NAHP NRCMA Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Exam Practice Test

A patient who is 68 years old is most likely covered by Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for people aged 65 and older, but it also covers some younger individuals with disabilities or specific diseases. Medicare consists of different parts that cover hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D).

A tray for a pelvic examination normally includes a vaginal speculum and lubricant. The speculum is a medical tool used to open the vaginal walls for visual inspection and access to the cervix during the examination. Lubricant is applied to the speculum to ease insertion and increase patient comfort. Other instruments that may be included depending on the specific examination or procedure are gloves, tenaculum, and hemostat forceps. Proper preparation of the examination tray ensures that the healthcare provider has all necessary tools readily available, facilitating a smooth and efficient examination process.

Bradycardia refers to a slow heart beat, defined as a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. It can be a normal condition in well-trained athletes but may also indicate a problem with the heart's electrical system. Symptoms of bradycardia can include fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and fainting.

The words"Annorexia","Oititis", and"Legder"are incorrectly spelled. The correct spellings are:

Anorexia- An eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Otitis- Inflammation or infection of the ear.

Ledger- A book or other collection of financial accounts.

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary.

When you are asked to take a cervical x-ray, you would take film of the neck region. Cervical x-rays are used to examine the cervical vertebrae, which are the seven vertebrae in the neck. These x-rays help diagnose fractures, dislocations, and other conditions affecting the cervical spine.

References:

Radiologic Science for Technologists by Stewart C. Bushong

Essentials of Radiographic Physics and Imaging by James Johnston and Terri L. Fauber

Thegaugeof a needle refers to its diameter, with a lower gauge number indicating a larger diameter. Therefore, a19 gauge needlehas the widest lumen among the options given. It is commonly used for rapid blood transfusions or for drawing viscous fluids.

21 gauge: Smaller lumen than 19 gauge.

22 gauge: Smaller lumen than 21 gauge.

26 gauge: Smallest lumen of the options listed.

The first sound heard when taking the blood pressure is thesystolic pressure, not diastolic. When measuring blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer, the first Korotkoff sound indicates the systolic pressure. It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (contracts) and is the higher of the two blood pressure readings. Diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, is indicated by the last Korotkoff sound heard.

References:

Manual of Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension by Giuseppe Mancia

Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques - American Heart Assoc

A diagnostic technique that detects regions of heat and cold in the body is called thermography. Thermography involves the use of infrared cameras to capture temperature variations on the surface of the body. This technique is useful for identifying areas of inflammation, abnormal blood flow, and other conditions that cause changes in skin temperature.

The digestion of fats primarily occurs in the small intestine. Bile produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder is released into the small intestine, where it emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets. This process increases the surface area for pancreatic lipase to act on, further breaking down the fats into fatty acids and glycerol which can then be absorbed by the intestinal lining. The small intestine is thus the major site for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.

References:

Gastrointestinal Physiology by Leonard R. Johnson

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems by Lauralee Sherwood

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that can be identified under a microscope by their large blue to purple staining granules. These granules contain histamine and heparin, which play a role in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions. Basophils are involved in immune system responses and can be recognized during a differential white blood cell count due to their distinctive staining properties and granule appearance.

References:

Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis

Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology

An unacceptable procedure for a fainting victim is topour water over the victim’s face. This action can cause further distress and does not address the underlying cause of fainting. Instead, appropriate measures include loosening tight clothing, checking for injuries, and keeping the victim lying down until they recover.

References:

American Heart Association. (n.d.). First Aid Guidelines.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Fainting: First Aid.

The abbreviation for every hour is "Q.H." This is derived from the Latin "quaque hora," meaning "every hour." It is used in medical prescriptions and instructions to indicate the frequency of medication or treatment administration.

References:

Medical Abbreviations: 32,000 Conveniences at the Expense of Communication and Safety by Neil M. Davis

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) - Abbreviation Guidelines

TRICAREis the health care program for retired military personnel, their dependents, and active-duty military personnel. It provides comprehensive coverage, including health plans, special programs, prescriptions, and dental plans. TRICARE serves uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, TRICARE program guidelines.

Vitamin Kis necessary for the proper clotting of the blood. It is essential for the synthesis of proteins required for blood coagulation and for binding calcium in bones and other tissues. Deficiency in vitamin K can lead to increased bleeding and bruising.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, nutrition and biochemistry references.

On a normal EKG (electrocardiogram) tracing, the first wave to show a downward deflection is theQ wave. The EKG tracing consists of several waves: the P wave (representing atrial depolarization), the QRS complex (representing ventricular depolarization), and the T wave (representing ventricular repolarization). The Q wave is the initial negative deflection after the P wave and before the R wave in the QRS complex.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and standard cardiology references.

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Mitosis consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm and organelles into two daughter cells. Unlike meiosis, which produces four genetically diverse gametes (sperm or egg cells), mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Tissues are composed of cells. A tissue is a group of similar cells that perform a specific function. There are four primary types of tissues in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Each type of tissue has a distinct structure and function that contributes to the overall physiology of the body.

References:

Junqueira's Basic Histology: Text and Atlas by Anthony L. Mescher

Human Anatomy & Physiology by Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, beneath the occipital lobes and behind the brainstem. It plays a crucial role in motor control, particularly in the coordination, precision, and timing of movements. The cerebellum integrates input from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to fine-tune motor activity. It helps maintain balance and posture by coordinating the muscles used for these functions. Damage to the cerebellum can result in loss of coordination (ataxia), tremors, and difficulty with balance and gait.

The universal donor blood type isO negative (O-). This means that individuals with this blood type can donate blood to recipients of any other blood type. This is due to the absence of A and B antigens on the red blood cells and the lack of Rh antigen, which prevents the immune system of the recipient from recognizing the donor blood as foreign. The concept of universal donor is fundamental in emergency situations when there's no time to cross-match blood types.

References:

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Understanding Blood Types.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Blood Types and Compatibility.

The word partmegalo-is a prefix that meanslargeorenlarged. It is often used in medical terminology to describe abnormal enlargement of an organ or part, as inmegalocardia(enlargement of the heart) orhepatomegaly(enlargement of the liver).

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the human body, typically measuring between 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They form a network between the arterioles and venules and are the site of the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and tissues. This extensive network ensures that every cell in the body is in close proximity to a capillary, facilitating efficient physiological exchange processes.

References:

Gray's Anatomy

Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis

Acarotid pulseis taken at theneck. The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck and supply blood to the brain. To check the carotid pulse, one gently places their fingers on the side of the neck, next to the windpipe.

References:

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How to Check Your Pulse.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Carotid Artery Disease.

Normal oral temperature of 98.6°F is equivalent to 37.0°C. This conversion is based on the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius: C=(F−32)×59\text{C} = (\text{F} - 32) \times\frac{5}{9}C=(F−32)×95​. Maintaining accurate temperature readings is important for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.

References:

Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations by Walker, Hall, and Hurst

Temperature and Vital Signs Monitoring in Clinical Practice

A patient with a rapid pulse hastachycardia. Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. It can result from various factors including stress, exercise, or medical conditions.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, cardiology references.

The suffix-orrheameansdischarge or flow. It is used in medical terminology to describe an abnormal flow or discharge from a body part or organ. Examples include diarrhea (flow of loose or watery stools) and rhinorrhea (nasal discharge).

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Hypertensionis the medical term for high blood pressure. It is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The other terms refer to different conditions:

Hyperemia: Increased blood flow to a particular area of the body.

Hypertrophy: Enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in the size of its cells.

Hyperthermia: Abnormally high body temperature.

The opposite ofsuperficialisdeep. In medical terminology, "superficial" refers to structures near the surface of the body, while "deep" refers to structures further away from the surface and closer to the interior of the body. For example, muscles that are deep are located beneath more superficial layers of tissue.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy and physiology textbooks.

Carbohydrates are classified into three main groups based on their chemical structure and complexity: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose. Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units linked together, such as sucrose and lactose. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates consisting of long chains of monosaccharide units, examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose. These classifications are essential for understanding carbohydrate digestion and metabolism.

References:

Biochemistry by Berg, Tymoczko, and Stryer

Essentials of Human Nutrition by Jim Mann and Stewart Truswell

A patient in the prone position is lying face down. This position is commonly used in medical examinations and surgical procedures to access the back or posterior parts of the body. It helps in various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, providing better access to the dorsal surface of the body.

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary

Clinical Examination Techniques by Talley and O'Connor

A mild hypnotic drug that is relaxing but doesn't necessarily produce sleep is called a sedative. Sedatives are used to calm patients, reduce anxiety, and induce relaxation. They are commonly used in medical settings to prepare patients for procedures or to alleviate stress and anxiety.

References:

Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions by Colbert and Woodrow

Poikilocytosis refers to the variation in the shape of red blood cells. This condition is usually detected through a blood smear examination and can indicate various types of anemia and other blood disorders. Poikilocytes are abnormally shaped red blood cells, and their presence can suggest underlying health issues that need further investigation.

References:

Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas, and Jon C. Aster

American Society of Hematology, Blood Disorders Overview

Persons who are unable to pay for medical care or who have dependent children may apply for Medicaid. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. It provides benefits not typically covered by Medicare, including long-term care and personal care services.

Neoplasm refers to a new growth of tissue, which can be benign or malignant. It is an abnormal proliferation of cells, and when malignant, it is commonly referred to as cancer. The term encompasses a wide range of growths and tumors, varying in behavior, treatment, and prognosis.

References:

Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease

Cancer Biology by Raymond W. Ruddon

A patient with a rapid pulse hastachycardia. Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. It can result from various factors including stress, exercise, or medical conditions.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, cardiology references.

When collecting specimens for a white blood count (WBC), you would use a tube that containsEDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)as an anticoagulant. EDTA prevents blood from clotting by binding calcium ions, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the blood sample for accurate WBC analysis.

AIDS stands foracquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging the immune system, HIV interferes with the body's ability to fight infections and disease.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). About HIV/AIDS.

World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). HIV/AIDS.

The abbreviation forimmediatelyisSTAT. This term is used in medical contexts to indicate that an action is to be taken immediately, derived from the Latin word "statim."

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols (5th ed.). (2013). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

A tumor that isnon-progressive and not life-threateningis consideredbenign. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and generally grow slowly. They are not cancerous and are usually not a threat to life, although they can cause problems if they press on vital organs or tissues.

References:

American Cancer Society. (n.d.). What

The pre-determined amount of money paid by the patient before the insurance company pays is called the deductible. This is a common feature in health insurance plans, where the patient must pay a specified amount out-of-pocket for healthcare services before the insurance coverage begins to contribute to the costs.

References:

Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement, 14th Edition, Michelle A. Green

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Health Insurance Basics

The most common positions for chest x-rays arePA (posteroanterior) and lateral. These positions provide a comprehensive view of the chest, including the lungs, heart, and bones, and help in diagnosing conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, and fractures.

The word part "itis" means inflammation. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe inflammatory conditions affecting various parts of the body. For example, "arthritis" refers to inflammation of the joints, and "bronchitis" refers to inflammation of the bronchi.

References:

Medical Terminology: A Short Course by Davi-Ellen Chabner

Stedman's Medical Dictionary

The outermost cellular layer of skin is called the epidermis. The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium that provides a protective barrier against environmental factors such as pathogens, UV radiation, and physical injury. It is composed of several layers, including the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of dead keratinized cells.

Osteoporosisis a metabolic bone disorder characterized by the loss of bone density and strength due to the depletion of calcium and phosphate. This condition primarily affects postmenopausal women because the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause accelerates bone loss. Osteoporosis makes bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures.

Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine.

Kyphosis: An excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunchback appearance.

The prefixosteo-meansbone. This prefix is used in medical terminology to refer to conditions and structures related to bones, such as osteoarthritis (a type of arthritis that affects bones and joints) and osteoporosis (a condition where bones become weak and brittle).

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Tendons are strong, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, enabling movement.They transmit the force generated by muscle contractions to the bones, allowing the skeleton to move. Tendons are composed mainly of collagen fibers, which give them strength and flexibility. Unlike ligaments, which connect bones to other bones, tendons connect muscles to bones. Common tendons include the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and the patellar tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle to the patella (kneecap).

If a patient who has complained of chest pain collapses in the office, you shouldbe sure the patient is breathless and pulseless before administering CPR. This step is crucial to ensure that CPR is necessary and appropriate. After confirming the need for CPR, you should proceed with chest compressions and rescue breaths as needed while someone else calls for emergency medical services.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, emergency response guidelines.

The word part which meansjointisarthro. This prefix is used in medical terminology to refer to joints, as seen in words like arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and arthroscopy (a procedure to look inside a joint).

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Aglucose tolerance test (GTT)is used to evaluate how well the body processes glucose, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to sugar metabolism, such as diabetes and insulin resistance. During the test, a patient consumes a glucose-rich beverage, and blood samples are taken at intervals to measure blood glucose levels. The primary purpose is to assess the body's ability to metabolize sugar.

Liver enlargement is medically referred to as hepatomegaly. The term "hepatomegaly" comes from "hepato," meaning liver, and "megaly," meaning enlargement. This condition can be indicative of various underlying health issues, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure, infections, or cancer. Diagnosing hepatomegaly typically involves physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, and sometimes liver function tests. Recognizing and understanding the term hepatomegaly is essential for healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing conditions related to liver health.

The incorrectly spelled words are:

Annorcxlashould beAnorexia

Oitltlsshould beOtitis

Legdcrshould beLedger

Metabolismis correctly spelled.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier against environmental damage from pathogens, UV radiation, and water loss. It is composed of multiple layers of keratinocytes, which produce the protein keratin, giving the skin its strength and resilience. The epidermis is avascular (contains no blood vessels) and relies on the dermis for nutrient and waste exchange. The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, consists of dead, flattened cells that are continuously shed and replaced by new cells from the deeper layers.

Medicarepays80 percentof the approved amount for covered services after the beneficiary meets the deductible. The remaining 20 percent is typically paid by the patient or a secondary insurance if the patient has one. This cost-sharing helps manage the expenses between Medicare and the patient.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, Medicare guidelines.

A mysterious condition that kills apparently healthy infants between the ages of 4 weeks and 7 months is known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby, often during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with factors such as sleep environment, respiratory issues, and developmental vulnerabilities.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics - SIDS Guidelines

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Prevention by J. Bruce Beckwith

The termselfrefers toauto. This prefix is used in medical terminology to denote self or same, as seen in words like autoimmune (where the immune system attacks the body's own cells) and autopsy (self-examination of a body after death).

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.

Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The medical term for a nosebleed isepistaxis. It refers to bleeding from the nose, which can result from a variety of causes including trauma, dry air, high blood pressure, or underlying medical conditions.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Nosebleeds (Epistaxis).

The prefix"osteo-"comes from the Greek word "osteon," meaningbone. It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to bones or bone-related conditions. For example, osteoporosis (a condition characterized by weakened bones) and osteoarthritis (a type of arthritis that affects the bones and joints).Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and standard medical dictionaries.

The facial bones that compose the massive upper jawbones are called the maxillary bones. These bones form the upper jaw and hold the upper teeth. They also play a crucial role in the formation of the orbits of the eyes, the nasal cavity, and the hard palate. The maxillary bones are key structures in the facial skeleton, contributing to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the face.

References:

Gray's Anatomy

Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology by Elaine N. Marieb

A critical illness resulting in thesudden cessation of kidney functionis known asrenal failure. Acute renal failure, or acute kidney injury, can occur suddenly and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It requires immediate medical intervention to restore kidney function and maintain overall health.

AnEndocrinologistis a physician specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases and malfunctions of the endocrine glands, which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These glands include the thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, pituitary, and others. Endocrinologists manage conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances.

Gynecologist: Specializes in women's reproductive health.

Gastroenterologist: Specializes in the digestive system.

Urologist: Specializes in the urinary system and male reproductive organs.

The suffix-algiameanspain. It is used in medical terminology to describe pain in a specific part of the body, such as in "neuralgia" (nerve pain) or "myalgia" (muscle pain).

-ectomy: Refers to the surgical removal of a part of the body, as in "appendectomy."

algia: Correct suffix meaning pain.

olgíaandilgia: Incorrect and not used in medical terminology.