CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Patient Intake and Vitals Questions and Answers

Question 1

A medical assistant is taking the vital signs of an adult patient. Which of the following readings is outside the expected range?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure 130/84 mmHg

Answer

Pulse rate 88/min

Answer

Respiratory rate 16/min

Answer

Oral temperature 37.0° C (98.6° F)

Question 2

During patient intake, a medical assistant is obtaining a patient's medical history. Which of the following components is considered part of the social history?

Accepted Answer

Tobacco and alcohol use

Answer

Previous surgeries

Answer

Known allergies to medications

Answer

History of diabetes in the family

Question 3

A patient reports feeling dizzy and lightheaded upon standing. The provider instructs the medical assistant to measure orthostatic vital signs. What is the correct procedure for this measurement?

Accepted Answer

Measure blood pressure and pulse while the patient is supine, and then again 1 and 3 minutes after standing.

Answer

Measure blood pressure and pulse while the patient is sitting, and then immediately after they stand up.

Answer

Measure blood pressure in the left arm and then the right arm while the patient is standing.

Answer

Measure blood pressure before and after the patient walks for 5 minutes on a treadmill.

Question 4

When documenting a patient's chief complaint, the medical assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Record the information in the patient's own words as much as possible.

Answer

Interpret the patient's symptoms using medical terminology.

Answer

Include a preliminary diagnosis based on the stated symptoms.

Answer

List all medications the patient is currently taking.

Question 5

Which of the following is the most accurate method for measuring a patient's body temperature?

Accepted Answer

Rectal

Answer

Axillary

Answer

Tympanic (ear)

Answer

Oral

Question 6

A medical assistant is preparing to take a patient's pulse. Which of the following actions is most appropriate to ensure an accurate reading?

Accepted Answer

Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four if the rhythm is regular.

Answer

Use the thumb to palpate the radial artery.

Answer

Ask the patient to talk about their day to distract them.

Answer

Have the patient clench and unclench their fist during the measurement.