1. Medical Assistant Skills
Chapter 21
Medical Assistant Skills

2. 21:1 Measuring/Recording Height and Weight
Used to determine if a patient is overweight or underweight
Part of general physical examination
Daily weights ordered for some patients
For adults, height measurements assess osteoporosis

3. 21:1 Measuring/Recording Height and Weight
Wide variety of scales
Recording weight
Pounds and ounces or kilograms
Recording height
Feet and inches or centimeters
Refer to Procedures 21:1A and 21:1B in text
Changed Text to text

4. 21:2 Positioning a Patient
Patient must be positioned correctly for variety of examinations, tests, and procedures
Wide variety of positions used (refer to Figures to in text)
Patient may be on a bed, exam table, surgical table, diagnostic table, treatment table

5. 21:2 Positioning a Patient
Horizontal recumbent (supine) position
Prone position
Sims’ (left lateral) position
Knee–chest position
Fowler’s positions
Lithotomy position

6. 21:2 Positioning a Patient
Dorsal recumbent position
Trendelenburg position
Jackknife (proctologic) position
Follow basic principles and procedures for positioning patients (refer to Procedure 21:2 in text)

7. 21:3 Screening for Vision Problems
Screening tests of visual acuity
Snellen charts test distant vision for nearsightedness (myopia)
Interpretation of readings on Snellen chart
Refer to Figure and Procedure 21:3 in text

8. 21:3 Screening for Vision Problems
Jaeger system tests close vision for farsightedness (hyperopia)
Ishihara method tests for defects in color vision or color blindness
Abbreviations and terms related to visual acuity

9. 21:4 Assisting with Physical Examinations
Three major types of examinations
EENT
GYN
General or complete physical

10. 21:4 Assisting with Physical Examinations
Techniques used during the examination
Observation
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
Equipment used for examination

11. 21:4 Assisting with Physical Examinations
Equipment
Sigmoidoscope
Speculum
Cervical spatula
Laryngeal mirror
Sphygmomanometer
Stethoscope
Ophthalmoscope
Tongue depressor
Otoscope
Tuning fork
Percussion hammer

12. 21:4 Assisting with Physical Examinations
Preparation of the patient
Tests done prior to physical examination
Be prepared to assist physician as needed
Observe standard precautions
Refer to Procedures 21:4A–21:4C in text

13. 21:5 Assisting with Minor Surgery and Suture Removal
In medical, dental, other health care facilities
Various types of procedures done
Instruments and equipment
Use strict sterile technique to prepare surgical tray
Refer to Procedures 21:5A and 21:5B in text

14. 21:5 Assisting with Minor Surgery and Suture Removal
Instruments/supplies
Retractors
Scalpels
Surgical scissors
Suture materials
Needle holder
Hemostats
Needle
Tissue forceps
Bandage scissors
Splinter forceps
Towel clamps

15. 21:5 Assisting with Minor Surgery and Suture Removal
Strict sterile technique must be used to prepare surgical tray
Skin prep may be done before minor surgery
Physician may administer local anesthesia
Be prepared to assist as need during procedure

16. 21:5 Assisting with Minor Surgery and Suture Removal
Sterile dressings must be available for use
Suture removal also requires sterile technique
Suture removal sets
Patients often fearful and apprehensive
Reassure patients
Refer specific questions to physician

17. 21:5 Assisting with Minor Surgery and Suture Removal
Removed body tissues, growths, or specimens are sent to laboratory for examination
Biopsy specimen
Observe standard precautions
Dispose of sharp objects properly

18. 21:6 Recording and Mounting an Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (ECG) measures electrical conduction pattern in the heart
Waves and what they show (refer to Figure in text)
PQRST complex
Refer to Procedure 21:6 in text

19. 21:6 Recording and Mounting an Electrocardiogram
Complete ECG consists of 12 leads (refer to Figure in text)
Basic parts of ECG machine
Explain procedure and reassure patient
Computerized ECG machines will retain the ECG in computer memory for EHR
Changed twelve to 12

20. 21:7 Using the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)
PDR provides information about drugs and medications currently in use
Published yearly with periodic supplements for up-to-date information
Also available in an online version

21. 21:7 Using the PDR Sections of the PDR Manufacturers’ index
Brand and generic names
Product classification, or category, index
Product identification guide
Product information
Diagnostic product information section

22. 21:7 Using the PDR Sections in the back of the PDR
Poison control centers
Discontinued products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration telephone directory
Key to FDA Use-in-Pregnancy ratings

23. 21:8 Working with Medications
Drug used to treat or prevent a disease or condition
Only authorized persons can administer medications
Check legal requirements in your state

24. 21:8 Working with Medications
Forms of medications
Liquids, solids, semisolids
Routes of administration
Oral, rectal, topical, inhalation, sublingual
Changed semi-solid to semisolid

25. 21:8 Working with Medications
“Six rights” to observe when giving medications
Right medication
Right dose or amount
Right patient
Right time
Right method or route of administration
Right documentation

26. 21:8 Working with Medications
Know the safety rules to observe when working with medications
Report all mistakes immediately
Concentrate while handling any medication and avoid distractions