release the air and measure the blood pressure.

References:

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How to Measure Blood Pressure Using a Manual Monitor.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Blood Pressure Test.

Blood type O negative is considered the universal donor because it can be transfused to patients of any blood type. This is due to the absence of A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells, which reduces the risk of an immune reaction. However, type O negative individuals can only receive blood from other O negative donors. Universal donors are crucial in emergency situations where there may not be time to determine the recipient's blood type. Type AB positive is considered the universal recipient because individuals with this blood type can receive red blood cells from any blood type.

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 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.

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 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.

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).

Prognosis refers to the prediction of the outcome of a disease or medical condition. It involves forecasting the likely course, duration, and outcome of a patient's disease based on the condition's natural history, the patient's health, and the treatment options available. A prognosis can range from good, with full recovery expected, to poor, where complications or fatal outcomes are anticipated.

References:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine

A mild hypnotic drug that is relaxing but doesn't necessarily produce sleep is called a sedative. Sedatives are used to calm patients, reduce anxiety, and induce relaxation. They are commonly used in medical settings to prepare patients for procedures or to alleviate stress and anxiety.

References:

Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions by Colbert and Woodrow

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.

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.