Medical Procedures and Techniques 1 Flashcards
6 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Medical Procedures and Techniques 1 flashcards as text
When performing a capillary blood draw (fingerstick), which part of the finger is the preferred puncture site?
Answer: The lateral side of the fingertip pad
The lateral side of the fingertip pad has an adequate capillary bed and less nerve density than the fingertip center, reducing pain while providing sufficient blood flow. The very tip and pad center are more sensitive and prone to excess pain.
Before administering a subcutaneous (SQ) injection, the skin should be pinched to a fold and the needle inserted at what angle?
Answer: 45 degrees
A 45-degree angle is standard for subcutaneous injections when skin is pinched, ensuring the needle reaches the subcutaneous fatty tissue without penetrating muscle. In patients with more adipose tissue, 90 degrees may also be used, but 45 degrees is the baseline technique.
When collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity, which collection method is required to prevent contamination?
Answer: Midstream clean-catch technique
The midstream clean-catch technique flushes urethral contaminants with the initial urine stream before collecting the specimen, providing an accurate sample for culture. Catheter bag specimens and first-void samples are prone to colonization and contamination.
When inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube, how is proper placement in the stomach confirmed before use?
Answer: Injecting air while auscultating over the epigastric area and aspirating gastric contents
Injecting a small amount of air while auscultating over the stomach for a whooshing sound, combined with aspirating and pH-testing gastric contents, confirms placement in the stomach rather than the lungs or esophagus. Relying on coughing alone is insufficient and potentially dangerous.
During a sterile dressing change, if the sterile field becomes wet from drainage, the medical technician should:
Answer: Consider the sterile field contaminated and set up a new one
Moisture wicks microorganisms through sterile barriers via capillary action (known as strike-through contamination), rendering the entire sterile field contaminated. A new sterile setup must be established before continuing.
When measuring a patient's blood pressure, where should the lower edge of the blood pressure cuff be positioned relative to the antecubital fossa?
Answer: 1–2 cm above the antecubital fossa
Placing the cuff lower edge 1–2 cm (approximately one finger-width) above the antecubital fossa allows the stethoscope to rest properly over the brachial artery without touching the cuff, which would produce artifact and inaccurate readings.