NRCMA Clinical Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a 12-lead ECG, which electrode placement is correct for lead V4?
- 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line (Correct answer)
- 4th intercostal space, right sternal border
- 5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line
- 4th intercostal space, left sternal border
Correct answer: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Question 2: A patient's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg on two separate occasions. This is classified as:
- Stage 1 hypertension
- Stage 2 hypertension (Correct answer)
- Elevated blood pressure
- Hypertensive crisis
Correct answer: Stage 2 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct needle angle for an intradermal injection?
- 5–10 degrees
- 15 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
- 90 degrees
Correct answer: 15 degrees
Intradermal injections are administered at a 15-degree angle just below the skin surface.
Question 4: When collecting a midstream clean-catch urine specimen from a female patient, which instruction is correct?
- Collect urine from the first portion of the stream
- Wipe front to back with provided cleansing wipes (Correct answer)
- Wipe back to front to avoid contamination
- Cap the container before finishing urination
Correct answer: Wipe front to back with provided cleansing wipes
Female patients should wipe front to back with cleansing wipes to prevent contamination from rectal bacteria.
Question 5: A medical assistant is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection to an average-sized adult. Which needle gauge and length is most appropriate?
- 18 gauge, 1.5 inch
- 25 gauge, 5/8 inch (Correct answer)
- 22 gauge, 1 inch
- 20 gauge, 1 inch
Correct answer: 25 gauge, 5/8 inch
Subcutaneous injections typically use a 25–27 gauge, 5/8-inch needle to reach the fatty tissue layer.
Question 6: Which pulse site is used to assess circulation in the foot?
- Brachial
- Popliteal
- Dorsalis pedis (Correct answer)
- Femoral
Correct answer: Dorsalis pedis
The dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot and assesses distal lower extremity circulation.
Question 7: During an eye irrigation procedure, the medical assistant should direct the flow of solution:
- From the outer canthus toward the inner canthus
- From the inner canthus toward the outer canthus (Correct answer)
- Directly onto the pupil for maximum coverage
- Upward toward the upper eyelid
Correct answer: From the inner canthus toward the outer canthus
Solution flows from the inner canthus (near the nose) toward the outer canthus to carry contaminants away from the nasolacrimal duct.
NRCMA Clinical Skills 2
When performing a 12-lead ECG, which electrode placement is correct for lead V4?