Clinical Duties Flashcards
6 cards from real CCMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Clinical Duties flashcards as text
When obtaining a throat culture for streptococcal pharyngitis, the swab should be applied firmly to which areas?
Answer: Both tonsillar pillars and the posterior pharynx
Throat cultures for Group A Streptococcus require firm swabbing of both tonsillar pillars and the posterior pharynx where strep bacteria colonize.
Which of the following is the correct technique for a two-point gait with crutches?
Answer: Advance right crutch with left foot simultaneously, then left crutch with right foot
The two-point gait advances the opposite crutch and foot simultaneously, mimicking normal walking pattern and requiring partial weight-bearing on both legs.
During a patient education session, the medical assistant notes the patient seems confused. Which technique best confirms understanding?
Answer: Using the teach-back method by asking the patient to repeat the instructions
The teach-back (show-me) method asks patients to repeat instructions in their own words, directly confirming comprehension rather than just compliance.
The medical assistant is preparing for a 12-lead ECG. Where is lead V4 placed?
Answer: 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line
V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space in the left midclavicular line, which is near the cardiac apex.
During aseptic hand washing, for how long should the hands be scrubbed with soap?
Answer: At least 20 seconds
CDC guidelines recommend scrubbing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove transient microorganisms.
When assisting with a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), the patient is most often positioned in:
Answer: Lateral recumbent with spine flexed (fetal position) or seated leaning forward
Flexing the spine maximizes intervertebral space at L3-L4 or L4-L5, facilitating safe needle insertion for lumbar puncture.