Free NCMA Patient Intake and Vital Signs Measurement Questions and Answers

Question 1

A medical assistant is taking the vital signs of an adult patient. Which of the following blood pressure readings is considered within the normal range?

Accepted Answer

118/76 mmHg

Answer

According to the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading for an adult is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. The other options represent elevated blood pressure or hypertension.

Question 2

When measuring a patient's pulse, which of the following is the most commonly used site?

Accepted Answer

Radial artery

Answer

The radial artery, located on the thumb side of the wrist, is the most common and accessible site for measuring a pulse in a conscious adult. The carotid artery is used in emergencies, the brachial is used for blood pressure, and the femoral is in the groin.

Question 3

A patient's respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute. What is the medical term for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Tachypnea

Answer

Tachypnea is the medical term for rapid, shallow breathing, with a rate above the normal range of 12-20 breaths per minute for an adult. Bradypnea is slow breathing, apnea is the absence of breathing, and dyspnea is difficulty breathing.

Question 4

To ensure an accurate respiratory rate, the medical assistant should measure it:

Accepted Answer

without the patient's awareness.

Answer

Patients may alter their breathing pattern if they know it is being counted. The best practice is to count respirations immediately after taking the pulse, while still appearing to hold the patient's wrist, so they remain unaware.

Question 5

In the SOAP method of charting, what information is included in the 'S' section?

Accepted Answer

The patient's chief complaint.

Answer

The 'S' in SOAP stands for Subjective. This section includes information that the patient reports, such as their chief complaint, symptoms, and feelings. It is the patient's personal account of their condition.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

Free NCMA Patient Intake and Vital Signs Measurement Questions and Answers