Practice Test GeeksCPCA Exam Practice Test
← All CPCA Flashcard Decks

Reading Comprehension Flashcards

7 cards from real CPCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Reading Comprehension flashcards as text

  1. A progress note reads: 'Patient presents for follow-up of her Type 2 DM. HbA1c returned at 9.2%. Patient reports adherence to diet but admits to missing metformin doses frequently.' What does an HbA1c of 9.2% indicate?

    Answer: Poorly controlled blood sugar over the past 2-3 months

    HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over 2-3 months; a level of 9.2% is significantly above the target of <7% for most diabetics, indicating poor control.

  2. An operative report states: 'The patient underwent arthroscopic debridement of the right knee with partial medial meniscectomy. The chondral surfaces were inspected and found to be intact.' What does 'debridement' mean in a surgical context?

    Answer: Removal of damaged, necrotic, or foreign tissue to promote healing

    Debridement is the surgical removal of devitalized, damaged, or contaminated tissue to allow healthy tissue to heal.

  3. A lab report reads: 'WBC 14.2 K/uL (ref: 4.5–11.0), Neutrophils 88% (ref: 50–70%), Bands 12% (ref: 0–5%).' A coder reviewing this for sepsis criteria notes a 'left shift.' What does a 'left shift' indicate?

    Answer: An increase in immature neutrophils (bands), suggesting acute infection or inflammation

    A left shift refers to the release of immature neutrophils (bands) into circulation, indicating the bone marrow is working overtime during infection or sepsis.

  4. A consultation note reads: 'I reviewed the patient's echocardiogram which demonstrates an ejection fraction of 35% with global hypokinesis and moderate mitral regurgitation.' What does an ejection fraction of 35% indicate?

    Answer: Reduced cardiac function, indicating systolic heart failure

    Normal ejection fraction is 55-70%; an EF of 35% indicates the heart is pumping poorly, consistent with systolic (reduced EF) heart failure.

  5. A physician documents: 'The patient was seen for an annual wellness exam. She is a G3P2 female with LMP 6 weeks ago. Urine hCG is positive.' What does 'G3P2' mean in obstetric notation?

    Answer: Gravida 3 (3 total pregnancies), Para 2 (2 deliveries after 20 weeks)

    In obstetric notation, G (Gravida) = total number of pregnancies including the current one, and P (Para) = number of deliveries at or beyond 20 weeks.

  6. An emergency note reads: 'Patient presents with sudden onset severe headache described as the worst headache of his life, neck stiffness, and photophobia. Non-contrast CT head is negative.' What diagnosis must be urgently excluded?

    Answer: Subarachnoid hemorrhage

    A 'thunderclap' headache (worst of one's life) with meningismus signs requires immediate exclusion of subarachnoid hemorrhage, even with a negative CT.

  7. A discharge summary reads: 'Patient was started on DVT prophylaxis with subcutaneous enoxaparin during the hospital stay. Sequential compression devices were applied bilaterally to lower extremities.' What is the primary goal of DVT prophylaxis in a hospitalized patient?

    Answer: To prevent the formation of blood clots in immobilized patients

    DVT prophylaxis (anticoagulants and compression devices) is used preventively to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis in patients with limited mobility during hospitalization.