CMT Medical Procedures & Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A physician orders 500 mg of amoxicillin oral suspension. The available concentration is 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be administered?
- 5 mL
- 10 mL (Correct answer)
- 15 mL
- 20 mL
Correct answer: 10 mL
500 mg ÷ 250 mg/5 mL = 10 mL is the correct dose.
Question 2: Which technique is used to confirm intravenous catheter placement in a vein before initiating an infusion?
- Observe for blood return upon aspiration
- Flush with normal saline and watch for infiltration
- Check for skin blanching at the site
- Both A and B (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both A and B
Confirming IV placement involves both observing blood return on aspiration and flushing with saline to check for infiltration or resistance.
Question 3: When performing a capillary blood glucose test, which finger site is preferred for the puncture?
- Tip of the index finger, center
- Lateral side of the fingertip (Correct answer)
- Base of the thumb
- Palm of the hand
Correct answer: Lateral side of the fingertip
The lateral (side) aspect of the fingertip has fewer nerve endings and good capillary supply, reducing pain.
Question 4: What action should be taken immediately if a patient reports burning pain during an IV infusion?
- Slow the infusion rate
- Stop the infusion and assess the site for infiltration (Correct answer)
- Apply a warm compress and continue
- Elevate the arm above heart level
Correct answer: Stop the infusion and assess the site for infiltration
Burning pain during IV infusion may indicate infiltration or phlebitis; the infusion must be stopped and the site assessed immediately.
Question 5: Which position is appropriate when performing a rectal temperature measurement on an adult?
- Supine with legs extended
- Sims' (lateral) position with upper knee flexed (Correct answer)
- High-Fowler's position
- Prone position
Correct answer: Sims' (lateral) position with upper knee flexed
The Sims' (left lateral) position with the upper knee flexed provides optimal access for rectal temperature measurement.
Question 6: A patient is to receive 1000 mL of NS over 8 hours via a drip set with 15 gtt/mL. What is the correct drip rate?
- 15 gtt/min
- 21 gtt/min
- 31 gtt/min (Correct answer)
- 45 gtt/min
Correct answer: 31 gtt/min
Rate = (1000 mL × 15 gtt/mL) ÷ (8 h × 60 min) = 15,000 ÷ 480 ≈ 31 gtt/min.
Question 7: When performing a wound irrigation, which pressure range is considered therapeutic and safe?
- 1–4 psi
- 4–15 psi (Correct answer)
- 15–30 psi
- 30–50 psi
Correct answer: 4–15 psi
A pressure of 4–15 psi effectively removes debris without causing tissue trauma or driving bacteria deeper into the wound.
CMT Medical Procedures & Techniques 3
A physician orders 500 mg of amoxicillin oral suspension.
The available concentration is 250 mg/5 mL.
How many mL should be administered?