CMA Certified Medical Assistant Patient Communication and Education Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which communication technique involves repeating back the patient's words in a slightly rephrased form to confirm understanding?

Accepted Answer

Paraphrasing

Answer

Reflecting

Answer

Clarifying

Answer

Summarizing

Question 2

When educating a patient about a new medication, what is the MOST important step to verify learning has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient to repeat the instructions back

Answer

Give the patient a brochure

Answer

Schedule a follow-up call

Answer

Document the education session

Question 3

A patient who speaks limited English is being seen in the clinic. What is the BEST resource to use for communication?

Accepted Answer

Use a professional medical interpreter

Answer

Ask the patient's adult family member to interpret

Answer

Speak slowly and use gestures

Answer

Give written instructions in English

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a closed-ended question?

Accepted Answer

Are you taking any medications?

Answer

How have you been feeling lately?

Answer

Can you describe your pain?

Answer

What brings you in today?

Question 5

A patient is visibly upset after receiving a diagnosis. The medical assistant should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the patient's feelings

Answer

Hand the patient educational materials

Answer

Explain the treatment plan

Answer

Leave the room to give privacy

Question 6

Which factor is MOST likely to create a barrier to effective patient education?

Accepted Answer

Low health literacy in the patient

Answer

Using visual aids

Answer

Providing written instructions

Answer

Scheduling a follow-up appointment