AAMA Clinical Patient Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medical assistant is assisting with a pelvic examination. Which position should be used?
- Supine
- Sims'
- Lithotomy (Correct answer)
- Knee-chest
Correct answer: Lithotomy
The lithotomy position, with the patient on their back with feet in stirrups, provides optimal access for pelvic and gynecological examinations.
Question 2: A patient is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which critical lab value must be checked before administering or continuing this medication?
- Sodium level
- Serum creatinine/renal function (Correct answer)
- Hemoglobin A1c only
- White blood cell count
Correct answer: Serum creatinine/renal function
Metformin is contraindicated in significant renal impairment because it can accumulate and cause lactic acidosis.
Question 3: What is the proper technique for collecting a midstream clean-catch urine specimen?
- Collect the first void of the day without cleaning
- Clean the area, void a small amount, then collect the midstream portion (Correct answer)
- Collect the entire voided specimen into the container
- Use a catheter for all clean-catch specimens
Correct answer: Clean the area, void a small amount, then collect the midstream portion
The midstream clean-catch technique reduces contamination by cleaning the urethral area and discarding initial urine before collecting the sample.
Question 4: When taking an oral temperature on an adult, how long should the thermometer remain in place if using a glass mercury-free thermometer?
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 3–5 minutes (Correct answer)
- 8–10 minutes
Correct answer: 3–5 minutes
A glass thermometer requires 3–5 minutes under the tongue to ensure accurate temperature equilibration.
Question 5: Which of the following correctly describes the Z-track injection technique?
- Injecting at a 15-degree angle with rapid withdrawal
- Pulling the skin laterally before injection and releasing after needle withdrawal (Correct answer)
- Massaging the site vigorously after injection
- Using a 25-gauge needle at 90 degrees
Correct answer: Pulling the skin laterally before injection and releasing after needle withdrawal
The Z-track method displaces the skin to create a zigzag track upon needle withdrawal, preventing medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue.
Question 6: A patient presents with a blood glucose reading of 52 mg/dL. The patient is conscious and able to swallow. What is the appropriate first action?
- Administer IV dextrose immediately
- Give the patient 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Call 911 before any intervention
- Document and wait for the provider
Correct answer: Give the patient 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates
For a conscious hypoglycemic patient, the 15-15 rule calls for giving 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and rechecking glucose in 15 minutes.
Question 7: A patient receiving an intramuscular injection suddenly becomes pale, diaphoretic, and faint. What condition should the medical assistant suspect?
- Anaphylaxis
- Vasovagal syncope (Correct answer)
- Hyperglycemia
- Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: Vasovagal syncope
Vasovagal syncope (fainting) is a common response to injections caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure triggered by the vagus nerve.
AAMA Clinical Patient Care 3
A medical assistant is assisting with a pelvic examination.
Which position should be used?