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
An operative note states: 'The patient was placed in the supine position. A 4 cm incision was made in the right lower quadrant. The appendix was identified, ligated, and excised.' Which term best describes the position documented?
Answer: Supine
Supine means the patient is lying face-up on their back, as stated explicitly in the operative note.
A discharge summary reads: 'Patient presented with acute onset dyspnea, diaphoresis, and chest pain radiating to the left arm. EKG showed ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF.' Which condition is most consistent with these findings?
Answer: Inferior myocardial infarction
ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF indicates an inferior MI, as these leads reflect the inferior wall of the heart.
A progress note reads: 'The wound measures 3.5 cm in length with serous drainage and mild erythema at the margins. No induration or crepitus noted.' The coder must identify the wound condition. What does 'serous drainage' indicate?
Answer: Clear or slightly yellow fluid, typically non-infectious
Serous drainage is thin, watery, and clear or slightly yellow, which is generally a normal part of wound healing.
A physician documents: 'Patient is a 68-year-old male with PMH significant for HTN, T2DM, and COPD presenting with exacerbation of his underlying pulmonary condition.' What does 'PMH' stand for in clinical documentation?
Answer: Past Medical History
PMH is a standard medical abbreviation for Past Medical History, listing prior diagnoses and conditions.
An anesthesia record states: 'General anesthesia administered via endotracheal intubation. Total anesthesia time: 2 hours 15 minutes. Patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout.' What does 'hemodynamically stable' mean in this context?
Answer: The patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation were maintained within acceptable ranges
Hemodynamically stable means the cardiovascular system (heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow) remained within safe parameters during the procedure.
A pathology report reads: 'Gross examination reveals a 2.3 cm firm, irregular mass with ill-defined borders. Microscopic examination shows pleomorphic cells with frequent mitotic figures.' What does 'pleomorphic' suggest about the cells?
Answer: The cells vary widely in size and shape, suggesting malignancy
Pleomorphic cells vary in size and shape, which is a hallmark of malignant (cancerous) tissue.
A consultation note reads: 'After reviewing the patient's imaging and lab values, and in consideration of the patient's comorbidities, I concur with the referring physician's assessment and recommend conservative management at this time.' Who is the 'referring physician' in this context?
Answer: The physician who sent the patient to the specialist for evaluation
The referring physician is the provider who sent (referred) the patient to the specialist for a consultation.