CMA Practice Exam 1

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is a fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. This condition occurs when the tendon becomes irritated or damaged, often due to overuse or repetitive movements. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.

The cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping and distributing blood throughout the body. It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart acts as a pump, contracting and relaxing to push blood through the blood vessels. The blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, transport the blood to various parts of the body, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and removing waste products. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's overall health and functioning.

The pharynx is not considered a sensory organ. It is a muscular tube that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus and larynx, and is involved in the process of swallowing and vocalization. On the other hand, the eyes, nose, tongue, and ears are all sensory organs that are responsible for receiving and transmitting sensory information such as vision, smell, taste, and hearing, respectively.

Workers' compensation insurance is specifically designed to cover the medical expenses of employees who are injured on the job. This type of insurance provides compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It is a legal requirement in most countries to have workers' compensation insurance to protect both employers and employees in case of workplace accidents or injuries.

The correct answer is to tactfully refuse to release any patient information without the patient's written permission. This is the appropriate response because it upholds patient confidentiality and protects the patient's privacy rights. As a medical assistant, it is important to adhere to ethical and legal guidelines regarding patient information and not disclose any sensitive medical details without proper authorization.

An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in disorders of the eye. They are trained to diagnose and treat various eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. They are also skilled in performing eye surgeries and prescribing corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists undergo extensive medical training and education specifically focused on eye health, making them the correct answer for this question.

To make a return appointment for an established patient, the necessary information typically includes the reason for the visit, the daytime phone number, the type of insurance, and the name of the patient. However, the patient's employer is not typically required for scheduling a return appointment.

The suffix "plasty" means "surgical repair." It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a surgical procedure that involves the reconstruction or restoration of a body part or tissue. Examples of procedures that use this suffix include rhinoplasty (surgical repair of the nose) and mammoplasty (surgical repair of the breast).

The medical assistant should transfer the call from the emergency room about admitting an established patient with chest pain immediately to the physician because it is a potentially urgent situation that requires immediate attention and medical decision-making.

The correct answer is FDA. The FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, was formed as the first attempt to establish consumer protection in the manufacture of drugs and foods. The FDA is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and other products. They set standards for manufacturing, labeling, and advertising to protect consumers from harmful or misbranded products.

This statement would be an example of stereotyping because it generalizes and assumes that all elderly patients have difficulty walking, without considering individual differences or circumstances. Stereotyping involves making assumptions or judgments about a group of people based on their shared characteristics or attributes, without considering the diversity within that group.

Lymphadenectomy refers to the surgical removal of a lymph node. It is a procedure commonly performed to diagnose or treat certain conditions, such as cancer or infection. During a lymphadenectomy, one or more lymph nodes are removed and examined under a microscope to determine the presence of abnormal cells or to assess the extent of disease spread. This procedure can help in staging the disease and determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Malfeasance refers to the intentional and wrongful act committed by a physician, such as providing improper treatment, prescribing unnecessary medication, or engaging in fraudulent activities. It involves the deliberate violation of professional standards and ethics, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. This term specifically denotes a physician's deliberate misconduct or illegal behavior, distinguishing it from misfeasance (a mistake or improper action) and nonfeasance (failure to act or fulfill a duty). Feasance and disfeasance are not relevant to describing a physician's wrongful act.

The medical assistant should have an appointment book, calendar, message pad or notepad, and pen and pencil readily available when preparing to answer incoming calls. These supplies will help the assistant efficiently schedule appointments, keep track of important dates, take messages, and jot down any necessary information during phone conversations.

A hematoma is a condition commonly known as a bruise. It occurs when blood vessels rupture, causing blood to pool under the skin. This pooling of blood leads to discoloration and tenderness in the affected area, which are typical symptoms of a bruise. Ecchymosis, epistaxis, lesion, and thrombosis are all different conditions with distinct characteristics and causes, and they are not commonly referred to as bruises.

Nephrectomy refers to the surgical removal of the kidney. It is a medical procedure performed to treat conditions such as kidney cancer, kidney stones, and severe kidney damage. During a nephrectomy, the affected kidney is completely or partially removed, depending on the extent of the disease or injury. This procedure may be done using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery.

A negative result for HIV is not considered to be a reportable incident because it indicates that the person tested does not have the virus. Reportable incidents typically refer to situations that require immediate action or intervention, such as gunshot wounds, sexually transmitted diseases, cases of pertussis, or child abuse. However, a negative HIV result does not pose a threat or require any further reporting as it indicates a non-infection status.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act was legislation passed to ensure safer and healthier working environments for employees, enforcements of its safety regulations, training and education on safety issues for employers and employees, and compliance assistance to worksites. However, it does not aim to provide more control for employers over employee non-working hours.

Dyspnea is the most characteristic condition of an asthma attack. Dyspnea refers to difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, which is a common symptom experienced during an asthma attack. It occurs due to the narrowing of airways and inflammation in the lungs, leading to restricted airflow and breathing difficulties.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the organization responsible for registering physicians to prescribe controlled substances. The DEA is a federal agency that enforces controlled substances laws and regulations in the United States. They oversee the registration process for healthcare providers who wish to prescribe medications with a high potential for abuse, such as opioids. By registering with the DEA, physicians are granted the authority to prescribe these substances in accordance with federal guidelines and regulations.

When responding to a hearing-impaired caller, it is important for the medical assistant to speak a little more slowly and a little more loudly. This allows the caller to better understand and hear the information being communicated. Shouting may be counterproductive and cause discomfort for the caller. Asking to speak to a family member may not be necessary if the caller is able to communicate effectively. Mailing a response may not address the immediate needs of the caller. Spelling out each word can be time-consuming and may not be necessary if the caller can hear some words.

Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are responsible for fighting infection and producing antibodies. They are part of the circulatory system and play a crucial role in the body's immune response. However, leukocytes are not responsible for blood clotting. This function is primarily carried out by platelets, which are another type of blood cell.

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The W-2 form, the wage and tax statement, should be given to an employee annually in January. This is because the W-2 form reports the employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck throughout the year. By providing the form in January, the employee has enough time to review and file their taxes before the April deadline.

Defense mechanisms in psychology refer to the strategies or techniques that individuals use to cope with or avoid difficult or painful emotions. These mechanisms help individuals protect themselves from anxiety, stress, or other negative emotions by unconsciously distorting reality or redirecting their thoughts and behaviors. These strategies can include repression, denial, projection, or rationalization, among others. By employing defense mechanisms, individuals can temporarily alleviate distress and maintain their psychological well-being.

The nucleus is the control center that directs the activity of the cells. It contains the cell's genetic material, DNA, which carries instructions for the cell's functions and activities. The nucleus regulates the synthesis of proteins and controls cell division. It acts as a command center, sending out signals and instructions to other parts of the cell to carry out specific tasks. Without the nucleus, the cell would not be able to function properly and carry out its necessary functions.

The correct answer is shock. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Shock is not one of the stages identified by Kübler-Ross.

Dysphagia is the term that means "difficulty swallowing". It is a medical condition characterized by the inability or discomfort in swallowing food or liquids. This difficulty can be caused by various factors such as muscle weakness, nerve damage, or obstruction in the throat or esophagus. Dysphagia can lead to complications like malnutrition and dehydration if left untreated.

The correct answer is to increase the waiting time for specimen results. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 was developed for all of the other reasons listed except for increasing the waiting time for specimen results. The Act aimed to develop comprehensive standards for better accuracy, improve the reliability of testing in smaller facilities, categorize lab tests by complexity for better regulation, and decrease waiting time for specimen results.

The other options listed in the question are all examples of special accessibility alterations designed for disabled patients, such as widened corridors for wheelchair movement, bathroom stalls with handrails, Braille signs for elevator levels, and examining rooms designed for wheelchair accessibility. However, mats on the floors near entryways to prevent patient falls due to wet floors are not specifically designed for disabled patients, but rather for general safety purposes.

A case of bronchitis is not considered a reportable incidence because it is a common respiratory condition that does not pose a significant public health risk. On the other hand, accidental stabbing, spousal abuse, a positive result for HIV, and a case of rubeola (measles) are all situations that may require reporting to authorities or public health agencies due to their potential impact on individuals and public health.

Urethrostenosis refers to the narrowing of the urethra.

The correct answer is "an employee’s political affiliation." The Personnel Record Act prohibits employers from keeping information about an employee's political affiliation. This is to protect employees' privacy and prevent any potential discrimination or bias based on their political beliefs. Employers should focus on job performance and relevant work-related information rather than personal political affiliations.

Res ipsa loquitur is a Latin term that translates to "the thing speaks for itself." When applied to the law of negligence, it means that the occurrence of an accident or injury itself implies negligence on the part of the defendant. In other words, the circumstances surrounding the incident are so clear that negligence can be inferred without direct evidence. This legal doctrine allows the plaintiff to establish a prima facie case of negligence without having to prove specific acts of negligence.

The question "Would you please describe the exercises you do each day that tend to cause the chest pain you are experiencing?" is an example of an open-ended question because it allows the respondent to provide a detailed and personalized response. It does not limit the answer to a simple yes or no, but rather encourages the person to provide specific information about their experiences with chest pain and the exercises that may be causing it.

Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that holds a physician responsible for the negligent actions of their employees. This means that if an employee, such as a nurse or medical assistant, makes a mistake or acts negligently while under the supervision of a physician, the physician can be held liable for any resulting harm or damages. This doctrine recognizes the authority and control that a physician has over their employees and ensures that they are accountable for their actions.

The combining form cost/o specifically refers to ribs. This can be understood by breaking down the word "cost/o" where "cost" refers to ribs and the suffix "-o" indicates a combining form. Therefore, the correct answer is rib.

The correct answer is gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. These organs are considered accessory organs because they aid in the process of digestion, but food does not pass through them directly. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to help break down fats. The liver produces bile and also performs many other important functions such as detoxification and metabolism. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

A referring physician does not need a patient's written consent to obtain confidential patient information because they are directly involved in the patient's medical care and treatment. Referring physicians often need access to patient information in order to make appropriate referrals and coordinate care with other healthcare providers. This is different from other individuals such as insurance carriers, lawyers, neighbors, or family members who would typically require written consent from the patient to access their confidential information.

Proper documentation of procedures performed in a medical office is important for several reasons. It allows physicians to keep track of the medical treatments and care provided to a patient. It also provides information to referring physicians and may be used to gather statistical information for research purposes. Additionally, information documented in the medical record may be used in a court of law to defend a physician being sued. However, it is not typically used to reassure an employer about the health of an employee.

All of the actions listed, such as impersonating another physician, providing substandard care, practicing without a license, and substance abuse, can be considered unethical or illegal behaviors that can lead to the revocation of a physician's license. However, prescribing legal drugs is a standard practice for physicians and is not typically a reason for license revocation.

The correct answer is muscle, nervous, epithelial, and connective. This is because these four types of tissue are the main categories that make up the body. Muscle tissue allows for movement and contraction, nervous tissue transmits signals and coordinates body functions, epithelial tissue covers and protects body surfaces, and connective tissue supports and connects different structures in the body.

The skin performs various functions, including protection from sunlight, lubrication, protection from microorganisms, and regulation of temperature. However, the transportation of immune cells is not a function of the skin. Immune cells are typically transported through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to reach different parts of the body where they are needed for immune responses. The skin itself does not have a direct role in transporting immune cells.

The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, pharynx, upper trachea, and larynx. The bronchi, however, are part of the lower respiratory tract. They are the two main branches that lead from the trachea into the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is bronchi because they are not included in the upper respiratory tract.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. In a therapeutic relationship, empathy is essential as it helps the healthcare provider to connect with the patient on an emotional level and understand their experiences. It fosters trust, promotes open communication, and enhances the overall quality of care. Therefore, empathy does not interfere with the therapeutic relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider.

Cholelithiasis refers to the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder. It is not related to inflammation of a joint, inflammation of the stomach, or chronic degenerative disease of the liver. While inflammation of the gallbladder is a possible complication of cholelithiasis, it is not the same as cholelithiasis itself. Therefore, the correct answer is gallstones.

Splenomegaly is the correct spelling of the term for an enlarged spleen. The word is derived from "spleen" which refers to the organ and "megaly" which means enlargement.

Sigmund Freud's theories of psychology include the id, subconscious, ego, and superego. Behaviorism, on the other hand, is not a component of Freud's theories. Behaviorism is a school of psychology that focuses on observable behavior and external stimuli, whereas Freud's theories primarily focus on the unconscious mind and internal psychological processes.

A resume that is written specifically for an advertised job is called a targeted resume. A targeted resume is customized and tailored to match the qualifications and requirements of a specific job advertisement. It highlights the relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that make the applicant a strong fit for the advertised position. This type of resume is often more effective in capturing the attention of potential employers because it directly addresses their needs and showcases how the applicant can meet them.

Cognitive theory suggests that individuals should analyze and evaluate their thinking processes, including any errors or distortions in their thoughts. This approach emphasizes the importance of identifying and correcting cognitive distortions, such as negative thinking patterns or irrational beliefs, in order to improve mental well-being. By examining errors in thinking, individuals can gain insight into their cognitive processes and make necessary adjustments to promote more positive and rational thoughts.