CMA General Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient signs a form allowing the release of medical records to their insurance company. This is an example of:
- Implied consent
- Expressed consent
- Informed consent
- Authorization for release of information (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Authorization for release of information
A signed release of records is specifically an authorization for release of protected health information under HIPAA.
Question 2: Which of the following is a sign of anaphylaxis requiring immediate emergency action?
- Mild rash on the forearm
- Sneezing after pollen exposure
- Throat swelling with difficulty breathing (Correct answer)
- Low-grade fever of 99.2°F
Correct answer: Throat swelling with difficulty breathing
Throat swelling (angioedema) with dyspnea indicates anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring epinephrine.
Question 3: The normal adult respiratory rate range is:
- 8–12 breaths/min
- 12–20 breaths/min (Correct answer)
- 20–28 breaths/min
- 28–36 breaths/min
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths/min
Normal adult respiratory rate (eupnea) is 12–20 breaths per minute.
Question 4: A medical assistant accidentally sticks themselves with a used needle. The FIRST action should be to:
- Report the incident to the supervisor
- Complete an incident report
- Wash the site with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Go to the emergency department immediately
Correct answer: Wash the site with soap and water
Immediate washing with soap and water is the first response to a needlestick to reduce infection risk.
Question 5: Which of the following is the correct needle gauge for an intradermal injection?
- 18–20 gauge
- 21–23 gauge
- 25–27 gauge (Correct answer)
- 28–30 gauge
Correct answer: 25–27 gauge
Intradermal injections use a 25–27 gauge needle inserted at a 5–15° angle into the dermis.
Question 6: A patient refuses a recommended treatment. The medical assistant should:
- Convince the patient to accept the treatment
- Document the refusal and inform the provider (Correct answer)
- Discharge the patient from the practice
- Call the patient's family for consent
Correct answer: Document the refusal and inform the provider
Competent patients have the right to refuse treatment; the MA must document refusal and notify the provider.
Question 7: The suffix '-ectomy' means:
- Surgical repair
- Surgical removal (Correct answer)
- Visual examination
- Surgical incision
Correct answer: Surgical removal
-Ectomy means surgical removal or excision (e.g., appendectomy = removal of the appendix).
CMA General Practice 3
A patient signs a form allowing the release of medical records to their insurance company.
This is an example of: