NCCT Practice Test - Labs Part Two

The electrode site should be clean, smooth, and dry to ensure proper adhesion of the electrode and accurate readings. A clean surface helps to remove any dirt or oils that could interfere with the electrode's contact with the skin. A smooth surface ensures that the electrode lays flat and makes full contact with the skin. Lastly, a dry surface helps to prevent any moisture from affecting the electrode's performance or causing discomfort to the individual.

When preparing a blood smear from a skin puncture, it is recommended to wipe away the first drop. This is because the first drop may contain tissue fluid, which can interfere with the accuracy of the blood sample. Wiping away the first drop ensures that the subsequent drops collected for the blood smear are pure and uncontaminated, allowing for more accurate results in laboratory analysis.

When the heart rhythm is abnormal, it is referred to as an arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It can be caused by various factors such as heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medications. An abnormal heart rhythm can disrupt the normal pumping of blood and may lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for arrhythmias include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medical procedures such as cardioversion or ablation.

Defibrillation is the correct answer because it refers to the process of converting a dysrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) back to a normal rhythm by delivering an electric shock to the chest. This shock helps to depolarize the heart muscle and restore its normal electrical activity. The other options, such as cardiac scan, pacemaker implant, and endarterectomy, are not related to the conversion of a dysrhythmia to a normal rhythm through electric shock.

Acetone is a type of ketone body that can be found in the urine. Ketone bodies are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. In conditions like diabetes or fasting, the production of ketone bodies increases, leading to their presence in the urine. Therefore, the correct answer for another term for acetone in the urine is "ketone bodies (ketones)".

A 24 hour urine specimen should be chilled/refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the integrity of the sample. Cooling the specimen helps to slow down the breakdown of certain substances in the urine, such as glucose and proteins, which can be affected by temperature changes. This ensures that accurate results can be obtained when analyzing the urine for various diagnostic purposes.

The correct answer is "gram stain." Gram staining is a special staining technique used in microbiology to classify bacteria into two groups: gram-positive and gram-negative. This technique involves the use of crystal violet dye, iodine solution, alcohol, and safranin dye. Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet dye and appear purple under a microscope, while gram-negative bacteria do not retain the dye and appear pink/red. Gram staining is an essential tool in bacterial identification and helps in determining appropriate treatment strategies.

When preparing for lead placement, the first thing to care for is skin preparation. This involves cleaning the area where the electrodes will be placed to ensure proper adhesion and accurate readings. Proper skin preparation helps to remove any dirt, oil, or sweat that could interfere with the electrode's ability to stick to the skin and transmit accurate signals. It also helps to reduce the risk of infection and skin irritation. By prioritizing skin preparation, healthcare professionals can ensure optimal lead placement and improve the accuracy of the readings obtained.

When testing for occult blood, a stool sample would be required. Occult blood refers to the presence of small amounts of blood that are not visible to the naked eye. Stool samples are commonly used to detect occult blood as it can indicate various gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, polyps, or colorectal cancer. By analyzing the stool sample, medical professionals can determine if there is any hidden blood present, which can help in diagnosing and treating the underlying condition.

The fresh fractional urine specimen is used to test urine for sugar. This is because sugar in the urine can be an indication of diabetes or other metabolic disorders. By analyzing the urine sample, healthcare professionals can determine the presence of sugar and monitor the patient's glucose levels. This test is important in diagnosing and managing conditions related to sugar metabolism.

An ECG tracing measures the amount of voltage and the time it takes for the voltage to travel throughout the heart. This is because the electrical activity of the heart produces waves that can be detected and recorded by the ECG machine. By measuring the time it takes for these waves to travel through different parts of the heart, doctors can assess the overall health and functioning of the heart.

A premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is an abnormal heartbeat that originates in the ventricles of the heart. When the QRS complex, which represents the electrical activity of the ventricles, has the same configuration each time it appears during a PVC, it is referred to as "uniform." This term indicates that the abnormal beats have a consistent pattern and are not varying in shape or duration.

The correct answer is "all choices". Oxygen can be administered to a patient using various methods, including a catheter, cannula, or a tent. Each of these options allows for the delivery of oxygen to the patient in different ways, depending on their specific needs and condition.

When you pull the second slide apart from the first slide, it is suggested to let them air dry. This means allowing them to dry naturally without any external assistance such as blowing on them or using any other drying method. This is the most appropriate option as it ensures that the slides dry in a controlled and gentle manner, reducing the risk of damage or contamination.

A downward or negative wave of an electrocardiogram following the P wave is known as the Q wave. It represents the depolarization of the interventricular septum. The Q wave is typically small and narrow, and its presence or absence can provide important diagnostic information about certain cardiac conditions.

The correct answer is sensitivity. The sensitivity switch on an EKG machine controls the gain or amplitude of the electrical signals being recorded from the heart. By adjusting the sensitivity, the EKG technician can ensure that the signals are displayed at an appropriate level for accurate interpretation and analysis.

The given question is asking for the term used to describe the type and RH screening that is typically ordered for all pregnant women. This screening is commonly referred to as a prenatal screen.

The fact that both the duration of the P wave is not greater than 0.11 sec and the height deflection is small, not more than 3mm, is true.

Performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment is critical to ensure its proper functioning and longevity. Regularly scheduled check-ups allow for early detection and prevention of potential issues. Daily examination of equipment for frayed cords or broken parts helps identify safety hazards and prevents accidents. Routine cleaning of the outside of the equipment with a damp cloth helps maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination. Therefore, all of the given answers are correct as they contribute to the overall maintenance plan for laboratory equipment.

The correct answer is "make sure the skin is damp when applying the electrode." This is not a criteria for skin preparation for lead placement because dampening the skin can interfere with the proper adhesion of the electrode and may lead to poor contact and inaccurate readings. It is important to clean the skin with an alcohol swipe to remove any dirt or oils, shave the hair from the skin to ensure proper adhesion, and roughen the skin for better dermis contact to ensure accurate and reliable readings.

Keto-diastix is the correct answer because it is a test that measures both sugar and acetone in the urine. Acetest, clinitest, and testape are not specifically designed to measure both sugar and acetone in the urine.

When there is no variation of R-R intervals, it is called "absolutely regular." This means that the time between each R wave in the heart's electrical activity is constant and consistent, without any deviations or irregularities.

The correct answer is "the fourth intercostal space right sternal border". When applying leads, it is important to place the VI lead in a specific location to accurately measure the electrical activity of the heart. The fourth intercostal space refers to the space between the ribs, and the right sternal border indicates the right edge of the sternum. Placing the VI lead in this location ensures that it is in the correct position to capture the electrical signals of the heart.

The area between waves is commonly referred to as intervals. In waveforms or graphs, intervals represent the spaces or gaps between consecutive waves or cycles. It is a term used to describe the distance or duration between two points or events in a wave or signal. The term "intervals" accurately captures the concept of the spaces between waves in a concise and precise manner.

When the electrodes are placed too close together, they will pick up signals from the same region of the body, resulting in interference and overlapping of the signals. This will cause the amplitude of the recorded signal to be small.

A CLIA waived pregnancy test is based on the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced by the placenta after implantation occurs, and its presence in urine or blood indicates pregnancy. Testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen are not specific indicators of pregnancy and do not increase significantly during early pregnancy. Therefore, hCG is the correct answer for a CLIA waived pregnancy test.

The large squares on the ECG paper are equal to 0.20 seconds. This is the correct answer because ECG paper is typically standardized to have a certain size for each square, and the standard size for a large square is 0.20 seconds. This allows healthcare professionals to accurately measure the duration of various electrical events on the ECG tracing, such as the duration of the PR interval or the QRS complex.

To obtain a specimen for a throat culture, the nasopharynx and tonsillar area must be swabbed. This is because these areas contain the most common sites for bacterial or viral infections in the throat. Swabbing these areas allows for the collection of a sample that can be tested for the presence of pathogens and helps in diagnosing and treating throat infections.

When a vector travels away from the positive electrode, a negative deflection results. This is because the positive electrode is the reference point for measuring electrical activity in the body. When the vector moves away from the positive electrode, it indicates a decrease in electrical activity in that direction, resulting in a negative deflection on the electrocardiogram (ECG) or other electrical recording.

In a normal EKG, a "V wave" will never be seen. The V wave is a characteristic waveform that represents the venous filling of the right atrium during atrial systole. However, the EKG primarily records the electrical activity of the heart's chambers and not the venous filling. Therefore, the V wave is not typically observed in a normal EKG.

Spirometry is the most frequently performed pulmonary function test in a medical office. This test measures the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly they can do so. It helps in diagnosing and monitoring lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Nebulization is a method of delivering medication to the lungs, not a pulmonary function test. Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lower part of the colon, and the Mantoux test is a screening test for tuberculosis, both of which are unrelated to pulmonary function testing.

A QRS measurement of less than 0.12 seconds indicates a supraventricular pacemaker. This is because the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, and a shorter duration suggests that the electrical impulse is originating from above the ventricles, in the atria or AV node. Therefore, a QRS measurement of 0.12 seconds or less is indicative of a supraventricular pacemaker.

To secure the electrode, rubbing your finger around the adhesive area is necessary. This helps to ensure that the electrode sticks firmly to the skin and remains in place during the application process. The adhesive is responsible for creating a strong bond between the electrode and the skin, allowing for accurate readings and effective treatment if necessary. The gel, on the other hand, is typically located underneath the adhesive and is responsible for conducting electrical signals. The center and peripheral areas are not directly related to the securing process.

The P wave represents atrial depolarization.

Prior to collecting a sample for occult blood testing, it is necessary for the patient to make dietary modifications for 48 hours. This means that the patient should avoid certain foods and beverages that may affect the test results, such as red meat, certain fruits and vegetables, and certain medications. This ensures that the test accurately detects any presence of blood in the sample. Limiting dairy and taking all medications as prescribed are not relevant instructions for occult blood testing.

The clean catch urine specimen is also called both a clean voided specimen and a mid stream specimen. This is because both terms refer to the same method of collecting urine, where the initial and final parts of the urine stream are avoided to minimize contamination.

When performing a CLIA waived test, it is important to perform quality control testing with every new kit and routinely thereafter. This ensures that the test results are accurate and reliable. Quality control testing helps to identify any potential issues with the kit or the testing process, allowing for corrective actions to be taken. By regularly performing quality control testing, healthcare professionals can maintain the integrity of the testing process and ensure the validity of the results.

A special device called a "regulator" or "flow meter" is necessary when using oxygen because oxygen needs to be delivered at a specific flow rate to ensure safe and effective administration. The regulator or flow meter allows the user to control and adjust the flow of oxygen to meet the individual's needs. Without a regulator or flow meter, it would be difficult to accurately control the amount of oxygen being delivered, which could result in either insufficient or excessive oxygen levels, both of which can be dangerous.

The glucose tolerance test is a timed test because it involves measuring the blood glucose levels at specific time intervals after consuming a glucose solution. This test helps to evaluate the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and diagnose conditions like diabetes. The timing of blood glucose measurements during the test is crucial for accurate results and interpretation.

Ventricular depolarization refers to the electrical activation of the ventricles of the heart. This process generates an electrical force or vector with two components. The first component is the magnitude or force, which represents the strength of the electrical signal. The second component is the direction or shape, which describes the orientation or pattern of the electrical force. Therefore, the correct answer is "direction or shape" as it completes the explanation of the two components of the electrical force produced during ventricular depolarization.

When PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) fall on the T wave, occur in pairs, runs of 3 or more, or are multiform in nature, these conditions are considered life threatening. This is because these patterns of PVCs can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart, leading to more serious arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Anaerobic pathogens are microorganisms that can only survive and grow in the absence of oxygen. They are adapted to environments where oxygen is limited or completely absent, such as deep wound cultures. These pathogens have evolved to utilize alternative metabolic pathways that do not require oxygen. Therefore, the absence of oxygen is necessary for their growth and survival.

Ventricular fibrillation is a condition characterized by rapid, irregular, and chaotic waves in the ventricles of the heart. This results in a loss of coordinated contractions and the heart is unable to effectively pump blood. Wide, irregular oscillations of the baseline are a characteristic feature of ventricular fibrillation. Standstill refers to the complete cessation of cardiac activity, tachycardia refers to a fast heart rate, and rhythm refers to the regular pattern of heartbeats. Therefore, the correct answer is fibrillation.

In order to make a blood smear for a differential blood count, it is crucial for the edges to be feathered. Feathering the edges helps to create a smooth and even distribution of the blood sample across the slide, allowing for accurate examination and analysis of the different types of blood cells present. This technique ensures that the cells are evenly spread out and prevents clumping or overlapping, which could lead to inaccurate results.

Any method of rate calculation that depends on intervals between complexes is unreliable. This means that using this method may not provide accurate results or may not be consistent in determining the heart rate for irregular rhythms. Therefore, it is not a recommended or trustworthy approach for calculating heart rate in such cases.

The correct combination of sensors or electrodes used for lead #1 is left arm, right arm.

The duration of the ST segment is not generally clinically significant, but it is important because it indicates shifts up or down from the baseline. These shifts can be indicative of various cardiac conditions, such as myocardial ischemia or infarction. Monitoring these shifts helps in identifying abnormalities and making appropriate clinical decisions.

Sinus arrest refers to the absence of one or more complete cardiac cycles where the rhythm is interrupted. It occurs when the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that regulate the heart rhythm, fails to generate a signal. This interruption in the normal cardiac rhythm can lead to a pause in the heartbeat, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases. Atrial flutter, ventricular arrhythmia, and sinus Wenckebach are different types of irregular heart rhythms, but they do not specifically refer to the absence of cardiac cycles like sinus arrest does.

Agonal refers to the final moments before death, specifically relating to the heart. A terminal lethal dysrhythmia is a dysrhythmia that occurs when the heart is in the process of failing and ultimately leads to death. Therefore, agonal is the correct answer as it accurately describes the state of a dying heart. Asystole refers to the absence of any electrical activity in the heart, agonist refers to a substance that activates a receptor, and agogue refers to a substance that promotes the flow of bodily fluids.

When preparing a blood smear, the spreader slide must be made of plastic because plastic is non-reactive and does not interfere with the blood sample. It is also smooth and allows for an even spread of the blood on the slide. Additionally, plastic slides are disposable, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring accurate results. Glass slides may cause the blood to clot, while foil and steel slides can react with the blood and affect its composition.