AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Test

The 'Payment Amount' on a remittance advice is the most essential element for a medical assistant to identify and understand. This is because it provides the actual sum paid by the payer to the provider for services rendered, which must be reconciled with the amounts charged and the accounts receivable. While adjustment amounts, allowed amounts, and patient responsibility amounts are important, these figures ultimately contribute to determining the final payment amount that requires reconciliation.

For coagulation tests, a light blue top tube containing sodium citrate is required. Sodium citrate acts as an anticoagulant by binding to calcium in the blood sample, which is necessary for the coagulation cascade. Using tubes with other additives for coagulation tests, such as a gel barrier or sodium heparin, could lead to inaccurate test results because they do not prevent clotting in the same way, might interfere with the act of coagulation being measured, or they are used for different types of tests (chemistry, ammonia levels).

The correct answer is 'True'. KOH is commonly used in wet mount preparation to dissolve keratin in skin, nail, or hair specimens which aids in the visualization of fungal cells by clearing the field. This is important for diagnosing fungal infections.

Percussion over a solid organ such as the liver typically produces a 'dull' sound due to the density of the tissue. This dullness contrasts with the 'resonant' sound heard over air-filled spaces like the lungs. The sound is not characterized as 'tympanic,' which is usually associated with air-filled structures, such as the stomach or intestines. A 'flat' sound is often heard over very dense areas like bones and muscles.

The correct answer is that the patient has the right to be involved in all decisions about their treatment. The Patient Care Partnership and the Patients' Bill of Rights emphasize patients' participation in their health care decisions, including their right to be informed and to consent or refuse treatment in non-emergency situations. The other options are incorrect because dismissing the patient's concerns does not adhere to their rights, assuming consent without discussion is not in line with informed consent principles, and referring to a nurse does not directly address the patient's right to be involved in treatment decisions.

The correct answer is informing the patient not to apply any creams or ointments on the test site 24-48 hours before the test, as these substances can potentially interfere with test results by preventing direct contact of allergens with the skin or by masking reactions. Advising against intake of certain medications is also important; however, the medical assistant should specify antihistamines or other allergy medications rather than broad categories like antibiotics. Instructions regarding direct sunlight exposure and use of bandages should be considered after the test is applied, but they do not relate to preparation prior to the patch test as critically as avoiding creams or ointains.

This statement is false. Fixatives are commonly used in histology to preserve tissue samples by stabilizing their structure and preventing decay. However, for microbiological specimens that need to be cultured, adding fixatives would kill the organisms and make culturing impossible. Therefore, microbiological specimens are typically not fixed before culturing, as the goal is to keep the organisms alive for growth and identification.

The correct answer is obtaining a prior authorization for the surgical procedure. Insurance companies often require this authorization as part of their policies to approve coverage for certain services, like elective surgeries. By securing a prior authorization, the medical office ensures that the cost of the procedure will be covered by the patient's insurance plan. Not verifying insurance eligibility only confirms if the patient has an active insurance policy but doesn't guarantee coverage for specific services. While contacting the insurance company to confirm the patient's copay is important, it is not sufficient on its own to ensure coverage of the procedure. Posting charges involves updating the patient's account after the services have been rendered, which is not directly related to obtaining approval for the surgery.

The Ishihara test is the appropriate method for evaluating color vision. It uses multiple plates with colored dots and numbers or patterns embedded within them. Individuals with normal color vision will see the numbers or patterns, while those with deficiencies may not identify them correctly. The Farnsworth Lantern Test and the Hardy-Rand-Rittler test are also used for color vision testing but are not as commonly administered as the Ishihara test. The Snellen chart is primarily used to assess visual acuity and not color vision, thus making it an incorrect choice for testing the patient's ability to differentiate colors.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. Patients with certain metal implants cannot have an MRI because the strong magnetic field can potentially cause the metal implants to move or heat up, posing a risk to the patient. This is why an MRI should be avoided in patients with metal implants unless specifically confirmed to be MRI-safe by the manufacturer. Conversely, other imaging modalities, such as a CT scan, X-ray, or ultrasound, do not use magnetic fields and are generally safe for patients with metal implants.

The correct answer is when you first hear the tapping sound, which represents the return of blood flow in the artery as the pressure cuff is deflated. This is known as the Korotkoff phase I sound. Other sounds which may be heard as the pressure continues to drop relate to different phases and are not used for measuring the systolic pressure. The complete cessation of sound indicates the diastolic pressure (Korotkoff phase V).

Isopropyl alcohol, at a concentration of 70%, is considered an appropriate antiseptic because it has rapid action against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and offers persistent antimicrobial activity. It is commonly used to prepare the skin before invasive procedures. Povidone-iodine is also an antiseptic agent, but it requires longer contact time to be effective and may not be as rapid-acting as isopropyl alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic with limited efficacy against anaerobic bacteria, often used for wound cleaning but not as effective for skin preparation before surgery. Saline solution is not an antiseptic; it's typically used to clean or irrigate wounds, but does not have antimicrobial properties.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is most essential to be included in a crash cart for immediate use during a cardiac emergency, as it is crucial for delivering an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in case of cardiac arrest. While non-latex gloves are important for maintaining universal precautions, their availability is second to the emergency needs of a cardiac arrest event. Moreover, a stethoscope, although valuable in assessing and monitoring patients, is not the primary emergency resuscitation equipment. Likewise, antiseptic wipes are necessary for maintaining cleanliness but are not as critical as the AED for emergency response to a cardiac event.

Implied consent is inferred from the actions, facts, and circumstances of a situation. In emergency situations where the patient is conscious and capable but does not verbally express consent, the extension of an injured arm towards a healthcare provider in preparation for treatment like suturing the wound can be interpreted as implied consent. The patient's action shows cooperation and an understanding of the need for the procedure.

Using an interpreter is the correct choice because it ensures accurate communication between the patient and the medical assistant, which is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Ignoring the patient's discomfort would be unethical and could lead to misdiagnosis. Waiting for the provider may delay necessary immediate interventions, and attempting to guess the symptoms can result in misunderstandings and potentially harm the patient.