AMCA Medical Knowledge and Clinical Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct angle for administering an intramuscular injection in the vastus lateralis site?
- 45 degrees
- 90 degrees (Correct answer)
- 15 degrees
- 60 degrees
Correct answer: 90 degrees
Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure the medication reaches the muscle tissue.
Question 2: A patient's chart shows a blood pressure reading of 142/92 mmHg. This is classified as:
- Normal
- Elevated
- Stage 1 Hypertension (Correct answer)
- Stage 2 Hypertension
Correct answer: Stage 1 Hypertension
Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg; 142/92 falls in this range.
Question 3: When performing a 12-lead ECG, where is lead V4 placed?
- 4th intercostal space, right sternal border
- 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line (Correct answer)
- 5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line
- 4th intercostal space, left sternal border
Correct answer: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Question 4: Which tube color is used for a complete blood count (CBC) collection?
- Red
- Green
- Lavender/Purple (Correct answer)
- Light blue
Correct answer: Lavender/Purple
Lavender/purple top tubes contain EDTA anticoagulant, which is required for CBC testing.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the Allen test before radial artery blood collection?
- Assess vein patency
- Confirm adequate collateral circulation to the hand (Correct answer)
- Measure blood pressure accuracy
- Check for infection at the puncture site
Correct answer: Confirm adequate collateral circulation to the hand
The Allen test confirms adequate ulnar collateral circulation to ensure hand perfusion if the radial artery is compromised.
Question 6: A patient presents with sudden onset of chest pain radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis. The FIRST action by the medical assistant should be:
- Obtain a 12-lead ECG immediately
- Have the patient lie down and elevate their legs
- Notify the physician immediately (Correct answer)
- Administer aspirin as ordered
Correct answer: Notify the physician immediately
Notifying the physician immediately is the first priority when a patient shows signs of a possible myocardial infarction.
Question 7: Which of the following describes normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest?
- 6–10 breaths per minute
- 12–20 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 22–28 breaths per minute
- 30–40 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths per minute
The normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute.
AMCA Medical Knowledge and Clinical Procedures 2
Which of the following is the correct angle for administering an intramuscular injection in the vastus lateralis site?