Clinical Patient Care Flashcards
7 cards from real AAMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Clinical Patient Care flashcards as text
When performing a venipuncture, which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine blood draws?
Answer: 21 gauge
A 21-gauge needle is the standard for routine venipuncture, balancing adequate flow with minimal patient discomfort.
A patient's blood pressure reads 148/92 mmHg on two separate visits. How should the medical assistant document this finding?
Answer: Stage 1 hypertension
Stage 1 hypertension is defined as systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg per current ACC/AHA guidelines.
Which position is most appropriate when assisting a patient who is experiencing dyspnea?
Answer: Fowler's
Fowler's position (sitting upright at 45–90°) reduces pressure on the diaphragm and improves breathing.
The medical assistant is preparing to administer an intradermal injection for a TB skin test. What is the correct angle of insertion?
Answer: 5–15 degrees
Intradermal injections are given at a 5–15 degree angle to deposit the solution just beneath the skin's surface, creating a wheal.
A patient's chart indicates NPO status before a procedure. What does NPO mean?
Answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO is a Latin abbreviation for 'nil per os,' meaning nothing by mouth, typically required before surgery or certain tests.
When documenting a wound measurement, how should a medical assistant correctly record the dimensions?
Answer: Length x width x depth
Wound measurements are standardized as length x width x depth in centimeters to track healing progress accurately.
Which of the following is a contraindication to applying a hot pack to a patient's injury?
Answer: Acute inflammation within 48 hours
Heat increases vasodilation and can worsen swelling and inflammation during the acute phase (first 24–48 hours) of an injury.