Medical Knowledge and Clinical Procedures Flashcards

Which type of wound closure uses adhesive strips rather than sutures?

Answer: Steri-Strips

Steri-Strips are adhesive wound closure strips used for minor lacerations that do not require sutures.

When measuring a patient's weight using a balance beam scale, the medical assistant should:

Answer: Balance the scale to zero before the patient steps on

The scale must be zeroed before use to ensure an accurate weight measurement.

What does the medical abbreviation 'NPO' mean?

Answer: Nothing by mouth

NPO stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin term meaning nothing by mouth.

Which of the following is a contraindication for performing a venipuncture on a specific arm?

Answer: Same-side mastectomy or lymph node removal

A mastectomy with lymph node dissection on the same side increases infection risk and may compromise lymphatic drainage, contraindicating venipuncture on that arm.

A patient with a known latex allergy is scheduled for a procedure. What is the medical assistant's priority action?

Answer: Ensure all latex-containing materials are removed from the room

All latex-containing items must be identified and removed from the procedure room to prevent an allergic reaction.

Which test is used to screen for colorectal cancer by detecting hidden blood in stool?

Answer: Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

The fecal occult blood test detects microscopic blood in stool, which can be an early indicator of colorectal cancer.

During a urine specimen collection, which type of sample is required to culture a urinary tract infection accurately?

Answer: Clean-catch midstream specimen

A clean-catch midstream urine sample minimizes contamination from the urethral area, ensuring accurate culture results.