SCMA SCMA 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's chart shows a pulse oximetry reading of 91% on room air. The medical assistant should:
- Document the reading and continue with the appointment
- Reassess in 10 minutes before notifying the provider
- Immediately notify the provider of the abnormal reading (Correct answer)
- Administer supplemental oxygen without a provider order
Correct answer: Immediately notify the provider of the abnormal reading
SpO2 below 95% is considered abnormal; a reading of 91% indicates possible hypoxemia and requires prompt provider notification for further evaluation.
Question 2: Which of the following is the correct method for disposing of a used lancet after a fingerstick blood glucose test?
- Recap the lancet and place in the regular trash
- Drop the lancet directly into a sharps container without recapping (Correct answer)
- Wrap the lancet in gauze and place in a biohazard bag
- Place the lancet on the counter until the procedure is finished, then dispose
Correct answer: Drop the lancet directly into a sharps container without recapping
Used sharps including lancets must be dropped immediately and uncapped into an approved puncture-resistant sharps container per OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards.
Question 3: The purpose of the chain of custody protocol when collecting a urine drug screen is to:
- Ensure the specimen is refrigerated at all times
- Maintain a documented, unbroken record of specimen handling from collection to result (Correct answer)
- Speed up laboratory processing of the specimen
- Confirm the patient's identity before collection
Correct answer: Maintain a documented, unbroken record of specimen handling from collection to result
Chain of custody documents every person who handles the specimen, ensuring sample integrity and legal defensibility of results.
Question 4: Which cranial nerve is assessed when testing a patient's ability to smell?
- Cranial nerve II (Optic)
- Cranial nerve I (Olfactory) (Correct answer)
- Cranial nerve VII (Facial)
- Cranial nerve V (Trigeminal)
Correct answer: Cranial nerve I (Olfactory)
Cranial nerve I (olfactory) is responsible for the sense of smell and is tested by having the patient identify familiar scents with eyes closed.
Question 5: A patient weighs 198 lbs. What is this patient's weight in kilograms? (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)
- 78 kg
- 90 kg (Correct answer)
- 86 kg
- 100 kg
Correct answer: 90 kg
198 ÷ 2.2 = 90 kg; dividing pounds by 2.2 converts to kilograms, which is required for many medication dosage calculations.
Question 6: When a patient refuses a recommended procedure after the provider has explained the risks and benefits, the medical assistant should:
- Persuade the patient to accept the procedure for their own safety
- Document the refusal in the chart and have the patient sign an informed refusal form (Correct answer)
- Contact the patient's family to convince them to comply
- Reschedule the procedure without documenting the refusal
Correct answer: Document the refusal in the chart and have the patient sign an informed refusal form
Patient autonomy includes the right to refuse treatment; the refusal must be documented and the patient should sign an informed refusal to protect the practice legally.
Question 7: Which of the following findings during a peak flow test would indicate poor asthma control in a patient whose personal best is 500 L/min?
- 420 L/min (84% of personal best)
- 400 L/min (80% of personal best)
- 370 L/min (74% of personal best) (Correct answer)
- 480 L/min (96% of personal best)
Correct answer: 370 L/min (74% of personal best)
A peak flow reading below 80% of personal best places the patient in the 'yellow zone,' indicating caution; below 50% is the 'red zone' — 74% (370 L/min) signals poor control requiring intervention.
SCMA SCMA 5
A patient's chart shows a pulse oximetry reading of 91% on room air.
The medical assistant should: