CMA Medical Procedures and Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct technique when performing a capillary puncture on an adult finger?
- Puncture the center of the fingertip
- Puncture the lateral side of the fingertip (Correct answer)
- Puncture the nail bed
- Puncture the distal interphalangeal joint
Correct answer: Puncture the lateral side of the fingertip
The lateral (side) aspect of the fingertip has a good capillary network and is less sensitive than the central pulp.
Question 2: A patient's blood pressure reading is 148/94 mmHg. According to current ACC/AHA guidelines, this is classified as:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Stage 1 hypertension
- Stage 2 hypertension (Correct answer)
- Hypertensive crisis
Correct answer: Stage 2 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg per ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines.
Question 3: Which of the following indicates correct technique when performing spirometry?
- Patient inhales slowly and steadily
- Patient exhales forcefully for at least 6 seconds (Correct answer)
- Patient holds breath at peak inhalation for 10 seconds
- Patient breathes normally without a nose clip
Correct answer: Patient exhales forcefully for at least 6 seconds
For an accurate FVC maneuver, the patient must exhale as forcefully and completely as possible for at least 6 seconds.
Question 4: When preparing a patient for a Pap smear, which of the following instructions should be given prior to the appointment?
- Drink 32 oz of water before the exam
- Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal products for 48 hours (Correct answer)
- Fast for 12 hours before the procedure
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine the night before
Correct answer: Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal products for 48 hours
Intercourse, douching, and vaginal products can alter the cervical cells and obscure or contaminate the sample.
Question 5: A patient is scheduled for an upper GI series. The medical assistant should instruct the patient to:
- Increase fluid intake 24 hours before
- Remain NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight (Correct answer)
- Take a laxative the evening before
- Eat a light breakfast on the day of the test
Correct answer: Remain NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight
An NPO order ensures the stomach is empty so contrast material (barium) can coat the GI walls clearly during imaging.
Question 6: When removing sutures, which tool is used to cut the suture material?
- Bandage scissors
- Iris scissors
- Suture removal scissors (stitch scissors) (Correct answer)
- Kelly clamp
Correct answer: Suture removal scissors (stitch scissors)
Suture removal scissors have a hooked or notched blade specifically designed to slide under and cut sutures safely.
Question 7: During an allergy scratch test, the medical assistant should have which emergency medication immediately available?
- Diphenhydramine tablets
- Epinephrine (1:1000) for injection (Correct answer)
- Oral prednisone
- Loratadine syrup
Correct answer: Epinephrine (1:1000) for injection
Epinephrine 1:1000 IM is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, which can be triggered during allergy testing.
CMA Medical Procedures and Techniques 4
Which of the following is the correct technique when performing a capillary puncture on an adult finger?