NRCMA Questions and Answers

Ultrasound should not be used for tumors. While ultrasound is effective for diagnosing and monitoring many conditions, it is not typically used as a treatment for tumors. Other modalities like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are used for tumor treatment.

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

The human adult body typically has206 bones. These bones provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Infants are born with approximately 270 bones, some of which fuse together during growth to form the 206 bones in an adult skeleton. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the total bone count in the adult human body.

The kidneys are vital organs in the urinary system. They filter waste products, excess substances, and fluids from the blood to form urine. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, which are the functional units responsible for this filtration process. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal arteries, is filtered in the nephrons, and then exits through the renal veins. The filtered waste is collected in the renal pelvis, passes through the ureters to the bladder, and is eventually excreted as urine. This process helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and overall homeostasis.

Another name for myocardial infarction is heart attack. A myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. It is typically caused by the blockage of a coronary artery due to plaque buildup.

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.

For the first two months, the unborn child is referred to as anembryo. During this period, major organs and structures begin to form. After the initial two months, the developing baby is referred to as a fetus until birth.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, embryology and prenatal development references.

The facial bones that compose the lower jaw are referred to as themandibular bones. The mandible, or lower jawbone, is the largest and strongest bone of the face. It holds the lower teeth in place and is the only movable bone of the skull.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy textbooks.

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.

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.

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.

The abbreviation for "immediately" in medical terminology is"SIAI", which stands for "Statim" or "stat," a term used to indicate urgency. The use of "stat" comes from the Latin word "statim," meaning "immediately." This is a common term used in medical settings to convey the need for immediate action or treatment. The other options (Rx, IMM, IMI) do not represent the abbreviation for immediately.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials and medical terminology references.

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

Incorrect information given that may injure the reputation of another is calledslander. Slander is a form of defamation that involves making false spoken statements that harm someone's reputation. It differs from libel, which involves written or published defamatory statements.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, legal and ethical guidelines in healthcare.

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.

Atriomegalyis a medical term that describes the enlargement of the atrium of the heart. The atria are the two upper chambers of the heart, and enlargement can be due to various conditions such as hypertension, valvular heart disease, or cardiomyopathy. This enlargement can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.

Agoiteris a visible swelling of the thyroid gland. This enlargement can occur due to various causes, including iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, and nodular thyroid disease. It may present as a uniform enlargement (diffuse goiter) or an irregular one with nodules (nodular goiter).Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, endocrinology textbooks.

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.

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

Hemostats are a type of forceps. They are surgical instruments used to control bleeding during surgery by clamping blood vessels. Hemostats can be locked in place to maintain constant pressure on a bleeding site, allowing the surgeon to work on other areas.

References:

Surgical Instruments: A Pocket Guide by Maryann Papanier Wells

Textbook of Surgery by David C. Sabiston

The incorrectly spelled words are:

Annorcxlashould beAnorexia

Oitltlsshould beOtitis

Legdcrshould beLedger

Metabolismis correctly spelled.

One who studies disease is apathologist. Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and organs. They play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, guiding treatment decisions, and conducting research to understand disease mechanisms.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical profession descriptions.

The small sac attached to the underside of the liver that stores bile is called thegallbladder. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy and physiology textbooks.

The abbreviation for every two hours is Q.2h. This medical abbreviation is derived from Latin "quaque 2 hora," meaning "every two hours." It is commonly used in medical prescriptions and instructions to indicate the frequency of medication administration or other recurring treatments.

References:

Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 10th Edition

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Thepancreasis the organ responsible for secreting insulin directly into the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage as glycogen. The pancreas contains clusters of cells known as the islets of Langerhans, which include beta cells that produce insulin.

Gallbladder: Stores bile produced by the liver.

Colon: Part of the large intestine, involved in water absorption and feces formation.

Liver: Produces bile, detoxifies substances, and stores glycogen, but does not produce insulin.

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.

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.

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.

A condition characterized by frequent liquid stools isdiarrhea. Diarrhea involves the frequent passage of loose or watery stools and can be caused by various factors, including infections, food intolerances, or certain medications.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, gastrointestinal disorder references.

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

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.

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.

A patient is more likely to be cooperative if theyunderstand the procedure to be done. When patients are well-informed about the medical procedures they will undergo, it reduces their anxiety, increases their trust in the healthcare provider, and enhances their compliance with the treatment plan.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, patient communication guidelines.

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.

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.

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.

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

A listing of specific services rendered and fees charged is anitemized statement. This document provides a detailed account of the services provided to a patient and the corresponding charges, ensuring transparency and accuracy in billing.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical billing and coding references.

Persons incapable of forming melanin are called albino. Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, leading to very light skin and hair, and vision problems. The condition results from mutations in genes involved in the production of melanin.

References:

Genetics and Pathophysiology of Albinism by David C. Bennett and Dorothy C. Cooper

Clinical Dermatology by Thomas P. Habif

The size of a needle is expressed bygauge numbers. The gauge number indicates the diameter of the needle: the higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter of the needle. For example, a 25-gauge needle is thinner than an 18-gauge needle. Needle gauges are used to match the needle size to the type of injection and the patient's needs.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, clinical practice guidelines.

An agent given to counteract an unwanted effect of a drug is called an antidote. Antidotes are used to neutralize or mitigate the effects of poisons or overdoses of medications, ensuring patient safety and recovery from toxic exposures.

References:

Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies by Lewis R. Goldfrank

Poisoning & Drug Overdose by Kent R. Olson

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.

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.

Workers' compensation insurance provides medical care and financial benefits for employees who suffer job-related accidents or illnesses. This type of insurance is designed to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages resulting from work-related injuries or conditions, ensuring that employees receive the necessary care and support during their recovery.

References:

Workers' Compensation Law by Lex K. Larson

National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Guidelines

For a vaginal examination, the patient is typically positioned in the lithotomy position. This position involves the patient lying on their back with their legs flexed at the hips and knees, and the feet placed in stirrups. This positioning provides the healthcare provider with optimal access to the pelvic area for examination. Proper patient positioning is crucial for both the comfort of the patient and the effectiveness of the examination. The lithotomy position is standard for many gynecological procedures, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, and certain surgical procedures.

A Z-tract injection is a technique used to administer medication intramuscularly to minimize leakage and irritation of the medication in the subcutaneous tissue. The Z-tract method involves pulling the skin and subcutaneous tissue to one side before inserting the needle into the muscle, injecting the medication, and then releasing the tissue after withdrawing the needle. This "zig-zag" path prevents the medication from leaking back along the needle track. The gluteal muscle, particularly the ventrogluteal or dorsogluteal sites, is commonly used for such injections due to its large muscle mass.

The branch of medicine which uses radionuclides in the diagnosis and treatment of disease isnuclear medicine. Radionuclides are radioactive isotopes that are used in imaging techniques such as PET scans and SPECT scans, as well as in therapeutic procedures for conditions like cancer.Reference:Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, medical imaging and nuclear medicine references.

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.

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.