Page 3 - ractice Exam Questions and rationales

incorporate moderate exercise into their daily routine, because this will help to keep their
hypertension under control. Checking the blood sugar regularly would not be a priority for a
person with hypertension.
When reviewing a patient’s SOAP note in the medical record, which of the following
documentation entries is an example of objective data?

A. Patient reports stabbing pain in the RUQ after meals.

B. Generalized pruritis following detergent brand change yesterday.

C. 10 mm laceration noted above the left eye.

D. Patient complains of fatigue and low energy levels.

Your response:
Patient complains of fatigue and low energy levels.
Correct response:
10 mm laceration noted above the left eye.
Rationale: The SOAP note method (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) is a charting
system. The Objective notes are based on measurable signs, observable facts or data (such as a
10 mm laceration noted above the left eye). Subjective notes cover the chief complaint of the
patient and other details of condition: reports stabbing pain in the RUQ after meals, complains of
fatigue and low energy levels, or generalized pruritis following detergent brand change
yesterday. Assessment is basically the doctor's diagnosis for that visit. Plan refers to the
treatment plan (further testing, referrals, medications, etc.).
The medical assistant is providing instructions for a patient with pneumonia. The optimal time a
sputum specimen should be collected is:

A. first thing in the morning.

B. after lunch.

C. at bedtime.

D. after breakfast.

Your response:
first thing in the morning.
Correct response:
first thing in the morning.
Rationale: Sputum is the phlegm or mucus from the lungs, and is not to be confused with regular
saliva or 'snot' that drains from the nose. Sputum needs to be 'coughed up' from the lungs. When
collecting a specimen for laboratory testing, optimal timing is important to ensure that the best
possible specimen is submitted. The production of sputum is the greatest first thing in the
morning. The sputum contains expectorated overnight secretions and a first morning sample
generally will have the highest concentrated amount of whatever pathogen is causing the