Mixed Deck — All CMT Topics Flashcards

Which agency is responsible for enforcing OSHA standards in clinical and laboratory settings?

Answer: Department of Labor

OSHA operates under the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards including those in healthcare settings.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires healthcare facilities to:

Answer: Provide reasonable accommodations for patients and employees with disabilities

The ADA requires healthcare facilities to provide reasonable accommodations ensuring equal access to services for people with disabilities.

Which term describes the route of medication administration directly into a vein?

Answer: Intravenous

Intravenous (IV) means within or into a vein; 'intra-' means within and 'venous' relates to veins.

What is the primary function of medical terminology?

Answer: To ensure clear communication across healthcare professionals.

Medical terminology provides a universal and standardized language for all healthcare professionals. This common vocabulary ensures clear, precise, and unambiguous communication regarding patient conditions, diagnoses, treatments, and procedures. Effective communication is paramount for patient safety, accurate record-keeping, and coordinated care across different medical disciplines and facilities.

Which anatomical term describes a position closer to the point of attachment on the body?

Answer: Proximal

Proximal describes a position nearer to the point of origin or attachment, while distal is farther away.

For a severe arterial bleed, the primary initial control measure is:

Answer: Applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage

Direct pressure is the first-line intervention to control external hemorrhage before escalating to tourniquets.

Which of the following situations is an example of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) that a CMT must report immediately?

Answer: A resident develops a widespread rash and difficulty breathing after a new antibiotic dose.

A widespread rash and difficulty breathing are signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a life-threatening adverse drug reaction (ADR) requiring immediate medical attention. Dry mouth and drowsiness are common, expected side effects of certain medications, and a decrease in blood pressure from an antihypertensive is the intended therapeutic effect.

The correct angle for an intramuscular (IM) injection is:

Answer: 90 degrees

Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure the needle reaches the muscle tissue.

A patient's temperature is 38.5°C. What is this in Fahrenheit?

Answer: 101.3°F

Using the formula (°C × 9/5) + 32: (38.5 × 1.8) + 32 = 101.3°F.

Which site is most commonly used to assess pulse in an unresponsive adult?

Answer: Carotid artery

The carotid artery is used for pulse assessment in unresponsive adults because it is centrally located and easy to palpate.

Restraint use in healthcare requires:

Answer: A physician's order specifying type, reason, duration, and regular reassessment

Restraints require a specific physician's order, clear clinical indication, time limits, and frequent reassessment of the patient.

What is the purpose of a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order in the context of a medical technician's responsibilities?

Answer: To instruct staff not to perform CPR or advanced life support if the patient's heart stops

A DNR order is a physician's order documenting the patient's wish to forgo CPR and advanced resuscitation efforts.

The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is used to:

Answer: Identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration

MEWS is a bedside assessment tool that uses physiological parameters to identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration.

A resident is prescribed a sublingual medication. What is the correct instruction for the Certified Medical Technician (CMT) to provide to the resident?

Answer: Place the medication under your tongue and allow it to dissolve.

The sublingual route involves placing medication under the tongue to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This route bypasses the digestive system for rapid effect. Placing it between the cheek and gum is the buccal route, while swallowing is the oral route.

The term 'proximal' means:

Answer: Closer to the trunk or point of origin

Proximal means closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Which position is appropriate when performing a rectal temperature measurement on an adult?

Answer: Sims' (lateral) position with upper knee flexed

The Sims' (left lateral) position with the upper knee flexed provides optimal access for rectal temperature measurement.

When collecting a stool specimen for occult blood testing, the patient should avoid which food for 3 days before collection?

Answer: Red meat and raw broccoli

Red meat contains hemoglobin, and certain raw vegetables contain peroxidases, both of which can cause false-positive guaiac-based occult blood tests.

When performing venipuncture, the tourniquet should be applied how far above the intended site?

Answer: 3-4 inches

The tourniquet should be placed 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) above the intended venipuncture site.

A medical technician is preparing to draw blood for a complete blood count (CBC), a basic metabolic panel (BMP), and a prothrombin time (PT) test. What is the correct order of draw for these tests?

Answer: Light Blue, Red/Gold, Lavender

The correct order of draw is critical to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes. For these tests, the light blue top tube (for PT, which requires a citrate additive) must be drawn first. Next is the red or gold top tube (for the BMP, a serum test). Finally, the lavender top tube (for the CBC, which requires an EDTA additive) is drawn.

A resident tells the CMT, "My stomach feels like it's on fire." Which of the following is the most appropriate and accurate way to document this statement in the medical record?

Answer: Resident states, "My stomach feels like it's on fire."

When documenting subjective information, it is best practice to use the resident's exact words in quotation marks. This avoids interpretation and provides the most accurate account of the resident's complaint. The other options are interpretations or generalizations of what the resident said.