NWCA MEDICAL ASSISTANT TEST PAPER ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SET A+
✔✔Assisting a Patient with Hot Moist Applications/Hot
Compresses - ✔✔Place the waterproof pad under the injured body part and apply the
compress to the patient's body. Wrap with plastic to protect the clothing.
Check with the patient to ensure that the pad is not too hot and then check the
compress every 3-5 minutes. Replace it
with a warmer compress as needed. Call the physician if you notice increased swelling
or redness in the area.
Remove the compress after the specified time and dry the affected area.
✔✔Assisting with Therapeutic Ultrasonography - ✔✔Apply warmed ultrasonic gel both
to the area to be treated and to the applicator head.
Set the machine at the lowest treatment setting and increase it gradually as needed. Set
the timer to the specified treatment time.
Place the applicator head firmly against the patient's skin and move it in a circular
motion at a speed of two inches per second. Keep the applicator head in contact with
the patient's skin and keep it moving at all times when the machine is running. Do not
stop on one section of skin. After the prescribed time, the machine will shut off
automatically.
Return the intensity control back to zero to be ready for the next patient. This is a safety
step to ensure that the next patient does not get a higher level of intensity than
prescribed.
Wipe the gel from the patient and assist with dressing, if necessary.
Wash your hands and complete the documentation in the patient's chart.
,✔✔measuring for axillary crutches - ✔✔Assist the patient to a standing position. The
patient's shoes should remain on and the crutch armrests should be under the patient's
axilla. Adjust the crutches first for height and then for hand position. There should be a
space of two fingerwidths between the axilla and the crutch armrest. The body weight
should be supported by the hands and the hand grip and the crutch tip placement
should be approximately two inches in front of the foot and four to six inches from the
lateral aspect. Adjust the length and position of the hand grip to fit these criteria.
Provide verbal and written instructions about general guidelines, crutch gait, and
symptoms of improper fit. The patient should know which symptoms to look for that
indicate the crutches need to be readjusted. These warning signs include back pain,
weakness in the lower arm, wrist, or hands as well as an inability to keep the back
straight and not lean over.
In general, the patient should regularly practice arm strengthening exercises and use
the prescribed gait. The patient should also keep correct body posture with a straight
back and look ahead when walking rather than looking at the feet. The patient should
wear nonskid shoes and be aware of the environment to avoid tripping. Extra padding
may be needed.
✔✔Four-Point Gait - ✔✔Slow pattern
One crutch, opposite leg, other crutch, other leg
✔✔Three-Point Gait - ✔✔Both crutches and involved leg advance together
Uninvolved leg follows
Uses two canes/crutches or a walker
✔✔Two-Point Gait - ✔✔One crutch and opposite extremity move together followed by
opposite crutch and extremity
✔✔Swing-on Gait - ✔✔both crutches are advanced together and then both legs are
lifted and placed down again on a spot behind the crutches.
* the feet and crutches form a tripod*
✔✔Swing-through Gait - ✔✔crutches forward, lift both feet and swing forward
✔✔Procedure for Assisting a Patient in Using a Cane - ✔✔Instruct the patient to
advance the stronger leg and rest it slightly in front of the injured leg, then repeat the
process.
✔✔Procedure for Assisting a patient in Using a Walker - ✔✔Instruct the patient to grip
the handles firmly and step toward the walker with the stronger leg first, then step with
the other leg and repeat. The patient should move the walker and then walk to it. Watch
,for signs of fatigue or dizziness. Some walkers have a seat platform allowing the patient
to rest. Document the procedure and instructions in the patient's chart.
✔✔Safe Patient Movement: Exam Table to Wheelchair - ✔✔Place a stool near the
exam table if it does not have a step. Place the wheelchair next to the table with the
brakes locked.
Firmly grip the gait belt using an underhand grip and assist the patient to a standing
position. If the patient is able, have him or her push off with the legs and arms. From the
standing position on the step or stool, have the patient step to the floor with the stronger
leg. Have the patient take small steps backward until the backs of the knees touch the
wheelchair. Ask the patient to reach back and place the hands on the wheelchair
armrests for support. Slowly lower the patient to the chair bending your hips and knees.
Help the patient adjust to a comfortable position in the wheelchair. Replace the
footrests.
✔✔The Medical Assistant's Role in the OB/GYN Office - ✔✔Assist with obtaining the
patient history, particularly OB/GYN-related information. They also measure vital signs
and assist with numerous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including pelvic
exams and obtaining Pap smears (A screening test to aid in the detection of
cervical/uterine cancer and cancer precursors) and other specimens. Additionally, you
may be expected to instruct patients in breast self-exams and in nutritional information
related to pregnancy and lactation or breastfeeding.
✔✔Uterus - ✔✔A hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of the female, in which the
embryo is nourished and develops before birth
✔✔Cervix - ✔✔Entrance to the uterus
✔✔labia minora and labia majora - ✔✔The small inner structures and outer lips of the
vagina located in the pelvis beside the uterus in a fold of the broad ligament. Ovulation
occurs when the ovaries produce and release an egg, called an ovum in response to
stimulation by follicle-stimulating hormone. The ovary also produces hormones that
control the entire reproductive process including the menstrual cycle, menarche, the
fertility cycle, menses, and menopause.
✔✔Ovary - ✔✔Almond-shaped structures located in the pelvis beside the uterus in a
fold of the broad ligament. Ovulation occurs when the ovaries produce and release an
egg, called an ovum in response to stimulation by follicle-stimulating hormone. The
ovary also produces hormones that control the entire reproductive process including the
menstrual cycle, menarche, the fertility cycle, menses, and menopause.
✔✔Fallopian Tube - ✔✔tubes which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and which
provides the place where fertilization occurs
, ✔✔Vagina - ✔✔a tubular portion of the reproductive tract that extends from the outer
opening to the cervix.
✔✔Menstrual Cycle - ✔✔Cycle during which an egg develops and is released from an
ovary and the uterus is prepared to receive a fertilized egg.
✔✔Amenorrhea - ✔✔The absence of a menstrual period for 90 days or more caused by
stress, hormone problems, poor nutrition, or excessive exercise.
✔✔Dysmenorrhea - ✔✔Pain caused by uterine cramps during the menstrual period.
✔✔Hypermenorrhea - ✔✔An excessive amount of menstrual flow over a period of more
than seven days.
✔✔Hypomenorrhea - ✔✔This refers to an abnormally small amount of menstrual flow
during a shortened menstrual period
✔✔Menometrorrhagia - ✔✔Excessive uterine bleeding both during the menstrual cycle
and at other times.
✔✔Metrorrhagia - ✔✔Uterine bleeding between menstrual cycles.
✔✔Oligomenorrhea - ✔✔Infrequent or very light menstruation.
✔✔Polymenorrhea - ✔✔A menstrual cycle that is more frequent than normal.
✔✔Premenstrual syndrome - ✔✔Symptoms experienced by many women within the
two-week period before menstruation. Symptoms include swelling and bloating,
headache, mood swings, breast pain, and cramps
✔✔Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): - ✔✔Severe emotional and physical
symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle.
✔✔Premature syndrome - ✔✔When the ovaries cease functioning before the age of 40.
It can be caused by disease, hormonal problems, or surgical removal of the ovaries
✔✔infertility - ✔✔The inability of a couple to become pregnancy after 1 year of regular,
unprotected intercourse. It can also refer to the inability of the woman to carry a
pregnancy to a live birth.
✔✔Contraception - ✔✔birth control
✔✔Barriers - ✔✔designed to prevent the sperm from entering the cervix and include
condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SET A+
✔✔Assisting a Patient with Hot Moist Applications/Hot
Compresses - ✔✔Place the waterproof pad under the injured body part and apply the
compress to the patient's body. Wrap with plastic to protect the clothing.
Check with the patient to ensure that the pad is not too hot and then check the
compress every 3-5 minutes. Replace it
with a warmer compress as needed. Call the physician if you notice increased swelling
or redness in the area.
Remove the compress after the specified time and dry the affected area.
✔✔Assisting with Therapeutic Ultrasonography - ✔✔Apply warmed ultrasonic gel both
to the area to be treated and to the applicator head.
Set the machine at the lowest treatment setting and increase it gradually as needed. Set
the timer to the specified treatment time.
Place the applicator head firmly against the patient's skin and move it in a circular
motion at a speed of two inches per second. Keep the applicator head in contact with
the patient's skin and keep it moving at all times when the machine is running. Do not
stop on one section of skin. After the prescribed time, the machine will shut off
automatically.
Return the intensity control back to zero to be ready for the next patient. This is a safety
step to ensure that the next patient does not get a higher level of intensity than
prescribed.
Wipe the gel from the patient and assist with dressing, if necessary.
Wash your hands and complete the documentation in the patient's chart.
,✔✔measuring for axillary crutches - ✔✔Assist the patient to a standing position. The
patient's shoes should remain on and the crutch armrests should be under the patient's
axilla. Adjust the crutches first for height and then for hand position. There should be a
space of two fingerwidths between the axilla and the crutch armrest. The body weight
should be supported by the hands and the hand grip and the crutch tip placement
should be approximately two inches in front of the foot and four to six inches from the
lateral aspect. Adjust the length and position of the hand grip to fit these criteria.
Provide verbal and written instructions about general guidelines, crutch gait, and
symptoms of improper fit. The patient should know which symptoms to look for that
indicate the crutches need to be readjusted. These warning signs include back pain,
weakness in the lower arm, wrist, or hands as well as an inability to keep the back
straight and not lean over.
In general, the patient should regularly practice arm strengthening exercises and use
the prescribed gait. The patient should also keep correct body posture with a straight
back and look ahead when walking rather than looking at the feet. The patient should
wear nonskid shoes and be aware of the environment to avoid tripping. Extra padding
may be needed.
✔✔Four-Point Gait - ✔✔Slow pattern
One crutch, opposite leg, other crutch, other leg
✔✔Three-Point Gait - ✔✔Both crutches and involved leg advance together
Uninvolved leg follows
Uses two canes/crutches or a walker
✔✔Two-Point Gait - ✔✔One crutch and opposite extremity move together followed by
opposite crutch and extremity
✔✔Swing-on Gait - ✔✔both crutches are advanced together and then both legs are
lifted and placed down again on a spot behind the crutches.
* the feet and crutches form a tripod*
✔✔Swing-through Gait - ✔✔crutches forward, lift both feet and swing forward
✔✔Procedure for Assisting a Patient in Using a Cane - ✔✔Instruct the patient to
advance the stronger leg and rest it slightly in front of the injured leg, then repeat the
process.
✔✔Procedure for Assisting a patient in Using a Walker - ✔✔Instruct the patient to grip
the handles firmly and step toward the walker with the stronger leg first, then step with
the other leg and repeat. The patient should move the walker and then walk to it. Watch
,for signs of fatigue or dizziness. Some walkers have a seat platform allowing the patient
to rest. Document the procedure and instructions in the patient's chart.
✔✔Safe Patient Movement: Exam Table to Wheelchair - ✔✔Place a stool near the
exam table if it does not have a step. Place the wheelchair next to the table with the
brakes locked.
Firmly grip the gait belt using an underhand grip and assist the patient to a standing
position. If the patient is able, have him or her push off with the legs and arms. From the
standing position on the step or stool, have the patient step to the floor with the stronger
leg. Have the patient take small steps backward until the backs of the knees touch the
wheelchair. Ask the patient to reach back and place the hands on the wheelchair
armrests for support. Slowly lower the patient to the chair bending your hips and knees.
Help the patient adjust to a comfortable position in the wheelchair. Replace the
footrests.
✔✔The Medical Assistant's Role in the OB/GYN Office - ✔✔Assist with obtaining the
patient history, particularly OB/GYN-related information. They also measure vital signs
and assist with numerous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including pelvic
exams and obtaining Pap smears (A screening test to aid in the detection of
cervical/uterine cancer and cancer precursors) and other specimens. Additionally, you
may be expected to instruct patients in breast self-exams and in nutritional information
related to pregnancy and lactation or breastfeeding.
✔✔Uterus - ✔✔A hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of the female, in which the
embryo is nourished and develops before birth
✔✔Cervix - ✔✔Entrance to the uterus
✔✔labia minora and labia majora - ✔✔The small inner structures and outer lips of the
vagina located in the pelvis beside the uterus in a fold of the broad ligament. Ovulation
occurs when the ovaries produce and release an egg, called an ovum in response to
stimulation by follicle-stimulating hormone. The ovary also produces hormones that
control the entire reproductive process including the menstrual cycle, menarche, the
fertility cycle, menses, and menopause.
✔✔Ovary - ✔✔Almond-shaped structures located in the pelvis beside the uterus in a
fold of the broad ligament. Ovulation occurs when the ovaries produce and release an
egg, called an ovum in response to stimulation by follicle-stimulating hormone. The
ovary also produces hormones that control the entire reproductive process including the
menstrual cycle, menarche, the fertility cycle, menses, and menopause.
✔✔Fallopian Tube - ✔✔tubes which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and which
provides the place where fertilization occurs
, ✔✔Vagina - ✔✔a tubular portion of the reproductive tract that extends from the outer
opening to the cervix.
✔✔Menstrual Cycle - ✔✔Cycle during which an egg develops and is released from an
ovary and the uterus is prepared to receive a fertilized egg.
✔✔Amenorrhea - ✔✔The absence of a menstrual period for 90 days or more caused by
stress, hormone problems, poor nutrition, or excessive exercise.
✔✔Dysmenorrhea - ✔✔Pain caused by uterine cramps during the menstrual period.
✔✔Hypermenorrhea - ✔✔An excessive amount of menstrual flow over a period of more
than seven days.
✔✔Hypomenorrhea - ✔✔This refers to an abnormally small amount of menstrual flow
during a shortened menstrual period
✔✔Menometrorrhagia - ✔✔Excessive uterine bleeding both during the menstrual cycle
and at other times.
✔✔Metrorrhagia - ✔✔Uterine bleeding between menstrual cycles.
✔✔Oligomenorrhea - ✔✔Infrequent or very light menstruation.
✔✔Polymenorrhea - ✔✔A menstrual cycle that is more frequent than normal.
✔✔Premenstrual syndrome - ✔✔Symptoms experienced by many women within the
two-week period before menstruation. Symptoms include swelling and bloating,
headache, mood swings, breast pain, and cramps
✔✔Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): - ✔✔Severe emotional and physical
symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle.
✔✔Premature syndrome - ✔✔When the ovaries cease functioning before the age of 40.
It can be caused by disease, hormonal problems, or surgical removal of the ovaries
✔✔infertility - ✔✔The inability of a couple to become pregnancy after 1 year of regular,
unprotected intercourse. It can also refer to the inability of the woman to carry a
pregnancy to a live birth.
✔✔Contraception - ✔✔birth control
✔✔Barriers - ✔✔designed to prevent the sperm from entering the cervix and include
condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps
