Deck 25: Assisting with the Primary Physical Examination

Question 1

During a physical examination, the physician discovers a bruit. What method would she be using to make this discovery?

A) Manipulation
B) Palpation
C) Percussion
D) Auscultation

Answer 1

Auscultation

Question 2

The physician performs manipulation during the physical examination to gain information about the

A) condition of internal organs.
B) irregularities that can be felt just beneath the skin.
C) range of motion of a joint.
D) strength of the muscles.

Answer 2

range of motion of a joint.

Question 3

When preparing a patient for a physical examination, the medical assistant is responsible for all of the following except

A) providing the patient with a gown and instructions on how to wear it.
B) making sure the patient has emptied the bladder.
C) providing refill prescriptions as needed.
D) measuring and recording vital signs.

Answer 3

providing refill prescriptions as needed.

Question 4

Which examination position is used for rectal or sigmoid examinations?

A) Dorsal recumbent
B) Knee-chest
C) Lithotomy
D) Trendelenburg's

Question 5

The physician uses a(n) ______ to examine the eyes.

A) Ophthalmoscope
B) otoscope
C) flashlight
D) ophthalmoscope

Question 6

The usual sequence of the general physical examination moves from the

A) head toward the feet.
B) center of the body.
C) area where there is a complaint.
D) trunk outward to the limbs.

Question 7

Which examination position is used for gynecologic examinations?

A) Dorsal recumbent
B) Knee-chest
C) Lithotomy
D) Trendelenburg's

Question 8

Which of the following examination positions can be used for a rectal examination?

A) Trendelenburg's
B) Sims'
C) Supine
D) Prone

Question 9

When lifting a heavy object, the medical assistant should

A) bend at the waist, keeping the back straight.
B) pull the object in the direction needed.
C) keep the weight as close as possible to the body.
D) twist and reach for the object.

Question 10

Which examination position requires the medical assistant to raise the head of the bed to a 30- to 45-degree angle?

A) Dorsal recumbent
B) Fowler's
C) Lithotomy
D) Semi-Fowler's

Question 11

The physician might use a __________ to assess a patient's ability to detect sound vibrations.

A) Snellen chart
B) tongue blade
C) tuning fork
D) reflex hammer

Question 12

Which examination position is used in emergencies for patients with severe hypotension or who are in shock?

A) Dorsal recumbent
B) Knee-chest
C) Lithotomy
D) Trendelenburg's

Question 13

If you are interested in working with patients of all ages who seek help for a wide variety of disorders, employment with which medical specialist would be your best choice?

A) Primary care physician
B) Oncologist
C) Internist
D) Physical medicine physician

Question 14

Which of the following positions is achieved by lying prone with the head down, the knees bent, and the buttocks elevated?

A) Dorsal recumbent
B) Lithotomy
C) Knee-chest
D) Sims'
E) Trendelenburg's

Question 15

Which of the following positions is most appropriate for a patient having a breast examination?

A) Dorsal recumbent
B) Jackknife
C) Lithotomy
D) Semi-Fowler's
E) Horizontal recumbent

Question 16

Which position requires the patient to lie flat on his or her back?

A) Supine
B) Prone
C) Sims'
D) Fowler's

Question 17

The examination technique by which the practitioner listens to internal body signs is

A) percussion.
B) manipulation.
C) palpation.
D) auscultation.

Question 18

Which of the following positions may be used when an anterior examination is to be done, but the patient has back pain?

A) Lithotomy
B) Semi-Fowler's
C) Dorsal recumbent
D) Horizontal recumbent

Question 19

An instrument used to test auditory acuity is the

A) ophthalmoscope.
B) otoscope.
C) tuning fork.
D) Snellen chart.

Question 20

The physician asks the medical assistant to position a patient on the examination table so that the patient can breathe more easily. The most appropriate position is

A) dorsal recumbent.
B) jackknife.
C) lithotomy.
D) semi-Fowler's.
E) Trendelenburg's.

Question 21

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

Question 22

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.

Question 23

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.

Question 24

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.

Question 25

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.

Question 26

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

Question 27

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

A) Acetone or fruity
B) Musty
C) Tangy or citrus
D) Ammonia

Question 28

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

Question 29

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.

Question 30

What is the normal color of the tympanic membrane?

A) Pink
B) Slightly yellow
C) Off-white
D) Pearly gray

Question 31

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

Question 32

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.

Question 33

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

Question 34

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

A) Neurologic
B) Gastrointestinal
C) Urinary
D) Respiratory

Question 35

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.

Question 36

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

A) palpation.
B) inspection.
C) manipulation.
D) ROM.

Question 37

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

Question 38

Which body cavity protects organs of the nervous system?

A) Thoracic cavity
B) Pericardial cavity
C) Ventral cavity
D) Dorsal cavity

Question 39

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

Question 40

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

Question 41

Plantar reflexes are tested with which of the following?

A) The patient in an upright or a supine position
B) With either the fingers or the reflex hammer
C) Using tapotement
D) None of the above

Question 42

What is used to examine the interior of the eye, including the retina and intraocular vessels?

A) Ophthalmoscope
B) Otoscope
C) Palpation
D) Stethoscope

Question 43

Which of the following speech defects is the inability to speak because of loss of the voice, commonly seen with laryngitis or overuse of the voice?

A) Aphonia
B) Sensory aphasia
C) Dysphasia
D) Motor aphasia

Question 44

The __________ position is used for vaginal examinations.

Question 45

A(n) __________ is a medical instrument that is used to inspect the inner structures of the eye.

Question 46

The acronym __________ means the patient's eyes react normally during the physical examination.

Question 47

Which of the following fingernail conditions may indicate local infection or systemic disease?

A) Spooning of the main
B) Beau's lines
C) Clubbing fingertips
D) Brittle, grooved, or lined nails

Question 48

Which method of examination is considered separate from the four standard methods?

A) Inspection
B) Auscultation
C) Manipulation
D) Percussion

Question 49

__________ are used to test the ability to conduct vibrations through bone.

Question 50

For administration of a rectal suppository, the patient would be placed in the __________ position.

Question 51

__________ is a method of examination that uses tapping or striking the body with fingers or a small hammer to determine alterations in sound or vibration.

Question 52

The technique of __________ involves using touch during the physical examination of a patient, for example, to determine the size and consistency of a tumor.

Question 53

A body __________ is composed of several organs and their associated structures.

Question 54

Which term is associated with the process of measuring?

A) Auscultation
B) Mensuration
C) Manipulation
D) Palpation

Question 55

The sinuses are visualized during the physical examination by passing light through the nasal passages in a technique called __________.

Question 56

The supportive cells of the nervous system are classified as __________.

Question 57

A patient with severe shock may be placed in __________ position.

Question 58

A(n) __________ is used to examine the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane.

Question 59

A(n) __________ is composed of two or more types of tissues that form together to perform a particular function.

Question 60

Measuring the circumference of an infant's head is an example of __________.

Question 61

A murmur indicates a possible problem with a cardiac valve.

Question 62

When transferring a patient from a wheelchair to the examination table, the medical assistant should always assist the patient on the person's strong side.

Question 63

The area between cellular structures is called the __________ space.

Question 64

__________ are classified according to their shape and whether they are layered.

Question 65

Felicia is assigned to work in the clinical area of the practice. Describe at least four of her responsibilities when assisting the physician during a physical examination.

Question 66

Mrs. Grace Wilson, an 81-year-old patient of Dr. Kosto, is being seen today for her annual physical examination. Explain at least five of the medical assistant's responsibilities in preparing Mrs. Wilson for the examination.

Question 67

The process of creating blood cells in the red bone marrow is called __________.

Question 68

Part of Felicia's responsibilities is to make sure the examination rooms in the office are prepared for the day. Describe four of her responsibilities in preparing these rooms.

Question 69

List and describe the four types of body tissue.

Question 70

The __________ is designed to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear.

Question 71

Transillumination is used to evaluate the sinus cavities.

Question 72

An example of manipulation is assisted ROM exercises.

Question 73

A number of Felicia's co-workers have been complaining about work-related lower back pain. Dr. Kosto asks Felicia to research information about correct body mechanics and share it with the staff. Summarize at least five safe lifting techniques that should be included in the material.

Question 74

A(n) __________ is a small mass that may be palpated when the physician examines the head and neck.

Question 75

The medical assistant should push a heavy item rather than trying to pull it.

Question 76

Bending both the knees and the back is the best method of picking up a heavy object.

Question 77

Contraction of the smooth muscles lining an artery is called __________.

Question 78

Examples of involuntary muscles are the muscles that line arteries and arterioles.

Question 79

Dr. Kosto is very serious about enforcing HIPAA guidelines for patient confidentiality. According to what you learned in this chapter, explain three applications of HIPAA that you would expect to see in a physician's office.

Question 80

When using proper body mechanics, medical assistants should twist the body in the direction of the object to be lifted.