NWCA Medical Assistant Exam Graded
A+ (Verified)
20 Minutes - ANSWER-* Wrapped or covered instruments
* Muslin fabric
* Wrapped rubber products such as tubing and catheters
30 Minutes - ANSWER-* Instrument packs wrapped in muslin or paper
* Syringes unassembled and wrapped in gauze or glass tubes
* Needles packaged individually in gauze or paper
* Sutures, needles, and materials wrapped in muslin or paper
* Dressings loosely packed
* Liquids or semiliquids
Abbreviations and Symbols Used in Medication Dosing - ANSWER-ac (ante cibum)
means "before meals"
bid (bis in die) means "twice a day"
gt (gutta) means "drop"
hs (hora somni) means "at bedtime"
od (oculus dexter) means "right eye"
os (oculus sinister) means "left eye"
po (per os) means "by mouth"
pc (post cibum) means "after meals"
prn (pro re nata) means "as needed"
q3h (quaque 3 hora) means "every three hours"
qd (quaque die) means "every day"
qid (quater in die) means "four times a day"
Sig (signa) means "write"
tid (ter in die) means "three times a day"
ABCD Rule - ANSWER-asymmetry, border irregularity, color, diameter
Abduction and Adduction - ANSWER-Movement of a limb or other part away from the
midline of the body, or from another part and toward the midline of the body or toward
another part occur at the mandible, or jaw bone.
ABHES - ANSWER-Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Organization that
offers accreditation to higher education institutions.
Abnormal cell growth - ANSWER-Categorized as malignant (Cancerous, invasive, and
destructive abnormal cells) or benign (Noncancerous or noninvasive abnormal cells).
Abortion - ANSWER-the interruption or termination of pregnancy before the fetus is
viable. An induced abortion is caused by human intervention.
,Abrasions - ANSWER-Occurs when the outer skin is scraped away
exposing the underlying tissue. Bleeding is usually only oozing, but the injury is typically
painful because of the many nerve endings in this part of the skin. Clean the area and
remove any debris. The physician may order application of antibacterial ointment and a
sterile dressing. More severe ones may require burn treatment.
Abruptio placentae - ANSWER-This refers to when the placenta separates from the
uterine wall before childbirth. It is the leading cause of death of the fetus.
Absorbable sutures - ANSWER-dissolved by the body fluids and do not need to be
removed. It typically takes several days after insertion for complete disappearance of
the suture. These are
used for internal organs such as the intestines and bladder and for the subcutaneous
tissue as well as to tie off blood vessels. These sutures are sometimes used for skin
and eliminate the need to go back into the area for removal. There are both natural
(surgical gut or catgut) and synthetic sutures of this type.
Absorption - ANSWER-Absorption is the time and process in which a drug reaches the
cells and produces the desired action.
Absorption - ANSWER-Some poisons can be absorbed through the skin. The area must
be cleaned
immediately.
Absorption - ANSWER-Some poisons can be absorbed through the skin. The area must
be cleaned
immediately.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - ANSWER-The most advanced, and fatal, stage
of an HIV infection.
Acromegaly - ANSWER-A very rare, chronic disease where there is an abnormal
enlargement of the hands and feet caused by too much secretion of growth hormone
after puberty
Acupressure - ANSWER-a traditional Chinese touch therapy involving finger pressure
applied to specific areas of the body to restore the flow of qi
Acupuncture - ANSWER-Chinese medical practice of inserting needles into certain
areas of the body
Acute Abdominal Pain - ANSWER-Sudden onset may signal a serious underlying
condition. A physical exam is required to determine the cause. The physician will
assess each quadrant of the abdominal area to determine the organs that might be
involved. Help the patient get into a comfortable position. Keep the patient warm and
,monitor vital signs frequently. Do not allow the patient to eat or drink or take pain
medication. Some conditions may require surgery and there can be serious
complications if the patient eats or drinks prior to surgery. The physician will
also order laboratory and radiographic studies to assist in diagnosis of the problem.
Acute Abdominal Pain - ANSWER-Sudden onset may signal a serious underlying
condition. A physical exam is required to determine the cause. The physician will
assess each quadrant of the abdominal area to determine the organs that might be
involved. Help the patient get into a comfortable position. Keep the patient warm and
monitor vital signs frequently. Do not allow the patient to eat or drink or take pain
medication. Some conditions may require surgery and there can be serious
complications if the patient eats or drinks prior to surgery. The physician will
also order laboratory and radiographic studies to assist in diagnosis of the problem.
Addison's disease - ANSWER-occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough
of the hormones cortisol or aldosterone
Adolescence - ANSWER-Individuals between about 12 years, or puberty to the
beginning of adulthood at age 18. Preadolescents and teenagers begin to develop
secondary sex characteristics and strive for independence from parents. They
experience puberty and self-image changes. For some teens, this is a painful
experience, both physically and emotionally.
Adrenal Cortex - ANSWER-secretes androgens (sex hormones). It also secretes
corticosteroids which are steroid hormones. Aldosterone regulates sodium and water
levels in the body. Cortisol performs anti-inflammatory functions and helps to regulate
the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Adrenal Medulla - ANSWER-Secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. Epinephrine
(adrenaline) stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to physical injury or
stress. Norepinephrine is released plays an important role in the "fight-or-flight"
response
Adrenalitis - ANSWER-inflammation of the adrenal glands
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) - ANSWER-A tropic
hormone that stimulates the secretion of
glucocorticoids from the cortex of the adrenal glands
Adult CPR - ANSWER-1 Rescuer- 30 compressions per 2 breaths
2 Rescuer- 30 compressions per 2 breaths
Advance Medical Directives - ANSWER-Advance medical directives are legal
documents signed by a patient that allow the patient to dictate what happens medically
if he or she is incapacitated. Advance directive policies may differ from one state to
, another. These legal documents may also designate a surrogate decision-maker for the
patient if he or she becomes incapacitated.
AED - ANSWER-a defibrillator meant to be used by the lay public.
After 2 years - ANSWER-Well-child visits are scheduled annually. Children at this stage
begin to mimic older children and adults and become more independent. Their
communication skills advance and they begin to speak in complete sentences. They
begin to dress and undress themselves.
Albinism - ANSWER-a genetic disorder that results in partial or total lack of skin color.
There is no known cure. The skin is very pale and the hair is light or white. Eye color
can be very light or red irises. In some cases, there can be visual difficulties including
nystagmus (Irregular or rapid eye movement), strabismus (Eye muscle imbalance),
astigmatism (Distorted viewed image), and photophobia (Sensitivity to bright light).
Alcohol Isopropyl - ANSWER-Isopropyl alcohol. Used to disinfect rubber tops of vials,
stethoscopes, percussion hammers.
Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs - ANSWER-Hand hygiene preparations containing alcohol
and emollients used as a rub without rinsing
Aldosteronism - ANSWER-an abnormality of electrolyte balance caused by the
excessive secretion of aldosterone
All physical movement, unconscious action by the organs, and thought, feelings,
emotions, and behavior are controlled - ANSWER-by the movement of the electrical
impulses moving along the neurons and across the synaptic clefts between neurons
Allergic contact dermatitis - ANSWER-Results from direct skin contact with an allergen,
such as poison oak, poison ivy, latex, laundry products, drugs, and other substances. It
can also be caused by exposure to radiation from sun or tanning beds. Symptoms
include skin redness and swelling and potentially burning or itching caused by oozing
from small vesicles. The main treatment includes removing the allergen, cleansing the
skin, and applying steroid cream or taking oral steroid medication.
Allergy testing - ANSWER-performed to test the patient for a reaction to certain
substances on the patient's forearm or back by using a common procedure called the
prick technique. The patient's skin is pricked with common allergens and then the
patient is asked to return to be assessed for reactions. A patient can be pricked for
many different types of allergens at the same time. On return, each prick is assessed for
an allergic reaction that would present as redness, swelling etc. This tells the physician
that the patient is allergic to this substance. The physician can then develop a treatment
plan for the patient based on the
results.
A+ (Verified)
20 Minutes - ANSWER-* Wrapped or covered instruments
* Muslin fabric
* Wrapped rubber products such as tubing and catheters
30 Minutes - ANSWER-* Instrument packs wrapped in muslin or paper
* Syringes unassembled and wrapped in gauze or glass tubes
* Needles packaged individually in gauze or paper
* Sutures, needles, and materials wrapped in muslin or paper
* Dressings loosely packed
* Liquids or semiliquids
Abbreviations and Symbols Used in Medication Dosing - ANSWER-ac (ante cibum)
means "before meals"
bid (bis in die) means "twice a day"
gt (gutta) means "drop"
hs (hora somni) means "at bedtime"
od (oculus dexter) means "right eye"
os (oculus sinister) means "left eye"
po (per os) means "by mouth"
pc (post cibum) means "after meals"
prn (pro re nata) means "as needed"
q3h (quaque 3 hora) means "every three hours"
qd (quaque die) means "every day"
qid (quater in die) means "four times a day"
Sig (signa) means "write"
tid (ter in die) means "three times a day"
ABCD Rule - ANSWER-asymmetry, border irregularity, color, diameter
Abduction and Adduction - ANSWER-Movement of a limb or other part away from the
midline of the body, or from another part and toward the midline of the body or toward
another part occur at the mandible, or jaw bone.
ABHES - ANSWER-Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Organization that
offers accreditation to higher education institutions.
Abnormal cell growth - ANSWER-Categorized as malignant (Cancerous, invasive, and
destructive abnormal cells) or benign (Noncancerous or noninvasive abnormal cells).
Abortion - ANSWER-the interruption or termination of pregnancy before the fetus is
viable. An induced abortion is caused by human intervention.
,Abrasions - ANSWER-Occurs when the outer skin is scraped away
exposing the underlying tissue. Bleeding is usually only oozing, but the injury is typically
painful because of the many nerve endings in this part of the skin. Clean the area and
remove any debris. The physician may order application of antibacterial ointment and a
sterile dressing. More severe ones may require burn treatment.
Abruptio placentae - ANSWER-This refers to when the placenta separates from the
uterine wall before childbirth. It is the leading cause of death of the fetus.
Absorbable sutures - ANSWER-dissolved by the body fluids and do not need to be
removed. It typically takes several days after insertion for complete disappearance of
the suture. These are
used for internal organs such as the intestines and bladder and for the subcutaneous
tissue as well as to tie off blood vessels. These sutures are sometimes used for skin
and eliminate the need to go back into the area for removal. There are both natural
(surgical gut or catgut) and synthetic sutures of this type.
Absorption - ANSWER-Absorption is the time and process in which a drug reaches the
cells and produces the desired action.
Absorption - ANSWER-Some poisons can be absorbed through the skin. The area must
be cleaned
immediately.
Absorption - ANSWER-Some poisons can be absorbed through the skin. The area must
be cleaned
immediately.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - ANSWER-The most advanced, and fatal, stage
of an HIV infection.
Acromegaly - ANSWER-A very rare, chronic disease where there is an abnormal
enlargement of the hands and feet caused by too much secretion of growth hormone
after puberty
Acupressure - ANSWER-a traditional Chinese touch therapy involving finger pressure
applied to specific areas of the body to restore the flow of qi
Acupuncture - ANSWER-Chinese medical practice of inserting needles into certain
areas of the body
Acute Abdominal Pain - ANSWER-Sudden onset may signal a serious underlying
condition. A physical exam is required to determine the cause. The physician will
assess each quadrant of the abdominal area to determine the organs that might be
involved. Help the patient get into a comfortable position. Keep the patient warm and
,monitor vital signs frequently. Do not allow the patient to eat or drink or take pain
medication. Some conditions may require surgery and there can be serious
complications if the patient eats or drinks prior to surgery. The physician will
also order laboratory and radiographic studies to assist in diagnosis of the problem.
Acute Abdominal Pain - ANSWER-Sudden onset may signal a serious underlying
condition. A physical exam is required to determine the cause. The physician will
assess each quadrant of the abdominal area to determine the organs that might be
involved. Help the patient get into a comfortable position. Keep the patient warm and
monitor vital signs frequently. Do not allow the patient to eat or drink or take pain
medication. Some conditions may require surgery and there can be serious
complications if the patient eats or drinks prior to surgery. The physician will
also order laboratory and radiographic studies to assist in diagnosis of the problem.
Addison's disease - ANSWER-occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough
of the hormones cortisol or aldosterone
Adolescence - ANSWER-Individuals between about 12 years, or puberty to the
beginning of adulthood at age 18. Preadolescents and teenagers begin to develop
secondary sex characteristics and strive for independence from parents. They
experience puberty and self-image changes. For some teens, this is a painful
experience, both physically and emotionally.
Adrenal Cortex - ANSWER-secretes androgens (sex hormones). It also secretes
corticosteroids which are steroid hormones. Aldosterone regulates sodium and water
levels in the body. Cortisol performs anti-inflammatory functions and helps to regulate
the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Adrenal Medulla - ANSWER-Secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. Epinephrine
(adrenaline) stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to physical injury or
stress. Norepinephrine is released plays an important role in the "fight-or-flight"
response
Adrenalitis - ANSWER-inflammation of the adrenal glands
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) - ANSWER-A tropic
hormone that stimulates the secretion of
glucocorticoids from the cortex of the adrenal glands
Adult CPR - ANSWER-1 Rescuer- 30 compressions per 2 breaths
2 Rescuer- 30 compressions per 2 breaths
Advance Medical Directives - ANSWER-Advance medical directives are legal
documents signed by a patient that allow the patient to dictate what happens medically
if he or she is incapacitated. Advance directive policies may differ from one state to
, another. These legal documents may also designate a surrogate decision-maker for the
patient if he or she becomes incapacitated.
AED - ANSWER-a defibrillator meant to be used by the lay public.
After 2 years - ANSWER-Well-child visits are scheduled annually. Children at this stage
begin to mimic older children and adults and become more independent. Their
communication skills advance and they begin to speak in complete sentences. They
begin to dress and undress themselves.
Albinism - ANSWER-a genetic disorder that results in partial or total lack of skin color.
There is no known cure. The skin is very pale and the hair is light or white. Eye color
can be very light or red irises. In some cases, there can be visual difficulties including
nystagmus (Irregular or rapid eye movement), strabismus (Eye muscle imbalance),
astigmatism (Distorted viewed image), and photophobia (Sensitivity to bright light).
Alcohol Isopropyl - ANSWER-Isopropyl alcohol. Used to disinfect rubber tops of vials,
stethoscopes, percussion hammers.
Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs - ANSWER-Hand hygiene preparations containing alcohol
and emollients used as a rub without rinsing
Aldosteronism - ANSWER-an abnormality of electrolyte balance caused by the
excessive secretion of aldosterone
All physical movement, unconscious action by the organs, and thought, feelings,
emotions, and behavior are controlled - ANSWER-by the movement of the electrical
impulses moving along the neurons and across the synaptic clefts between neurons
Allergic contact dermatitis - ANSWER-Results from direct skin contact with an allergen,
such as poison oak, poison ivy, latex, laundry products, drugs, and other substances. It
can also be caused by exposure to radiation from sun or tanning beds. Symptoms
include skin redness and swelling and potentially burning or itching caused by oozing
from small vesicles. The main treatment includes removing the allergen, cleansing the
skin, and applying steroid cream or taking oral steroid medication.
Allergy testing - ANSWER-performed to test the patient for a reaction to certain
substances on the patient's forearm or back by using a common procedure called the
prick technique. The patient's skin is pricked with common allergens and then the
patient is asked to return to be assessed for reactions. A patient can be pricked for
many different types of allergens at the same time. On return, each prick is assessed for
an allergic reaction that would present as redness, swelling etc. This tells the physician
that the patient is allergic to this substance. The physician can then develop a treatment
plan for the patient based on the
results.
