Free Practice Questions for NAHP NRCMA Exam

Auscultation is a clinical procedure used to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body, typically the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system. This process is performed using a stethoscope. The stethoscope is an essential medical instrument that amplifies the internal sounds, allowing healthcare providers to assess the function and condition of these organs. During auscultation, the healthcare provider places the diaphragm or bell of the stethoscope on the patient's skin to listen for normal and abnormal sounds, such as heart murmurs, lung crackles, or bowel sounds. This method is crucial for diagnosing conditions like respiratory infections, cardiovascular disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.

Using a percussion hammer, otoscope, or speculum would not be appropriate for auscultation. A percussion hammer is used to test reflexes, an otoscope is used to examine the ears, and a speculum is used to inspect body cavities like the vagina or nasal passages. Therefore, the stethoscope is the correct and verified tool for auscultation.

Hypertension is also referred to as 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 health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Managing hypertension typically involves lifestyle changes and medication to lower blood pressure to a normal range.

References:

The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7)

American Heart Association Guidelines

Serum is the clear, yellowish fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is essentially plasma without the clotting factors (like fibrinogen). Serum can be separated from clotted blood and is used for various blood chemistry tests, but not typically for most hematology tests, which require whole blood or plasma.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical laboratory textbooks.

Ahemacytometeris a device used in manual microscopic methods to count cells. It consists of a thick glass microscope slide with a grid etched into it. This grid allows for the counting of cells in a defined volume of fluid, making it possible to calculate the concentration of cells in a sample. The other options are not valid terms:

Hyamestometer: Not a recognized term.

Ccntraomctcr: Typographical error, not a valid term.

Hcmacountcr: Typographical error, not a valid term.

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.

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.

Anticoagulantsare medications that prevent blood from clotting. They are commonly prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism to prevent the formation of harmful clots. Examples of anticoagulants include warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Analgesics: Used to relieve pain.

Tranquilizers: Used to reduce anxiety or induce sleep.

Infantile eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, typically appears in the first year of life. It is characterized by red, raised, pruritic (itchy), and scaling areas, commonly found on the cheeks,scalp, and diaper area. It is not associated with an increase in sebaceous activity, and while it often improves with age, it does not resolve permanently in all cases by the age of three.

References:

American Academy of Dermatology - Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Information

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics

Aging accounts receivable involves categorizing all receivables by the length of time they have been outstanding. This process helps in identifying overdue accounts that need collection action. It's a critical part of the financial management process in healthcare settings, ensuring that the organization maintains a healthy cash flow by actively managing and collecting outstanding patient accounts. This method also helps in assessing the effectiveness of the billing process and identifying trends in patient payments.

References:

National Health Services Finance Guide

Medical Office Financial Management Resources

Thelithotomy positionis used when a patient is having avaginal examination. In this position, the patient lies on their back with their hips and knees flexed, and their feet placed in stirrups. This position provides the best access for pelvic and vaginal examinations, as well as certain surgical procedures.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical examination guidelines.