TL;DR
Master the measurement and interpretation of vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Accurate vital sign assessment is foundational to patient care and a heavily tested topic on the Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA).
Free Vital Signs & Patient Intake Practice Questions
Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA) · Clinical Procedures
This module covers Vital Signs & Patient Intake as part of the Clinical Procedures section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA) |
| Pass Rate | 72% |
| Duration | 160 minutes |
| Module | Vital Signs & Patient Intake |
Why Vital Signs & Patient Intake matters
Vital Signs & Patient Intake questions appear frequently on the Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA) because accurate assessment is the foundation of all clinical decision-making.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. During patient intake, a 72-year-old patient's pulse oximetry reads 88% on room air. The patient is breathing comfortably and denies shortness of breath. What should the MA do FIRST?
- Reposition the probe and ensure the finger is warm before retaking the reading
- Immediately apply supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
- Document the reading and continue with the intake process
- Call 911 for emergency transport
2. When documenting a patient's history of present illness (HPI), which of the following elements should be included?
- Onset, location, duration, character, aggravating/alleviating factors, radiation, timing, and severity
- Family history, social history, and review of systems only
- Vital signs, height, weight, and medication list
- Insurance information, emergency contact, and advance directive status
3. An auscultatory gap is BEST described as:
- A temporary disappearance of Korotkoff sounds between systolic and diastolic pressures
- The difference between the systolic and diastolic readings
- A false reading caused by using the wrong cuff size
- The inability to hear sounds due to a defective stethoscope
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- 80-130 beats per minute
- 60-100 beats per minute
- 40-60 beats per minute
- 120-160 beats per minute
5. The normal adult resting pulse rate range is:
- 60-100 beats per minute
- 80-120 beats per minute
- 40-60 beats per minute
- 100-140 beats per minute
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