Clinical Skills Flashcards

Which site is preferred for intramuscular injections in infants?

Answer: Vastus lateralis

The vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh) is the preferred IM injection site for infants due to its large muscle mass and absence of major nerves.

When measuring a patient's height using a stadiometer, the patient should be:

Answer: Standing with heels, buttocks, and shoulders touching the wall

Accurate height measurement requires the patient to stand erect with heels, buttocks, and shoulders against the measuring device.

A Snellen eye chart is used to measure:

Answer: Distance visual acuity

The Snellen chart assesses distance visual acuity, typically at 20 feet.

During a capillary puncture, the medical assistant should puncture the fingertip at which location?

Answer: Lateral side of the fingertip

The lateral (side) aspect of the fingertip is punctured to avoid the bone and nerve-rich central pad.

Which of the following describes the correct order of draw for capillary blood collection?

Answer: EDTA, serum, heparin, glucose

The capillary order of draw is: EDTA tubes first, then other additive tubes, then serum tubes.

A patient is scheduled for a fasting lipid panel. How long should the patient fast prior to the test?

Answer: 9–12 hours

A fasting lipid panel requires 9–12 hours of fasting to obtain accurate triglyceride and LDL measurements.

When performing a throat culture, the medical assistant should swab which area?

Answer: Posterior pharynx and tonsillar area

Throat cultures require swabbing the posterior pharynx and tonsillar area where pathogens such as Group A Streptococcus are most likely to be present.