general tests nrcma practice test

Exam Title: Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant

Last update: Nov 27 ,2025
Question 1

Glucose tolerance test is a test for:

  • A. liver function
  • B. sugar metabolism
  • C. thyroid function
  • D. kidney function
Answer:

B


Explanation:
A glucose tolerance test (GTT) is used to evaluate how well the body processes glucose, which is
crucial for diagnosing conditions related to sugar metabolism, such as diabetes and insulin
resistance. During the test, a patient consumes a glucose-rich beverage, and blood samples are taken
at intervals to measure blood glucose levels. The primary purpose is to assess the body's ability to
metabolize sugar.
Reference:
"Glucose Tolerance Test." Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/glucose-
tolerance-test/about/pac-20394296

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Question 2

Atriomegaly refers to:

  • A. injury to the atrium of the heart
  • B. underdeveloped atrium of the heart
  • C. enlargement of the atrium of the heart
  • D. incision into the atrium of the heart
Answer:

C


Explanation:
Atriomegaly is a medical term that describes the enlargement of the atrium of the heart. The atria
are the two upper chambers of the heart, and enlargement can be due to various conditions such as
hypertension, valvular heart disease, or cardiomyopathy. This enlargement can affect the heart's
ability to pump blood efficiently.
Reference:
"Atriomegaly." Medical Dictionary, https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/atriomegaly

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Question 3

The doctor's office is most concerned with:

  • A. civil and criminal law
  • B. civil and military law
  • C. civil and international law
  • D. civil and probate law
Answer:

A


Explanation:
A doctor's office primarily deals with civil and criminal law. Civil law covers issues such as
malpractice, patient confidentiality, and contract disputes, while criminal law may involve cases of
fraud, illegal prescription practices, or breaches of health regulations. Understanding both areas is
crucial for healthcare professionals to comply with legal standards and protect their practice.
Reference:
"Legal Aspects of Health Care." American Medical Association, https://www.ama-
assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/legal-issues

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Question 4

High blood pressure is referred to as

  • A. Iwpertension
  • B. hyperemia
  • C. hypertrophy
  • D. hyperthermia
Answer:

C


Explanation:
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is a condition where the force of the
blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and
other health problems. The other terms refer to different conditions:
Hyperemia: Increased blood flow to a particular area of the body.
Hypertrophy: Enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in the size of its cells.
Hyperthermia: Abnormally high body temperature.
Reference:
"Hypertension." American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-
pressure

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Question 5

A condition indicating that certain elements are lacking in the blood:

  • A. angina
  • B. anemia
  • C. ischemia
  • D. all of the choices
Answer:

B


Explanation:
Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood,
leading to a lack of oxygen being carried to the body's tissues. This can result from a deficiency of
iron, vitamin B12, or folate, among other causes. The other options refer to different conditions:
Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Ischemia: Restricted blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen needed for cellular
metabolism.
Reference:
"Anemia." National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-
topics/anemia
=========================

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Question 6

When performing a routine phlebotomy, the most common gauge needle is

  • A. 25or26
  • B. 18
  • C. 22
  • D. D: 20 or 21
Answer:

D


Explanation:
In routine phlebotomy, the most commonly used needle gauge is 20 or 21. This size is suitable for
venipuncture as it allows for efficient blood flow without causing excessive trauma to the vein.
Smaller gauges (like 25 or 26) are typically used for intradermal or subcutaneous injections, while
larger gauges (like 18) are used for procedures requiring rapid infusion or blood donation.
Reference:
"Phlebotomy Essentials." Wolters Kluwer,
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/ovid/phlebotomy-essentials-7985

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Question 7

Incision into the chest wall is referred to as:

  • A. thoracotomy
  • B. thoracic
  • C. thorax
  • D. thoracostomy
Answer:

A


Explanation:
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure involving an incision into the chest wall to gain access to the
thoracic organs, particularly the lungs and heart. This procedure is performed for various diagnostic
and therapeutic reasons, including lung biopsy, tumor removal, or treatment of thoracic injuries. The
other terms refer to related but different concepts:
Thoracic: Pertaining to the chest.
Thorax: The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, encasing the chest.
Thoracostomy: The creation of an opening into the chest cavity, often for the insertion of a chest
tube.
Reference:
"Thoracotomy." Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/thoracotomy/about/pac-
20385034

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Question 8

When applying a cast, the plaster

  • A. is applied directly over the skin
  • B. is applied over a stockinette
  • C. may be applied over an open wound
  • D. may be applied before the swelling has gone down
Answer:

B


Explanation:
When applying a cast, plaster is applied over a stockinette and padding to protect the skin and
provide comfort. The stockinette is a soft, stretchable fabric sleeve that prevents direct contact
between the plaster and the skin. The padding, often made of cotton or synthetic materials, cushions
the area and absorbs any moisture. The other options are incorrect and can lead to complications
such as skin irritation or pressure sores.
Reference:
"Cast Care Instructions." American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/caring-for-casts-and-splints

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Question 9

The suffix which means plastic repair is:

  • A. orrhaphy
  • B. ocentesis
  • C. Coplasty
  • D. opexy
Answer:

C


Explanation:
The suffix -oplasty refers to the surgical repair or reconstruction of a part of the body. This term is
commonly used in procedures such as rhinoplasty (surgical repair of the nose) and angioplasty
(surgical repair of blood vessels). The other suffixes have different meanings:
-orrhaphy: Refers to surgical suturing.
-ocentesis: Refers to surgical puncture to remove fluid.
-opexy: Refers to surgical fixation or attachment.
Reference:
"Medical Terminology." Merck Manual, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home

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Question 10

Gram staining is done to determine
A. whether a bacteria is gram
C. cervical cancer positive or gram negative
C. the species of the organism
D. all of theĀ aboveĀ present

Answer:

A
Gram staining is a laboratory technique used to classify bacteria based on the characteristics of their
cell walls. This method differentiates bacteria into gram-positive (which retain the crystal violet stain
and appear purple) and gram-negative (which do not retain the violet stain and appear red after
counterstaining). This classification helps in guiding the appropriate antibiotic treatment and
understanding the bacterial structure. It does not determine the species of the organism directly, nor
is it used to diagnose cervical cancer.

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