ATI RN
Medical Administrative Assistant Interview Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer medications to two patients with the same last name. After the administration, the nurse realizes that did not check the identification of the patient before administering medication. Which action should the nurse complete first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When an error occurs, the patient's safety and well-being are the top priorities. You first assess and examine the patient's condition and notify the health care provider of the incident as soon as possible. The nurse's first priority is to establish the safety of the patient by assessing the patient. Second, notify the charge nurse and the health care provider. Administer antidote if required. Finally, the nurse needs to complete proper documentation.
Question 2 of 5
Ondansetron 2 mg has been prescribed for a child who weighs 13.6 kg. The safe dosage of this drug is 0.15 mg/kg. Is 2 mg a safe dose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C) No, a safe dose would be 1.02 mg. The safe dose of Ondansetron for the child weighing 13.6 kg is calculated as 13.6 kg x 0.15 mg/kg = 2.04 mg. The prescribed 2 mg is slightly higher than the safe dose, making it close to the safe limit. Option C (1.02 mg) is the most conservative estimate among the choices provided. Option A (0.3 mg) and option B (0.6 mg) are significantly lower than the calculated safe dose of 2.04 mg, making them unsafe and potentially ineffective dosages for the child's weight. Option D (2 mg) is the prescribed dose but is slightly above the safe dose, so it is not the most accurate choice given the conservative nature of medication administration in pediatric patients. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of accurate dosage calculations in medical administration, especially when dealing with pediatric patients who are more sensitive to medication dosages. It emphasizes the need for precision and adherence to safe dosage guidelines to ensure patient safety and effective treatment outcomes. Practicing dosage calculations in scenarios like this can help medical administrative assistants develop critical thinking skills and attention to detail in their role.
Question 3 of 5
What may a person experience in a hypomanic phase of a bipolar mood disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of bipolar disorder, hypomania is a distinct phase characterized by a milder form of mania. The correct answer, option C, states that a person may experience an elevated mood, reduced need for sleep, and irritability during a hypomanic phase. This is accurate because hypomania typically involves increased energy, heightened productivity, and a sense of euphoria or well-being. The reduced need for sleep is a key feature that distinguishes hypomania from normal behavior. Option A (hallucinations, fatigue, anhedonia) is incorrect because these symptoms are more indicative of other mental health conditions or states, such as psychosis or severe depression, rather than a hypomanic episode. Option B (social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, obsessive thoughts) is also incorrect because these symptoms align more closely with depressive episodes rather than hypomanic phases. Hypomania is characterized by increased social interactions, inflated self-esteem, and racing thoughts rather than withdrawal and low self-esteem. Option D (increased activity, increased need for sleep, pressured speech) is incorrect because although it mentions increased activity, it incorrectly includes an increased need for sleep, which is not characteristic of hypomania. Additionally, pressured speech is more commonly associated with manic episodes rather than hypomanic phases. Educationally, understanding the specific symptoms of hypomania is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially medical administrative assistants who may interact with individuals experiencing bipolar disorder. Recognizing these symptoms can aid in providing appropriate support and referrals to individuals in need of mental health services. By grasping the nuances of different mood phases in bipolar disorder, medical administrative assistants can contribute to a more holistic and effective approach to patient care.
Question 4 of 5
When a medication is discontinued permanently, you must have:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer, A) A physician order, is essential when permanently discontinuing a medication as it ensures proper medical oversight and legal compliance in healthcare settings. Physicians are responsible for prescribing medications based on their clinical judgment and expertise. When a medication is discontinued, it is crucial to have a physician's order to document the decision, ensure continuity of care, and prevent any potential adverse effects or complications. Option B) An order from the family is incorrect because family members do not have the medical training or authority to make decisions regarding medication management. While family input and communication are valuable in healthcare, the final decision regarding medications lies with the healthcare provider. Option C) An order from the resident is also incorrect because residents or patients, while they have the right to participate in their care decisions, do not typically have the medical knowledge or authority to order or discontinue medications. It is the responsibility of healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, to assess, prescribe, and manage medications based on their professional expertise. In an educational context, understanding the importance of following proper protocols for medication management is crucial for medical administrative assistants. By recognizing the need for a physician's order when discontinuing medications, students can grasp the significance of medical oversight, legal compliance, and patient safety in healthcare settings. This knowledge equips them to effectively support healthcare providers in delivering high-quality care to patients.
Question 5 of 5
If a resident has provided the community with a signed physician statement indicating his ability to determine his need for PRN medications, can clearly communicate his need for an 'as needed' medication, and you have a complete physician order to give the medication, you:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) May assist with the medication as ordered. This is the right choice because when a resident has provided a signed physician statement indicating their ability to determine their need for PRN medications, can clearly communicate this need, and there is a complete physician order for the medication, it indicates that the resident has the capacity to make such decisions. In this scenario, staff are permitted to assist the resident with the PRN medication as ordered, respecting the resident's autonomy and following Community Care Licensing (CCL) rules. Option B) May not give the medication, without first calling the physician each time prior to giving the medication is incorrect because in the given situation, the resident has already met the necessary criteria to self-determine their need for the PRN medication. Calling the physician each time would be unnecessary and could impede timely access to necessary medication for the resident. Option C) May never give a PRN medication is incorrect as well. PRN medications are commonly used in healthcare settings to provide flexibility in addressing a resident's individual needs. When the resident meets the criteria outlined in the scenario, staff can indeed assist with PRN medications as ordered. Understanding the nuances of medication administration in healthcare settings, especially in relation to resident autonomy and legal requirements, is crucial for medical administrative assistants. By correctly identifying when it is appropriate to assist with PRN medications based on physician orders and resident capabilities, assistants can ensure safe and effective care delivery.