SCMA Specialty Certified Medical Assistant 4

Question 1

A specialty MA in a rheumatology clinic reviews lab results for a patient suspected of having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which antibody is most specific for SLE?

Accepted Answer

Anti-dsDNA antibody

Answer

Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies are highly specific for SLE and correlate with disease activity and lupus nephritis.

Question 2

In an allergy/immunology practice, a patient undergoes subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots). After administering the injection, the patient should be observed for a minimum of:

Accepted Answer

20–30 minutes

Answer

ACAAI guidelines require a 20–30 minute observation period after allergen immunotherapy injections to monitor for anaphylaxis.

Question 3

A specialty MA assists with a flexible cystoscopy in a urology office. Which solution is used to irrigate and distend the bladder during this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)

Answer

Sterile normal saline is the standard irrigant for flexible cystoscopy as it is isotonic and does not interfere with electrolyte balance.

Question 4

During a sleep study (polysomnography) setup, the specialty MA applies electrodes to monitor sleep stages. EEG electrode placement for polysomnography follows which system?

Accepted Answer

The International 10-20 system

Answer

The International 10-20 electrode placement system is used for EEG during polysomnography to standardize sleep stage scoring.

Question 5

A specialty MA in a hematology/oncology clinic notes that a patient's ANC (absolute neutrophil count) is 400 cells/μL. This indicates:

Accepted Answer

Severe neutropenia requiring neutropenic precautions

Answer

An ANC below 500 cells/μL is classified as severe neutropenia, requiring infection-prevention precautions such as a neutropenic diet and visitor restrictions.

Specialty Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

Specialty Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

SCMA Specialty Certified Medical Assistant 4