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SCMA Flashcards

7 cards from real SCMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 SCMA flashcards as text

  1. A patient receiving a subcutaneous injection of insulin asks why the needle is inserted at a 45-degree angle. The correct response is:

    Answer: To deposit the medication into subcutaneous fatty tissue

    A 45-degree angle (or 90 degrees in obese patients) ensures the needle reaches the subcutaneous fatty layer, where insulin is designed to be absorbed.

  2. Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor in a patient taking warfarin (Coumadin)?

    Answer: Prothrombin time/INR

    PT/INR measures the clotting time and is used to monitor warfarin therapy and adjust dosing to prevent bleeding or clotting complications.

  3. When performing a 12-lead ECG, lead V4 should be placed at which anatomical location?

    Answer: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line

    V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the left side of the chest.

  4. A medical assistant is preparing to administer a vaccine. The patient states they had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose. The MA should:

    Answer: Document the reaction and notify the provider before proceeding

    A prior severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a vaccine is a contraindication; the provider must be notified before any dose is given.

  5. Which of the following is the correct order of blood draw tubes when using the evacuated tube system?

    Answer: Blue, gold, green, lavender, gray

    The correct order of draw (CLSI standard) is: blood culture, light blue (sodium citrate), gold/red, green, lavender (EDTA), then gray.

  6. A patient's blood pressure reads 148/94 mmHg. According to the ACC/AHA guidelines, this would be classified as:

    Answer: Stage 2 hypertension

    Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg under the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines.

  7. Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling a blood specimen that may be splashed during processing?

    Answer: Gloves, gown, and face shield

    When splash risk exists, OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards require gloves, gown, and eye/face protection (face shield or goggles plus mask).

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