1. At which of the following times should a sharps container be closed for disposal?
A. When completely full
B. At the end of each workday
C. When three-fourths full Correct
D. After surgical office procedures are completed
Explanation
Sharps containers must be closed and disposed of when they are about three-fourths full rather than completely full. This guideline is a key safety measure designed to prevent overfilling, which can cause serious hazards. When a container is overfilled, needles and other sharp objects may protrude, increasing the risk of accidental punctures. Additionally, an overfilled container can be difficult to seal properly, raising the chance of spills or injuries during handling and transport. Disposing of sharps containers at the three-fourths mark ensures they can be closed securely and handled safely, protecting both healthcare workers and the public.
2. The partner of a patient comes into the office demanding to know what the patient was seen for and why they were charged for the visit. Which of the following is the best way for the medical assistant to handle this situation when no medical records release authorization form is on file?
A. Advise them that privacy regulations prevent releasing patient information regardless of their relationship to the patient. Correct
B. Verbally share the patient information with them since they are the subscriber on the patient's medical insurance.
C. Reassure them that they have nothing to worry about since their partner's visit was only a follow-up to a minor surgery.
D. Instruct them to provide proof of identity prior to providing the requested information.
Explanation
HIPAA privacy regulations prohibit the disclosure of protected health information without the patient's explicit written authorization, even to family members or insurance subscribers. Verifying identity does not override the need for authorization. Sharing information without consent violates patient confidentiality and legal standards. Reassuring them provides unauthorized details.
3. Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take after experiencing an accidental needlestick?
A. Review Safety Data Sheets.
B. Document the incident in the patient's chart.
C. Follow the health care facility's exposure control plan. Correct
D. Wash hands and remain quiet about the incident.
Explanation
Immediate follow-up of the facility's exposure control plan is critical to minimize infection risk, including wound cleansing, reporting, and post-exposure prophylaxis. Reviewing SDS is for chemical exposures, not needlesticks. Documenting in the patient's chart is inappropriate; it should be in an incident report. Remaining quiet risks personal and public health.
4. Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take when performing wound care ordered by a provider?
A. Immediately clean the wound with soap and water.
B. Wash the wound from the edge inward.
C. Pat the wound with alcohol pads.
D. Cover the wound with dry sterile dressing. Correct
Explanation
Covering with a dry sterile dressing protects the wound from contamination and promotes healing. Cleaning should be with sterile saline, not soap/water, and from center outward to avoid introducing bacteria. Alcohol is cytotoxic and delays healing.
5. Which of the following equipment should a medical assistant expect a provider to order for a patient who reports snoring and fatigue?
A. Continuous positive airway pressure machine Correct
B. Hospital bed with adjustable height and side rails
C. Compression stockings
D. Wheelchair
Explanation
Snoring and fatigue are classic symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, treated with a CPAP machine to maintain airway patency during sleep. Hospital beds, compression stockings, and wheelchairs address mobility or circulatory issues, not respiratory sleep disorders.