CCMA Patient Intake and Vitals 4

Question 1

A patient's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg on two separate occasions. How should the medical assistant document this finding?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1 hypertension

Answer

A reading of 158/96 mmHg meets the criteria for Stage 1 hypertension (130-139/80-89 mmHg range is Stage 1; 140+/90+ is Stage 2 per ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines — 158/96 is Stage 2).

Question 2

When measuring a patient's oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, which site is preferred when the fingertip is compromised due to poor circulation?

Accepted Answer

Earlobe

Answer

The earlobe is an acceptable alternative pulse oximetry site when fingertip readings are unreliable due to poor peripheral circulation or nail polish.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes Korotkoff sounds used during manual blood pressure measurement?

Accepted Answer

Turbulent blood flow sounds heard through a stethoscope as cuff pressure is released

Answer

Korotkoff sounds are turbulent blood flow sounds heard through a stethoscope over the brachial artery as cuff pressure is gradually released during manual BP measurement.

Question 4

A medical assistant is obtaining a patient's weight using a standing balance scale. The patient is wearing heavy boots. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient to remove the boots before weighing

Answer

Patients should remove heavy footwear and excess clothing before weighing to ensure an accurate baseline weight measurement.

Question 5

During patient intake, a patient reports a known allergy to penicillin. What is the most appropriate next step for the medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

Document the allergy and the type of reaction in the medical record

Answer

Allergies must be documented in the medical record along with the specific reaction type (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis) to alert all members of the care team.

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA Patient Intake and Vitals 4