NAHP NRCMA Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Exam Practice Test

Answer : B

Leukocytes, or white blood cells (WBCs), are crucial components of the immune system, protecting the body against infections and foreign invaders. There are several types of leukocytes, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each with specific functions in the immune response. Neutrophils, for example, are the first responders to bacterial infections, while lymphocytes (such as T cells and B cells) are involved in adaptive immunity. Thrombocytes (platelets) are involved in blood clotting, erythrocytes (red blood cells) carry oxygen, and osteocytes are bone cells.

Answer : B

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked for an extended period, leading to damage or death of the heart muscle cells. This blockage is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. Plaque is composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. When a plaque ruptures, it can form a clot that obstructs the blood flow. Symptoms of an MI include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating. Immediate medical attention is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage.

Answer : B

Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells in the blood responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin is composed of four subunits, each containing an iron ion that can bind one molecule of oxygen. This binding and release of oxygen are critical for cellular respiration, which provides energy for the body's metabolic processes. The unique biconcave shape of RBCs increases their surface area for efficient gas exchange and allows them to navigate through the narrow capillaries.

Answer : B

The kidneys are vital organs in the urinary system. They filter waste products, excess substances, and fluids from the blood to form urine. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, which are the functional units responsible for this filtration process. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal arteries, is filtered in the nephrons, and then exits through the renal veins. The filtered waste is collected in the renal pelvis, passes through the ureters to the bladder, and is eventually excreted as urine. This process helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and overall homeostasis.

Answer : A

Auscultation is a clinical procedure used to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body, typically the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system. This process is performed using a stethoscope. The stethoscope is an essential medical instrument that amplifies the internal sounds, allowing healthcare providers to assess the function and condition of these organs. During auscultation, the healthcare provider places the diaphragm or bell of the stethoscope on the patient's skin to listen for normal and abnormal sounds, such as heart murmurs, lung crackles, or bowel sounds. This method is crucial for diagnosing conditions like respiratory infections, cardiovascular disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.

Using a percussion hammer, otoscope, or speculum would not be appropriate for auscultation. A percussion hammer is used to test reflexes, an otoscope is used to examine the ears, and a speculum is used to inspect body cavities like the vagina or nasal passages. Therefore, the stethoscope is the correct and verified tool for auscultation.

Answer : C

A patient with a rapid pulse has tachycardia. Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. It can result from various factors including stress, exercise, or medical conditions. Reference: Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, cardiology references.

Answer : A

Metastasis refers to the growth of cancer cells from one tissue to another. This process involves the spread of cancer cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant sites in the body, forming new tumors. Metastasis is a hallmark of advanced cancer and significantly impacts prognosis and treatment strategies.

The Biology of Cancer by Robert A. Weinberg

Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr., Theodore S. Lawrence, and Steven A. Rosenberg