Certified Medical Assistant MCQ Flashcards

When using the SOAP note format, subjective data includes:

Answer: Symptoms described by the patient in their own words

Subjective data in a SOAP note consists of the patient's own description of symptoms and complaints.

Which of the following is the BEST site for an intradermal injection, such as a tuberculin (TB) skin test?

Answer: Inner forearm (volar surface)

The inner (volar) forearm is the standard site for intradermal injections like the tuberculin skin test because the skin is thin and reactions are easily observed.

Which of the following actions by a medical assistant constitutes a breach of patient confidentiality?

Answer: Discussing a patient's diagnosis with their spouse without written consent

Disclosing a patient's information to a spouse without written consent violates HIPAA, regardless of relationship.

A patient with Type 1 diabetes presents with diaphoresis, confusion, and a blood glucose of 48 mg/dL. The appropriate immediate action is:

Answer: Give 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates

The 15-15 rule for hypoglycemia recommends giving 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and rechecking glucose in 15 minutes.

Which of the following laboratory values would be most concerning in a patient taking warfarin (Coumadin)?

Answer: INR of 4.8

An INR above 4.0 significantly increases bleeding risk and is outside therapeutic range for most indications.

Which of the following is an example of active immunity?

Answer: Receiving the influenza vaccine

Active immunity occurs when the body produces its own antibodies in response to a vaccine or infection.

A medical assistant notices a medication error occurred during the previous shift. What is the appropriate course of action?

Answer: Report the error to the supervising provider and complete an incident report

All medication errors must be reported to the supervising provider and documented via an incident report, regardless of apparent patient harm.