Clinical Duties Flashcards

A patient's wound shows erythema, warmth, and purulent discharge three days post-procedure. What is the MOST appropriate initial action for the medical assistant?

Answer: Notify the provider immediately and document the assessment

Signs of wound infection require immediate provider notification so treatment decisions can be made by the licensed clinician.

When performing a 12-lead ECG, electrode V4 should be placed at which anatomical landmark?

Answer: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line

V4 is placed at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line on the left side of the chest.

A patient weighing 198 lbs requires a medication dosed at 5 mg/kg. What is the correct dose in milligrams?

Answer: 450 mg

198 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 90 kg; 90 kg × 5 mg/kg = 450 mg.

Which of the following is the correct order of draw when collecting multiple tubes via venipuncture?

Answer: Yellow, green, lavender, gray

The standard order of draw is: yellow (SPS/culture), light blue (coagulation), red/gold, green, lavender, gray.

During an otoscopic exam, the medical assistant should pull the adult patient's ear in which direction to straighten the ear canal?

Answer: Up and back

In adults, the auricle is pulled upward and backward to straighten the S-shaped ear canal for visualization.

A provider orders 0.5 mL of a medication to be given IM. Which needle gauge and length is MOST appropriate for an adult deltoid injection?

Answer: 23 gauge, 1 inch

A 23-gauge, 1-inch needle is standard for deltoid IM injections in average-weight adults.

When assisting with a pelvic examination, the medical assistant should position the patient in which position?

Answer: Lithotomy position

The lithotomy position, with feet in stirrups and hips at the table edge, provides optimal access for pelvic exams.