Question 1

Which of the following positions is sometimes referred to as the "lateral position" and used for rectal examinations?
A) Sims' position
B) Lithotomy position
C) Prone position
D) Trendelenburg's position

Accepted Answer

Sims' position is sometimes called the lateral position. The patient is placed on the left side; the left arm and shoulder are drawn back behind the body so that the body's weight is predominantly on the chest. The right arm is flexed upward for support. The left leg is slightly flexed, and the buttocks are pulled to the edge of the table. The right leg is sharply flexed upward. The drape extends diagonally from under the arms to below the knees. This position is used for rectal examinations, for instillation of rectal medication, and for some perineal and pelvic examinations.

Question 2

Which of the following is a patient confidentiality practice supported by HIPAA regulations?
A) The initial patient information is gathered in the office waiting room.
B) The patient's record is placed on the examination room door with the name facing out so it can be easily identified by the physician.
C) Diagnostic tests for one patient are scheduled while another patient is standing by, waiting for discharge.
D) A sign-in sheet is used that covers the names of patients who had signed in previously.

Accepted Answer

Patient privacy must be strictly enforced in all aspects of care.

Question 3

The sclera of the eye is described as the
A) tissue that lines the interior part of the eye.
B) part of the eye that is responsible for eye color.
C) white part of the eye that may show inflammation.
D) area of the eye where tears form.

Accepted Answer

The sclera is the white part of the eye, which can change colors as a result of disease or infection.

Question 4

Which of the following is the medical assistant's responsibility when preparing the patient for a physical examination?
A) Make sure all informed consent forms have been signed.
B) Write prescriptions for patients in need of refills.
C) Check the patient's eye with an ophthalmoscope.
D) Perform a fecal occult blood test.

Accepted Answer

The medical assistant should check the paperwork to make sure the physician has obtained the patient's informed consent.

Question 5

As a result of his CVA, Mr. Johnson suffers from motor aphasia. What does this mean?
A) He pronounces words easily but identifies items inaccurately.
B) He knows what he wants to say but cannot pronounce the words clearly.
C) He is unable to talk or write because of the damage to his brain.
D) He is able to talk clearly if given enough time.

Accepted Answer

Motor aphasia is difficulty speaking clearly because of neurologic damage to the muscles needed for speech.

Question 6

Which of the following positions is used for examination of the front of the body, including the heart, breasts, and abdominal organs?
A) Fowler's position
B) Dorsal recumbent position
C) Supine (horizontal recumbent) position
D) Lithotomy position

Accepted Answer

In the supine position, the patient lies flat with the face upward and the lower legs supported by the table extension. This position is used for examination of the front of the body, including the heart, breasts, and abdominal organs. The patient's gown should open down the front, and the drape should be placed over any exposed area that is not being examined.

Question 7

What type of breath odor may be observed in patients with diabetes?
A) Acetone or fruity
B) Musty
C) Tangy or citrus
D) Ammonia

Accepted Answer

A patient with diabetes who has a high blood glucose level may have breath that smells fruity or like acetone.

Question 8

One of the medical assistant's responsibilities when preparing a room for a patient's physical examination is to gather the instruments and supplies needed. Which of the following is not needed for a routine physical examination?
A) Specimen bottles
B) Fecal occult blood test supplies
C) Sterile gloves
D) Lubricating gel

Accepted Answer

Sterile gloves are needed only for specialized procedures; the medical assistant should supply the appropriate size.

Question 9

Which is the best method of moving a heavy object?
A) Pull it in the direction it needs to be moved.
B) Twist toward the object and slide it toward you.
C) Roll or push the item in the desired direction.
D) Bend at the waist and use arm muscles to push the object.

Accepted Answer

Pushing a heavy item allows for the use of the large leg muscles.

Question 10

What is the normal color of the tympanic membrane?
A) Pink
B) Slightly yellow
C) Off-white
D) Pearly gray

Accepted Answer

The tympanic membrane should be a pearly gray color.

Question 11

Clubbing of the fingertips is associated with which of the following health problems?
A) Skin conditions
B) Heart or lung disease
C) Congenital deformity
D) Inherited defect

Accepted Answer

Inadequate oxygen to distal tissues results in clubbing.

Question 12

What is the quickest and easiest method for checking skin turgor?
A) Draw blood for analysis.
B) Examine the patient's eyes.
C) Examine the condition of the nails.
D) Pinch the skin on the posterior surface of the hand.

Accepted Answer

If the skin on the posterior surface of the hand does not quickly return to its normal position, the tissues lack adequate fluid.

Question 13

How does the physician typically begin the examination of body parts and systems?
A) By assessing the body part causing the patient's complaint
B) By starting with the head and working methodically toward the feet
C) By auscultating breath and heart sounds
D) By performing a breast examination on female patients

Accepted Answer

The physical examination is organized so that the physician starts at the head and works down through the body toward the feet.

Question 14

A percussion hammer is used for which part of the physical examination?
A) Neurologic
B) Gastrointestinal
C) Urinary
D) Respiratory

Accepted Answer

The physician tests neurologic reflexes with a percussion hammer.

Question 15

A few months ago, Mr. Thomas Johnson suffered a stroke that left him with weakness on the right side. You need to assist him from his wheelchair onto the examination table. Which technique should you use?
A) Support Mr. Johnson on his right side.
B) Bend at the waist and support Mr. Johnson as he stands.
C) Support Mr. Johnson close to your body on his left side.
D) You do not have to worry about locking the chair wheels, because you are providing support.

Accepted Answer

The medical assistant should provide support on the patient's strong side to better enable the patient to help himself.

Question 16

The examination method used to assess the patient's manner of walking is
A) palpation.
B) inspection.
C) manipulation.
D) ROM.

Accepted Answer

The physician observes, or inspects, the patient's gait to determine walking patterns.

Question 17

Which type of tissues is packed closely together with little or no intercellular material, and is classified according to shape?
A) Epithelial tissue
B) Connective tissue
C) Muscle tissue
D) Nervous tissue

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue: This type of tissue makes up the skin, glands, and linings of body cavities and organs. It is packed closely together with little or no intercellular material, and it is classified according to shape as squamous (flat), cuboidal (square), columnar (long and narrow), or transitional (varying shapes that can stretch). Epithelial cells may be arranged in a single layer of cells of the same shape, called simple epithelium, or in many layers of cells named according to the shape of the cells in the outer layer; this is called stratified epithelium.

Question 18

Which body cavity protects organs of the nervous system?
A) Thoracic cavity
B) Pericardial cavity
C) Ventral cavity
D) Dorsal cavity

Accepted Answer

The dorsal body cavity protects organs of the nervous system and has two primary areas: the cranial cavity within the skull, which encloses the brain; and the spinal (vertebral) cavity, which surrounds the vertebral column and spinal cord.

Question 19

An otorhinolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in what area?
A) Ear and throat
B) Eye, ear, and throat
C) Eye, ear, and nose
D) Ear, nose, and throat

Accepted Answer

An otorhinolaryngologist is a specialist of the ear, nose, and throat.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes a practitioner who has earned advanced degrees and licensure and who can work in primary or specialty medical practices and clinics?
A) Family practitioner
B) Internist
C) Nurse practitioner
D) Obstetrician

Accepted Answer

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs): Practitioners who have earned advanced degrees and licensure and who can work in primary or specialty medical practices and clinics. Family practitioners: Physicians whose scope of practice includes children and adults of all ages and may include obstetrics and minor surgery. Internists: Physicians who care for adults of all ages with many different medical problems, such as diabetes mellitus. Obstetricians/gynecologists: Physicians who serve as PCPs for women, particularly those of childbearing age.

Quiz 25: Assisting with the Primary Physical Examination

Which of the following positions is sometimes referred to as the "lateral position" and used for rectal examinations?

Which of the following is a patient confidentiality practice supported by HIPAA regulations?

The sclera of the eye is described as the

Which of the following is the medical assistant's responsibility when preparing the patient for a physical examination?

As a result of his CVA, Mr. Johnson suffers from motor aphasia. What does this mean?

Which of the following positions is used for examination of the front of the body, including the heart, breasts, and abdominal organs?

What type of breath odor may be observed in patients with diabetes?

One of the medical assistant's responsibilities when preparing a room for a patient's physical examination is to gather the instruments and supplies needed. Which of the following is not needed for a routine physical examination?

Which is the best method of moving a heavy object?

What is the normal color of the tympanic membrane?

Clubbing of the fingertips is associated with which of the following health problems?

What is the quickest and easiest method for checking skin turgor?

How does the physician typically begin the examination of body parts and systems?

A percussion hammer is used for which part of the physical examination?

A few months ago, Mr. Thomas Johnson suffered a stroke that left him with weakness on the right side. You need to assist him from his wheelchair onto the examination table. Which technique should you use?

The examination method used to assess the patient's manner of walking is

Which type of tissues is packed closely together with little or no intercellular material, and is classified according to shape?

Which body cavity protects organs of the nervous system?

An otorhinolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in what area?

Which of the following best describes a practitioner who has earned advanced degrees and licensure and who can work in primary or specialty medical practices and clinics?