CPCA Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

A radiology report states: 'Chest X-ray demonstrates bilateral infiltrates with air bronchograms consistent with consolidation. No pleural effusion identified.' What condition do bilateral infiltrates with consolidation most likely represent?

Accepted Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Bilateral infiltrates with consolidation and air bronchograms are classic radiographic signs of pneumonia.

Question 2

An operative report reads: 'Hemostasis was achieved using electrocautery. The fascia was closed with 0-Vicryl suture in a running fashion. The skin was approximated with staples.' What does 'hemostasis' refer to in this note?

Accepted Answer

The process of stopping bleeding

Answer

Hemostasis is the physiological or surgical process of stopping bleeding to prevent excessive blood loss.

Question 3

A clinical note documents: 'Patient denies hematuria, dysuria, or frequency. Urinalysis reveals 3+ proteinuria with RBC casts on microscopy.' What does 'hematuria' mean?

Accepted Answer

Blood in the urine

Answer

Hematuria means the presence of blood (red blood cells) in the urine.

Question 4

A physician's note reads: 'The patient is a 45-year-old female with a 20 pack-year smoking history presenting with a productive cough and 15-pound unintentional weight loss over 3 months.' What does '20 pack-year smoking history' mean?

Accepted Answer

The patient smoked one pack per day for 20 years, or an equivalent

Answer

A pack-year is calculated by multiplying packs smoked per day by years smoked; 20 pack-years could mean 1 pack/day × 20 years or 2 packs/day × 10 years.

Question 5

An emergency department note states: 'Patient arrived via EMS in extremis with a GCS of 6. Immediate intubation performed for airway protection.' What does a GCS of 6 indicate?

Accepted Answer

Severe impairment of consciousness, indicating critical neurological status

Answer

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ranges from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (normal); a score of 6 indicates severe impairment of consciousness.

CPCA Exam Practice Test

CPCA Exam Practice Test

CPCA Reading Comprehension 3