CCMA Patient Intake and Vitals 5

Question 1

Which of the following blood pressure cuff sizes should be used for a patient with an upper arm circumference of 36 cm?

Accepted Answer

Large adult cuff

Answer

A large adult cuff is indicated for arm circumferences of approximately 33–47 cm; using a cuff that is too small will falsely elevate the blood pressure reading.

Question 2

When documenting a patient's pain level during intake using the numeric rating scale (NRS), the patient says 'about a 7.' What should the medical assistant record?

Accepted Answer

7/10

Answer

The NRS uses a 0–10 scale and the patient's self-reported number (7) should be recorded as 7/10 to maintain objective, standardized documentation.

Question 3

A medical assistant is taking a tympanic temperature on an adult patient. What is the correct technique for straightening the ear canal?

Accepted Answer

Pull the pinna up and back

Answer

In adults, the pinna is pulled up and back to straighten the ear canal and ensure accurate tympanic thermometer placement; in children under 3 years, the pinna is pulled down and back.

Question 4

During intake, a patient's BMI is calculated as 31.2. How should this be categorized?

Accepted Answer

Obesity Class I

Answer

A BMI of 30.0–34.9 is classified as Obesity Class I per CDC/NIH guidelines; overweight is 25.0–29.9 and normal weight is 18.5–24.9.

Question 5

Which pulse site is most commonly assessed during routine patient intake?

Accepted Answer

Radial

Answer

The radial pulse at the wrist is the most common site used for routine pulse assessment during patient intake due to its accessibility and ease of palpation.

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA Patient Intake and Vitals 5