AAMA Clinical Patient Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a venipuncture, which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine blood draws?
- 16 gauge
- 18 gauge
- 21 gauge (Correct answer)
- 25 gauge
Correct answer: 21 gauge
A 21-gauge needle is the standard for routine venipuncture, balancing adequate flow with minimal patient discomfort.
Question 2: A patient's blood pressure reads 148/92 mmHg on two separate visits. How should the medical assistant document this finding?
- Normal blood pressure
- Stage 1 hypertension (Correct answer)
- Stage 2 hypertension
- Hypotensive episode
Correct answer: Stage 1 hypertension
Stage 1 hypertension is defined as systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg per current ACC/AHA guidelines.
Question 3: Which position is most appropriate when assisting a patient who is experiencing dyspnea?
- Supine
- Prone
- Fowler's (Correct answer)
- Trendelenburg
Correct answer: Fowler's
Fowler's position (sitting upright at 45–90°) reduces pressure on the diaphragm and improves breathing.
Question 4: The medical assistant is preparing to administer an intradermal injection for a TB skin test. What is the correct angle of insertion?
- 90 degrees
- 45 degrees
- 30 degrees
- 5–15 degrees (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 5–15 degrees
Intradermal injections are given at a 5–15 degree angle to deposit the solution just beneath the skin's surface, creating a wheal.
Question 5: A patient's chart indicates NPO status before a procedure. What does NPO mean?
- No pain observed
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- Normal pulse oximetry
- Non-prescription only
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO is a Latin abbreviation for 'nil per os,' meaning nothing by mouth, typically required before surgery or certain tests.
Question 6: When documenting a wound measurement, how should a medical assistant correctly record the dimensions?
- Circumference x depth
- Length x width x depth (Correct answer)
- Width x height
- Diameter only
Correct answer: Length x width x depth
Wound measurements are standardized as length x width x depth in centimeters to track healing progress accurately.
Question 7: Which of the following is a contraindication to applying a hot pack to a patient's injury?
- Muscle spasm
- Chronic joint stiffness
- Acute inflammation within 48 hours (Correct answer)
- Tension headache
Correct answer: Acute inflammation within 48 hours
Heat increases vasodilation and can worsen swelling and inflammation during the acute phase (first 24–48 hours) of an injury.
AAMA Clinical Patient Care 2
When performing a venipuncture, which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine blood draws?