Registered Medical Assistant Review Quesions

Leukopenia refers to an abnormal decrease in the total number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the body. This condition can be caused by various factors such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, certain medications, or bone marrow disorders. It can lead to an increased risk of infections as the body's immune system is compromised due to the low number of WBCs. Leukopenia is different from other options listed in the question. Leukocytosis refers to an abnormal increase in WBCs, leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the production of WBCs, leukosis is not a medical term, and anemia refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Tissues are made up of a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. Organs, organ systems, organelles, and glands are composed of different types of tissues working together to carry out more complex functions. Therefore, tissues are the correct answer as they are the basic building blocks of organs and other higher-level structures in the body.

Anorexia is the correct answer because it refers to a medical condition characterized by a loss of appetite. It is commonly associated with eating disorders but can also be caused by various other factors such as certain medications, medical conditions, or psychological issues. Anorexia can lead to significant weight loss and malnutrition if left untreated.

Prognosis refers to the likely outcome or course of a disease in a patient. It involves predicting the progression of the disease, the chances of recovery, and the potential complications that may arise. It helps healthcare professionals and patients understand the expected outcome and make informed decisions regarding treatment and management. The other options, such as prodrome, diagnosis, syndrome, and cure, are not directly related to predicting the outcome of a disease process.

Hemostasis refers to the process of controlling or stopping bleeding. It involves various mechanisms such as blood vessel constriction, formation of platelet plug, and blood clotting. Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells, hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, hemopoiesis is the production of blood cells, and hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to form blood clots. Therefore, the correct answer is hemostasis.

A ligament is a tough band of tissue that connects bone to bone at a joint. It helps to stabilize the joint and prevent excessive movement or dislocation. Unlike tendons, which connect muscle to bone, ligaments specifically connect bones together. The other options, such as fascia, articulation, and epiphysis, do not accurately describe the function or location of the tissue in question.

The peripheral nervous system is composed of 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These nerves originate from the brain and extend to various parts of the head, neck, and upper body. Each pair of cranial nerves serves specific functions such as controlling facial movements, transmitting sensory information, and regulating autonomic functions. The number 12 is a well-established fact in anatomy and neuroscience, making it the correct answer in this case.

The basic structural and functional unit of the body is the cell. Cells are the smallest unit of life and are responsible for carrying out all the essential functions of an organism. They are capable of performing various tasks such as obtaining nutrients, eliminating waste, reproducing, and carrying out specialized functions in different tissues and organs. Cells work together to form tissues, which then make up organs, and organs work together to form organ systems. However, the cell is the fundamental building block upon which all other levels of organization are built.

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. It is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that control the activities of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones help regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and other important physiological processes. Therefore, the pituitary gland is considered the "master gland" due to its central role in coordinating and controlling the body's hormonal activities.

A partial-thickness burn that results in blisters and redness is classified as a second-degree burn. This type of burn affects both the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and the dermis (second layer of the skin). It is characterized by painful blisters, redness, and swelling. The skin may appear moist and have a shiny or wet appearance. Second-degree burns can be caused by exposure to hot liquids, flames, or prolonged contact with hot objects. Immediate medical attention is usually required for proper treatment and to prevent infection.

The term "idiopathic" is used to describe a disease process of unknown origin. It refers to a condition or disease that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown. In medical terminology, "idiopathic" is often used when the underlying cause of a disease cannot be determined despite thorough investigation and evaluation.

The plane that divides the body into right and left halves is the sagittal plane. This plane passes vertically through the body, dividing it into two equal halves along the midline. The term "sagittal" is derived from the Latin word "sagitta," meaning arrow, as the plane resembles an arrow slicing through the body from front to back. The other options, transverse, coronal, frontal, and horizontal, do not divide the body into right and left halves, but rather into different sections or planes.

Active immunity develops when an antigen is introduced into the body. This type of immunity involves the activation of the body's immune response, leading to the production of specific antibodies and memory cells. Active immunity can occur naturally through exposure to an infection or artificially through vaccination. In both cases, the immune system is stimulated to recognize and respond to the antigen, providing long-lasting protection against future infections.

The correct answer is the Inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body and returns it to the right atrium of the heart. It receives blood from various veins, including the common iliac veins, renal veins, and hepatic veins. The superior vena cava, on the other hand, returns blood from the upper body to the heart. The other options, subclavian vein, axillary vein, and brachiocephalic vein, are not responsible for returning blood from areas below the diaphragm.

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual flow. It can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, breastfeeding, excessive exercise, stress, or certain medical conditions. Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent or irregular menstrual periods, Dysmenorrhea refers to painful periods, Menstruation refers to the regular shedding of the uterine lining, and Metrorrhagia refers to irregular or excessive uterine bleeding between periods. Therefore, the correct answer is Amenorrhea.

Epistaxis is the correct answer because it refers to a medical term for a nosebleed. Nosebleeds occur when blood vessels in the nose rupture, leading to bleeding. The term "epistaxis" is commonly used by healthcare professionals to describe this condition. Croup, dyspnea, rhinorrhea, and atelectasis are all medical terms related to other respiratory conditions and are not specifically associated with nosebleeds.

The brainstem is composed of three main parts: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. These structures are responsible for vital functions such as regulating heart rate, breathing, and consciousness. The midbrain is involved in sensory and motor functions, while the pons helps relay signals between the cerebrum and cerebellum. The medulla oblongata controls involuntary processes like respiration and blood pressure. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as all three structures are included in the brainstem.

The small intestines are the primary site of absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. This is because the small intestines have a large surface area due to the presence of villi and microvilli, which increase the absorption capacity. The small intestines receive partially digested food from the stomach and further break it down using digestive enzymes. The nutrients are then absorbed through the walls of the small intestines into the bloodstream, where they are transported to the cells of the body for energy and other functions.

Informed consent is not a criterion for establishing negligence because it pertains to a different legal concept. Negligence focuses on the breach of a duty owed, the dereliction of that duty, the direct cause of harm, and the resulting damages. Informed consent, on the other hand, relates to the voluntary agreement by a person to undergo a medical procedure or treatment after being fully informed about the risks and benefits involved. While informed consent is an important aspect of medical ethics and legal requirements, it is not directly related to the criteria for establishing negligence.

The nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney. It is responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine. Each kidney contains millions of nephrons, which consist of a glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, and a tubule system including the loop of Henle. The glomerulus filters blood and the Bowman's capsule collects the filtrate. The tubule system further processes the filtrate, reabsorbing necessary substances and excreting waste products. Therefore, the nephron is the correct answer as it encompasses all the components involved in kidney function.

During the first 2 months of prenatal development, the developing child is referred to as an embryo. This is the stage when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterus and begins to develop major organs and body systems. The embryo is still in the early stages of development and is not yet considered a fetus. The terms "neonate," "corpus albicans," and "corpus luteum" do not apply to this specific stage of development.

Melanoma is characterized by asymmetry, irregular borders, and change in color. Asymmetry refers to one half of the lesion not matching the other half. Irregular borders indicate that the edges of the lesion are not smooth or even. Change in color refers to the presence of different shades or colors within the lesion. These characteristics are important in identifying melanoma, a type of skin cancer, as they indicate potential malignancy and the need for further evaluation and treatment.

A colostomy is the correct answer because it involves creating an opening in the abdomen to bring a portion of the colon onto the surface. This procedure is typically performed when there is a need to divert fecal flow from the lower part of the colon or rectum, such as in cases of bowel obstruction, colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease. By creating a colostomy, waste products can be eliminated through a stoma, which is a surgically created opening in the abdomen.

The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body back to the heart. It enters the right atrium of the heart, which is responsible for receiving deoxygenated blood from the body. Therefore, the correct answer is "right atrium."

Male sterilization is a form of permanent contraception that involves blocking or cutting the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra. By blocking or cutting the vas deferens, sperm are prevented from mixing with semen and being ejaculated during sexual intercourse. This procedure is highly effective in preventing pregnancy and is considered a reliable method of male contraception. The other options listed - epididymis, fallopian tubes, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland - are not involved in male sterilization procedures.

Artificial active immunity refers to the type of immunity that is acquired through vaccination or immunization. In this process, a person is exposed to a weakened or inactivated form of a pathogen, which stimulates their immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells. This type of immunity is "active" because the person's immune system actively responds and develops immunity against the pathogen. It is "artificial" because it is induced through medical intervention rather than naturally acquired through infection.

Rales are an abnormal bubbling or rattling sound heard on auscultation, typically indicating the presence of fluid or inflammation in the lungs. This sound can occur due to conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or congestive heart failure. It is important to identify rales during a physical examination as they can provide valuable information about a patient's respiratory health and help guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.

The correct answer is perineum. The perineum is the region between the vaginal opening and the rectum. It is a diamond-shaped area that includes the muscles, skin, and connective tissue. It supports the pelvic organs and plays a role in sexual function and childbirth. The perineum is important for maintaining continence and providing stability to the pelvic floor.

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary movements. It is divided into two hemispheres and is composed of several lobes, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. The cerebrum plays a crucial role in cognition, perception, and consciousness. It also houses the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for processing sensory information and controlling motor functions.

Mucous membranes line cavities that open to the outside. These membranes are found in various parts of the body such as the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. They secrete mucus, a sticky substance that helps to protect and lubricate the tissues. Examples of mucous membranes include the lining of the nasal passages, mouth, throat, and digestive tract.

Cholelithiasis is the correct answer because it refers to the condition characterized by the presence of stones in the gallbladder. The term "chole" refers to bile, "lith" refers to stone, and "iasis" refers to the presence of a condition. Therefore, cholelithiasis specifically describes the formation of stones in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder, cholangitis refers to inflammation of the bile ducts, choledochiasis refers to the presence of stones in the common bile duct, and cholecystectomy refers to the surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Deaths following long-term illnesses do not need to be reported to a coroner. The other situations listed (violence, industrial injuries, occurring while in custody of the law, occurring without medical attendance) are all circumstances where there may be suspicious or unusual circumstances surrounding the death, and therefore require reporting to a coroner for further investigation. In the case of long-term illnesses, the cause of death is usually known and expected, so it does not require the involvement of a coroner.

The eustachian tube is a structure that connects the pharynx (throat) to the middle ear. It helps equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere, allowing the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to vibrate properly and transmit sound waves. The pinna is the external part of the ear that helps collect sound waves, while the auditory meatus is the ear canal leading to the eardrum. The organ of Corti is located in the inner ear and is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

The opposite of lateral is medial. Lateral refers to the side or away from the midline, while medial refers to the middle or towards the midline. Therefore, medial is the opposite of lateral.

Deglutition is another term for swallowing. It is the process of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. This process involves the coordination of various muscles in the mouth, throat, and esophagus to push the food or liquid downwards. Therefore, deglutition is the correct answer as it accurately describes the act of swallowing.

A patient with urticaria most likely has hives. Urticaria is a condition commonly known as hives, characterized by itchy, raised, and red welts on the skin. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors. Acne vulgaris, boils, shingles, and warts are different skin conditions with distinct characteristics and causes, unrelated to urticaria.

A gene is the basic unit of heredity because it is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. Genes are responsible for determining an organism's traits and characteristics, and they are passed down from parents to offspring through reproduction. Genes can undergo mutations, which can lead to variations in traits and contribute to the diversity of life.

Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a sudden loss of blood or body fluids, leading to a decrease in the volume of circulating blood. This can happen due to severe bleeding, dehydration, or fluid loss from burns or excessive sweating. The decreased blood volume results in inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the body's organs and tissues, causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, pale skin, and confusion. If left untreated, hypovolemic shock can be life-threatening and may lead to death.

Pernicious anemia is caused by the malabsorption of vitamin B12. This occurs when the body is unable to properly absorb or utilize vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency in red blood cell production. This type of anemia is characterized by large, immature red blood cells and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Treatment typically involves regular vitamin B12 injections or supplements to correct the deficiency.

The peritoneum is the membrane that surrounds the abdominopelvic cavity. It is a thin, transparent, and serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity and covers the organs within it. The peritoneum helps to protect and support the organs, as well as provide a lubricated surface for their movement. It also plays a role in the absorption and transport of nutrients and waste products in the abdominal cavity.

The periosteum is the outer membrane of a bone that surrounds the diaphysis and covers the entire surface of the bone, except for the joint surfaces. It is composed of dense connective tissue and contains blood vessels, nerves, and cells involved in bone growth and repair. The periosteum provides protection and support to the bone, as well as serving as a site for attachment of tendons and ligaments. It also plays a crucial role in bone development and healing.

Salpingo-oophorectomy is the correct answer because it refers to the surgical removal of both the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and the ovaries (oophorectomy). This procedure may be performed for various reasons, such as treating ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, reducing the risk of ovarian cancer in high-risk individuals, or managing certain gynecological conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

The question asks for the part of the large intestine that is not included in the given options. The appendix is a small pouch-like structure attached to the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine. The ascending colon is the part of the large intestine that goes upward on the right side of the abdomen. The rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine, while the descending colon is the part that goes downward on the left side of the abdomen. The ileum, not lleum, is the final part of the small intestine before it connects to the large intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is ileum.

Coryza is commonly associated with pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis. Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Symptoms of pinkeye include redness, itching, and discharge from the eye. Coryza, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose, typically caused by a viral infection. While coryza and pinkeye can occur together, they are not directly related, but the correct answer in this case is pinkeye.

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects are seen more clearly than nearby objects. It occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred vision when looking at close objects. Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. The other options, emmetropia, myopia, nystagmus, and astigmatism, refer to different eye conditions and are not synonymous with farsightedness.

A freely moving blood clot in the circulation is called an embolus. This is different from a thrombus, which is a blood clot that forms and remains in a blood vessel. An occlusion refers to the blockage or closure of a blood vessel. Thrombocytes are platelets involved in blood clotting. An aneurysm is a bulge or weakening in the wall of a blood vessel.

Petechiae are small, purple hemorrhagic spots on the skin. They occur when tiny blood vessels called capillaries break and bleed, resulting in the appearance of small dots on the skin. Bruises, on the other hand, are larger and usually caused by trauma or injury. Ecchymosis refers to the discoloration of the skin due to bleeding under the skin, which is similar to a bruise but larger in size. Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine involving the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points.

Cones are responsible for enabling a person to see color. They are photoreceptor cells located in the retina, specifically in the fovea centralis and macula. Cones are highly sensitive to different wavelengths of light and are responsible for color vision and visual acuity. They allow us to perceive and distinguish between different colors in our surroundings. The other options mentioned, such as the fovea centralis, rods, retina, and macula, are all parts of the eye, but they do not specifically enable color vision.

Hemoplegia refers to paralysis on one side of the body. It is characterized by the loss of voluntary movement and muscle control on the affected side. This condition is often caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord, such as a stroke or injury. Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness, while paraplegia and quadriplegia refer to paralysis of the lower and all four limbs, respectively. Biparesis refers to weakness or partial paralysis on both sides of the body. Therefore, hemoplegia is the correct term for paralysis on one side of the body.

A normal cell typically contains 46 chromosomes in its nucleus. This is the standard number of chromosomes found in humans, with each chromosome carrying genetic information. The other options, such as 23, 32, and 64, do not represent the correct number of chromosomes in a normal cell. Additionally, the number of chromosomes can vary according to the type of cell, but in this case, the question is specifically asking about a normal cell.

Suppuration refers to the formation of pus, which is a thick, yellowish fluid that is produced in response to infection or inflammation. It is composed of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. Therefore, the given answer "dryness" does not accurately describe suppuration, as it is the opposite of what occurs during this process.