SCMA SCMA 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medical assistant notes that a patient's urine dipstick shows 2+ glucose and 1+ ketones. These findings are most consistent with:
- Urinary tract infection
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (Correct answer)
- Dehydration alone
- Kidney stones
Correct answer: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Glucosuria combined with ketonuria is a classic finding in uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes mellitus, indicating the body is breaking down fat for energy.
Question 2: When scheduling a patient for a fasting lipid panel, the medical assistant should instruct the patient to fast for:
- 2 hours
- 4 hours
- 8-12 hours (Correct answer)
- 24 hours
Correct answer: 8-12 hours
A fasting lipid panel requires 9–12 hours of fasting (no food, only water) to ensure accurate triglyceride and LDL cholesterol measurements.
Question 3: Which schedule classification under the DEA applies to drugs with accepted medical use but a high potential for abuse, such as oxycodone?
- Schedule I
- Schedule II (Correct answer)
- Schedule III
- Schedule IV
Correct answer: Schedule II
Schedule II drugs (e.g., oxycodone, fentanyl, amphetamines) have accepted medical use but carry a high potential for severe psychological or physical dependence.
Question 4: A patient presents with a laceration requiring sutures. After cleaning the wound, the provider asks the MA to set up a sterile field. The MA accidentally touches the sterile drape with an ungloved hand. The correct action is:
- Continue with the procedure since only the edges of the drape are contaminated
- Replace the sterile drape and re-establish the sterile field (Correct answer)
- Wipe the touched area with an alcohol swab
- Apply a sterile glove to the contaminated hand and continue
Correct answer: Replace the sterile drape and re-establish the sterile field
Any contact with a sterile field by an unsterile surface renders it contaminated; the entire drape must be replaced to maintain sterility.
Question 5: Which of the following is a common side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors that should be reported to the provider?
- Peripheral edema
- Dry persistent cough (Correct answer)
- Bradycardia
- Hypokalemia
Correct answer: Dry persistent cough
A dry, persistent cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors caused by accumulation of bradykinin in the airways.
Question 6: The Snellen chart is used to assess:
- Intraocular pressure
- Visual acuity (Correct answer)
- Color vision deficiency
- Peripheral vision
Correct answer: Visual acuity
The Snellen chart measures distance visual acuity, typically at 20 feet, and results are recorded as a fraction (e.g., 20/20).
Question 7: When documenting a patient encounter using the SOAP note format, the 'O' (Objective) section should include:
- Patient's description of symptoms and chief complaint
- Provider's diagnosis and treatment rationale
- Vital signs, physical exam findings, and lab results (Correct answer)
- The treatment plan and follow-up instructions
Correct answer: Vital signs, physical exam findings, and lab results
The Objective section contains measurable, observable data such as vital signs, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results.
SCMA SCMA 3
A medical assistant notes that a patient's urine dipstick shows 2+ glucose and 1+ ketones.
These findings are most consistent with: