CCMA Patient Care 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with dysphagia is being assisted with meals. Which food texture is SAFEST to offer first?
- Thin liquids
- Pureed foods (Correct answer)
- Chopped solid foods
- Regular solid foods
Correct answer: Pureed foods
Pureed foods are easiest to swallow for patients with dysphagia because they require no chewing and reduce aspiration risk.
Question 2: When applying a warm compress to a patient, what is the maximum recommended temperature to prevent burns?
- 98°F (37°C)
- 105°F (41°C) (Correct answer)
- 115°F (46°C)
- 125°F (52°C)
Correct answer: 105°F (41°C)
Warm compresses should not exceed 105°F (41°C) to prevent thermal injury to skin tissue.
Question 3: A patient states they have not had a bowel movement in 5 days and reports abdominal bloating. The medical assistant should FIRST:
- Administer a laxative immediately
- Document and report the complaint to the provider (Correct answer)
- Encourage increased fluid intake without reporting
- Perform a rectal examination
Correct answer: Document and report the complaint to the provider
The MA must document the symptom and report it to the provider before initiating any intervention.
Question 4: Which position is BEST for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
- Supine
- Trendelenburg
- High Fowler's (90°) (Correct answer)
- Left lateral recumbent
Correct answer: High Fowler's (90°)
High Fowler's position (90°) maximizes chest expansion and lung capacity, easing breathing difficulty.
Question 5: A patient is scheduled for a fasting blood glucose test. They mention they drank black coffee this morning. The MA should:
- Proceed with the test since coffee has no calories
- Reschedule the test and document the patient's non-compliance (Correct answer)
- Collect the sample but note it on the requisition
- Advise the patient that coffee is permitted before fasting labs
Correct answer: Reschedule the test and document the patient's non-compliance
Even black coffee can stimulate metabolic responses that affect fasting glucose results, so the test should be rescheduled.
Question 6: When measuring a patient's weight using a balance beam scale, the MA should ensure the patient:
- Stands with arms outstretched for balance
- Removes shoes and heavy outer clothing (Correct answer)
- Holds onto the scale frame for support
- Is measured immediately after eating
Correct answer: Removes shoes and heavy outer clothing
Shoes and heavy clothing add inaccurate weight; standardized measurement requires their removal.
Question 7: A patient receiving supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula complains the oxygen feels dry. The MOST appropriate action is to:
- Switch the patient to a face mask
- Add a humidifier bottle to the oxygen setup (Correct answer)
- Increase the flow rate to compensate
- Discontinue oxygen and reassess in 30 minutes
Correct answer: Add a humidifier bottle to the oxygen setup
A humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen flow, relieving dryness of nasal passages during supplemental oxygen therapy.
CCMA Patient Care 4
A patient with dysphagia is being assisted with meals.
Which food texture is SAFEST to offer first?