Medical Assistant Clinical Skills Flashcards

A spirometry test measures:

Answer: Lung volumes and airflow rates

Spirometry measures lung volumes and the rate of airflow to assess pulmonary function.

Which of the following is a contraindication for applying heat therapy?

Answer: Acute injury within 48 hours

Heat increases blood flow and swelling, so it is contraindicated in the acute phase of an injury (first 48 hours).

The normal respiratory rate for a resting adult is:

Answer: 12–20 breaths/min

A normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12–20 breaths per minute.

A patient's oxygen saturation reading of 88% on pulse oximetry indicates:

Answer: Moderate to severe hypoxemia

Normal SpO2 is 95–100%; a reading of 88% indicates significant hypoxemia requiring clinical attention.

When preparing a sterile field, which action would contaminate it?

Answer: Reaching across the sterile field

Reaching across a sterile field introduces microorganisms from non-sterile areas, contaminating the field.

Which type of specimen is used for a urine culture and sensitivity test?

Answer: Midstream clean-catch

A midstream clean-catch urine specimen reduces contamination from skin flora and is standard for culture and sensitivity testing.