NRCMA Practice Exam Questions with Answers Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Certification

Galactoseis a simple sugar that is a product of the digestion ofmilk. Lactose, the sugar found in milk, is broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase. This process occurs in the small intestine, allowing these sugars to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

When a small sample of tissue is taken from the body and sent to a clinical laboratory to be examined or studied, it is called a biopsy. Biopsies are performed to diagnose diseases, such as cancer, by analyzing tissue samples under a microscope. This procedure provides critical information about the presence and extent of diseases.

References:

Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease

The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology

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

Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells in the blood responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin is composed of four subunits, each containing an iron ion that can bind one molecule of oxygen. This binding and release of oxygen are critical for cellular respiration, which provides energy for the body's metabolic processes. The unique biconcave shape of RBCs increases their surface area for efficient gas exchange and allows them to navigate through the narrow capillaries.

Anemiais a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a lack of oxygen being carried to the body's tissues. This can result from a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, or folate, among other causes. The other options refer to different conditions:

Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Ischemia: Restricted blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen needed for cellular metabolism.

Under the Controlled Substance Act, there are five schedules. These schedules classify drugs based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. Schedule I includes drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule V includes drugs with a lower potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule IV and consisting of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics.

References:

Controlled Substances Act - U.S. Department of Justice

Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations - National Institute on Drug Abuse

The pH of a urine sample is checked to determine its acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. Urine pH can provide information about a person's diet, medications, and metabolic conditions.

References:

Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations by Michael L. Bishop

Urinalysis and Body Fluids by Susan King Strasinger

Physiologyis the scientific study of the functions and mechanisms in a living system. It focuses on how organs and systems within the body work, how they interact, and the physical and chemical processes that occur within living organisms. The other options (study of physical signs, process of life) are not accurate definitions of physiology.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and standard physiology textbooks.

Hepatitisis inflammation of theliver. It can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, certain medications, and other factors. Hepatitis can lead to symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and liver damage if left untreated.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical pathology references.

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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.

During galvanic electrical stimulation, it is crucial that the patient is attended at all times. This procedure involves the use of direct current (DC) to stimulate muscle contraction and requires continuous monitoring to ensure the patient's safety and to adjust the settings if needed. Unattended galvanic stimulation can pose risks such as burns or other injuries, hence constant supervision is essential.

References:

Principles and Practice of Electrotherapy by Nelson and Currier

Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation by William E. Prentice

Palpationis done byfeeling a part with the hand. It is a technique used by healthcare providers to examine the body through touch to assess the size, shape, firmness, or location of a structure. Palpation is commonly used in physical examinations to detect abnormalities such as swelling, tenderness, or lumps.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical examination techniques.

Vitamin D is essential for the body's ability to absorb calcium from the diet. It promotes the absorption of calcium in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D is obtained from exposure to sunlight, dietary sources (such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs), and supplements. It is converted in the skin to its active form, calcitriol, which facilitates calcium absorption in the intestines.

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

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.

Tendonitisis an inflamed condition of the tendon and tendon muscles. It is often caused by overuse or injury and can result in pain, swelling, and impaired movement. Common areas affected by tendonitis include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and heels.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, musculoskeletal disorder references.

Aprefixis a group of letters placed at thebeginningof a word to modify its meaning. Prefixes can change the word into a different form of the original word, often changing the meaning significantly. For example, the prefix "un-" added to "happy" forms "unhappy," meaning not happy.

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.

The United States health care system relies heavily onPrivate Health Insurance. The majority of Americans obtain health insurance through private insurers, often provided as part of employment benefits. This system contrasts with other countries that may rely more on public health insurance or national health services. Private health insurance covers a wide range of medical services and is a critical component of the U.S. healthcare infrastructure.

The premature termination of pregnancy before the embryo or fetus is able to exist on its own is referred to as abortion. This can occur spontaneously, known as a miscarriage, or it can be induced medically or surgically. Abortions can be performed for various reasons, including medical, personal, or legal.

References:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Guidelines on Abortion

World Health Organization (WHO) - Safe Abortion Guidelines

Prognosis refers to the prediction of the outcome of a disease or medical condition. It involves forecasting the likely course, duration, and outcome of a patient's disease based on the condition's natural history, the patient's health, and the treatment options available. A prognosis can range from good, with full recovery expected, to poor, where complications or fatal outcomes are anticipated.

References:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine

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

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 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.

Eczemais an inflammatory condition of the skin that usually causes itching and can be accompanied by scaling, blisters, or other symptoms. It can be chronic and is often related to an allergic response or other irritants.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, dermatology textbooks.

IPPB (Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing) treatment is commonly used for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). IPPB is a form of respiratory therapy that provides short-term mechanical ventilation to assist patients in breathing more deeply and improving lung function. It helps to deliver medication, reduce the work of breathing, and expand collapsed alveoli.

References:

Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Care by Robert L. Wilkins, James K. Stoller, and Craig L. Scanlan

Respiratory Care: Principles and Practice by Dean Hess

The abbreviation forthree times a dayist.i.d.This stands for "ter in die," which is Latin for "three times a day." This notation is commonly used in medical prescriptions to indicate that a medication should be taken three times throughout the day.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical abbreviation guides.

The combining form for woman isgyneco. This prefix is used in terms related to female health and medical conditions, such as gynecology (the branch of medicine dealing with the health of the female reproductive systems) and gynecologist (a doctor specializing in female reproductive health).Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical terminology references.

Lipidsis the scientific term for fats. They are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, and others. Lipids are essential for storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes. The other options are related to different substances:

Lactose: A sugar found in milk.

Lipoproteins: Complexes of lipids and proteins that transport lipids through the bloodstream.

Lacteals: Lymphatic vessels in the small intestine that absorb fats.

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.

An inflamed condition of the tendon and tendon muscles is referred to as tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements. It commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

References:

Tendinopathy: From Basic Science to Clinical Management by Savio L-Y. Woo and Per A. F. H. Renström

Principles of Orthopedic Practice by Roger H. Michael

Theclavicle, commonly known as the collar bone, is a slender bone that runs horizontally between the top of the breastbone (sternum) and the shoulder blade (scapula) on each side of the body. It serves as a strut to keep the scapula in place, allowing the arm to hang freely.

Scapula: Also known as the shoulder blade, located at the back.

Acromion: The bony process on the scapula.

The purpose of applying paste or jelly when running anEKG (Electrocardiogram)is toreduce skin resistance. This conductive gel ensures better conductivity between the skin and the electrodes, resulting in a clearer and more accurate recording of the heart's electrical activity. Without the gel, poor contact can lead to high resistance and artifacts in the EKG trace.

References:

Thaler, M. S. (2018). The Only EKG Book You'll Ever Need (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer

Leukocytes, or white blood cells (WBCs), are crucial components of the immune system, protecting the body against infections and foreign invaders. There are several types of leukocytes, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each with specific functions in the immune response. Neutrophils, for example, are the first responders to bacterial infections, while lymphocytes (such as T cells and B cells) are involved in adaptive immunity. Thrombocytes (platelets) are involved in blood clotting, erythrocytes (red blood cells) carry oxygen, and osteocytes are bone cells.

The most common place to take a pulse is at the radial artery. The radial artery is located on the lateral side of the wrist, proximal to the thumb. It is easily accessible and provides a reliable indicator of heart rate and rhythm.

References:

Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking by Lynn S. Bickley

Mosby's Guide to Physical Examination by Henry M. Seidel et al.

Relapse refers to the return of symptoms or worsening of a condition after a period of improvement. It does not refer to systolic pressure. A relapse indicates that a disease or condition that was previously under control has become active again, which can happen in chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, or addiction.

References:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary

When focusing the microscope, one should begin with the10Xobjective. This low-power objective lens provides a broad field of view and makes it easier to locate and center the specimen before switching to higher magnification objectives like 40X or 100X.

When a patient must cancel an appointment, it is appropriate to express regret and immediately schedule another appointment. This approach maintains a professional and empathetic relationshipwith the patient, ensuring continuity of care. Reprimanding the patient or refusing to re-book another appointment can damage the patient-provider relationship and is not considered professional behavior. Instead, expressing regret acknowledges the inconvenience while rescheduling ensures the patient’s medical needs are still met.

A medical assistant is permitted to administer injections only when they have explicit orders from a physician or a nurse who has the authority to delegate this task. This ensures that the medical assistant is acting within their scope of practice and is administering the correct medication and dosage as prescribed. This protocol helps to maintain patient safety and adhere to legal and professional standards.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical guidelines.

Ball and socket joints, like those in the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) and hip (acetabulofemoral joint), allow for rotational movement and a wide range of motion in multiple directions. These joints consist of a spherical head (ball) that fits into a cup-like cavity (socket). The design of ball and socket joints permits movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. This extensive range of motion makes them critical for various daily activities and athletic movements.

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master" gland of the human body. It is located at the base of the brain and is a critical part of the endocrine system. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate a wide range of bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes. It controls the function of other endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive glands. Because of its broad regulatory functions, the pituitary gland plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body.

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

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.

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.

Autoclaving is a sterilization process that uses high-pressure saturated steam, and proper timing ensures the complete elimination of all microorganisms on the instruments.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities.

Rutala, W. A., & Weber, D. J. (2019).Disinfection, Sterilization, and Antisepsis: Principles, Practices, Current Issues, New Research, and New Technologies. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Large amounts of injectable medication, at least 2 ml or more, are given intramuscularly. Intramuscular (IM) injections are administered into the muscle tissue, which allows for a larger volume of medication to be absorbed more rapidly than subcutaneous or intradermal routes. Common sites for IM injections include the deltoid, gluteus, and vastus lateralis muscles.

References:

Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants by Kathy Bonewit-West

Injection Techniques in Musculoskeletal Medicine by Stephanie Saunders and Steve Longworth

A patient in thesupine positionis lying flat on their back with their palms and face up. This position is commonly used during surgeries and medical examinations as it provides easy access to the patient's anterior body, including the chest and abdomen.

Lying face down: This is known as the prone position.

Lying on the left side with the right leg flexed: This is often referred to as the left lateral or left Sims' position.

Lying on the right side with the left leg flexed: This is the right lateral or right Sims' position.

The first step in demonstrating courtesy to a telephone caller involves promptly answering the call. Once answered, it's important to clearly identify yourself and your role, followed by inquiring how you can assist the caller. This approach shows respect, acknowledges the caller, and sets a professional tone for the conversation. It's critical to avoid immediately putting the caller on hold, as this can be perceived as dismissive. Additionally, if you must place the caller on hold at any point, it’s courteous to ask for their permission and provide a brief explanation. Proper telephone etiquette is essential in medical settings to ensure clear communication and patient satisfaction.

The word part"nephro-"comes from the Greek word "nephros," meaningkidney. It is used inmedical terminology to refer to conditions, procedures, or anatomical parts related to the kidneys. Examples include nephrology (the study of kidney function and diseases) and nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney).Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical dictionaries.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by insulin deficiency or resistance. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, where the body does not produce insulin, and Type 2, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. Without effective insulin function, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high, leading to various health complications.

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.

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.

When a venipuncture is performed using a lavender top vacutainer tube, the sample is commonly used for hematology testing, such as complete blood counts (CBC). The lavender top tube contains an anticoagulant called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which prevents the blood from clotting. This allows for the preservation of the cellular components of the blood for accurate hematological analysis.

References:

Clinical Laboratory Science: The Basics and Routine Techniques by Jean Jorgenson Linné

Phlebotomy Essentials by Ruth E. McCall and Cathee M. Tankersley

In order to inflate the blood pressure cuff, the valve isnot turnedinitially, meaning it should be closed to build up pressure. Once the cuff is inflated to the desired level, the valve is then gradually opened (usually turned counter-clockwise) to slowly release the air and measure the blood pressure.

References:

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How to Measure Blood Pressure Using a Manual Monitor.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Blood Pressure Test.

Aminortypically cannot legally act as an agent for another patient, including their younger siblings, because they are not considered legally competent to make medical decisions. A parent or a legal guardian can act as an agent for a child or a ward, as they have the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.