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Certified Medical Assistant — Practice Exam

Vital signs and measurements: practice questions

Our Medical Assistant bank has 23 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

How should respirations be counted?

  1. While the patient talks so they stay relaxed
  2. Without telling the patient, often while appearing to take the pulse
  3. After asking the patient to breathe deeply and slowly
  4. Only for 5 seconds, multiplied by twelve
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B. Without telling the patient, often while appearing to take the pulse — Patients change their breathing when they know it is being counted.

Question 2

What is orthostatic (postural) hypotension?

  1. A drop in blood pressure when the patient stands up
  2. High blood pressure that occurs only in the clinic
  3. A rise in blood pressure when the patient lies down
  4. Low blood pressure that occurs only during sleep
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A. A drop in blood pressure when the patient stands up — Measure lying, sitting and standing when ordered; watch for dizziness.

Question 3

Which factor can cause a falsely low pulse oximeter reading?

  1. Cold fingers, poor circulation or dark nail polish
  2. Recording the reading after a full minute with the patient seated and warm
  3. A recently washed hand and short nails
  4. A warm room and a relaxed, seated patient
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A. Cold fingers, poor circulation or dark nail polish — Choose a warm site without polish or artificial nails.

Question 4

What is the pulse pressure?

  1. The pressure at which the first sound is heard through the stethoscope
  2. The pressure measured at the radial artery
  3. The number of beats counted in one minute
  4. The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure
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D. The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure — For 120/80, pulse pressure is 40 mm Hg.

Question 5

How long should a patient wait to have an oral temperature taken after eating, drinking or smoking?

  1. About 1 to 2 minutes only
  2. At least 2 hours
  3. About 15 to 30 minutes
  4. No wait is needed
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C. About 15 to 30 minutes — Hot or cold intake and smoking alter oral readings.

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