NHI Patient Care & Medical Assisting Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a 12-lead ECG, which anatomical landmark is used to place the V1 electrode?
- Left sternal border, 4th intercostal space
- Right sternal border, 4th intercostal space (Correct answer)
- Left midclavicular line, 5th intercostal space
- Right midclavicular line, 5th intercostal space
Correct answer: Right sternal border, 4th intercostal space
V1 is placed at the fourth intercostal space on the right sternal border.
Question 2: A patient has a blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg on three separate readings. According to current guidelines, this patient would be classified as having:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Stage 1 hypertension
- Stage 2 hypertension (Correct answer)
- Hypertensive crisis
Correct answer: Stage 2 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg.
Question 3: Which position should be used when examining a patient with suspected appendicitis or performing a pelvic examination?
- Trendelenburg
- Fowler's
- Lithotomy (Correct answer)
- Sims'
Correct answer: Lithotomy
The lithotomy position places the patient supine with legs elevated and in stirrups, used for pelvic and rectal exams.
Question 4: When assisting with a sterile field during a minor surgical procedure, a medical assistant accidentally touches the sterile drape with an ungloved hand. What should be done?
- Wipe the area with an alcohol swab and continue
- Inform the provider and replace the sterile field (Correct answer)
- Cover the contaminated area with another drape
- Proceed if the touch was brief
Correct answer: Inform the provider and replace the sterile field
Any break in sterile technique requires notifying the provider and establishing a new sterile field.
Question 5: Which of the following is the correct technique for measuring a patient's oral temperature using a digital thermometer?
- Place under the tongue in the sublingual pocket and have patient breathe through mouth
- Place under the tongue in the sublingual pocket and have patient close lips (Correct answer)
- Place between the cheek and gum and have patient close mouth
- Place at the back of the throat and wait for the beep
Correct answer: Place under the tongue in the sublingual pocket and have patient close lips
The thermometer is placed in the sublingual pocket and the patient closes lips to seal heat for accurate reading.
Question 6: A patient refuses a prescribed injection. The medical assistant should:
- Administer it anyway because it was ordered by the physician
- Document the refusal and notify the provider (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient's family member to convince them
- Delay the appointment until the patient agrees
Correct answer: Document the refusal and notify the provider
Patients have the right to refuse treatment; the MA must document the refusal and inform the provider.
Question 7: When collecting a urine specimen for a midstream clean-catch culture, which step is performed FIRST?
- Begin urinating into the collection cup
- Clean the urethral meatus with antiseptic wipes (Correct answer)
- Label the specimen container
- Remove the lid from the sterile container
Correct answer: Clean the urethral meatus with antiseptic wipes
Cleansing the urethral meatus before collection prevents contamination of the midstream specimen.
NHI Patient Care & Medical Assisting Techniques 2
When performing a 12-lead ECG, which anatomical landmark is used to place the V1 electrode?