Which of the following formulas should a medical assistant use to determine a patient's pulse rate?
Take the patient's pulse for 5 seconds and multiply by 10.
Take the patient's pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 2.
Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 4.
Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Take the patient's pulse for 5 seconds and multiply by 10: Measuring for 5 seconds and multiplying by 10 is less accurate due to the short measurement time.
B. Take the patient's pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 2: While this method is more accurate than taking it for 5 seconds, the recommended practice is to measure for 30 seconds for better accuracy.
C. Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 4: This would be used to determine a pulse rate per minute from a 15-second measurement, not 30 seconds.
D. Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2: This method provides a precise measurement of the pulse rate, as taking the pulse for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 gives the number of beats per minute.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Place a bandage on the site after holding pressure for 1 min: While a bandage may be used, holding pressure for 1 minute is excessive. Typically, pressure is held for a shorter period to control bleeding.
B. Apply direct, firm pressure to the puncture site on the finger: Applying firm pressure helps to stop bleeding after the puncture and is the appropriate technique.
C. Warm the site for a minimum of 10 min prior to puncture. Warming the site is usually done for a few minutes (not 10) to increase blood flow, but it should be done briefly and not excessively.
D. Have the parent hold the child during the procedure: While it’s important to ensure the child is held securely, the parent should assist by holding the child gently but not to the extent that it interferes with the procedure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Measuring capillary hematocrit: Measuring capillary hematocrit is within the scope of practice for medical assistants.
B. Obtaining a throat culture: Obtaining a throat culture is a common task for medical assistants.
C. Performing a fecal occult blood test: Performing a fecal occult blood test is within the medical assistant’s scope of practice.
D. Interpreting microscopic preparation of urine: Interpreting the results of a microscopic urine preparation typically requires a higher level of training and is often performed by a lab technician or other specialized personnel.