Medical Assistant Certification (CMA / RMA) General Medical Knowledge and Foundations Syllabus

Define 'cell', 'tissue', and 'organ' in the context of body organization.

Cell = the basic structural and functional unit of life; tissue = a group of similar cells performing a common function; organ = two or more tissue types working together for a specific function.

Name the major body systems and one primary function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Major systems include integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. Cardiovascular = transports blood/oxygen/nutrients; respiratory = gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out).

Which body system regulates the body using hormones, and which uses electrical impulses?

The endocrine system regulates using hormones (slow, widespread effects); the nervous system uses electrical impulses (rapid, targeted effects).

Give an example of a structure-function relationship in the alveoli of the lungs.

Alveoli are thin-walled, one-cell-thick sacs surrounded by capillaries, providing a large surface area that maximizes efficient gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion).

Explain the structure-function relationship of the small intestine's villi.

Villi and microvilli are tiny finger-like projections that greatly increase the surface area of the small intestine, maximizing absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

What is a common pathology of the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system?

Cardiovascular: hypertension, myocardial infarction, or atherosclerosis. Respiratory: asthma, COPD, or pneumonia.

Name a common pathology associated with the endocrine and the musculoskeletal systems.

Endocrine: diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism. Musculoskeletal: osteoporosis, arthritis, or fractures.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic disease?

Acute = sudden onset, short duration, often severe (e.g., influenza); chronic = slow/gradual onset, long-lasting or recurring (e.g., diabetes, arthritis).

List Erikson's psychosocial stage and central conflict for infancy and for adolescence.

Infancy (0–1 yr): Trust vs. Mistrust. Adolescence (12–18 yr): Identity vs. Role Confusion.

Name the developmental stages of the human lifespan in order from birth to old age.

Infancy, toddlerhood/early childhood, childhood, adolescence, young/early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood (older adult).

According to Maslow's hierarchy, what are the five levels from lowest to highest?

Physiological → Safety/Security → Love/Belonging → Esteem → Self-actualization.

Define the defense mechanisms 'denial' and 'projection'.

Denial = refusing to accept a painful reality or fact. Projection = attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person.

Define the defense mechanisms 'repression', 'regression', and 'rationalization'.

Repression = unconsciously blocking distressing thoughts from awareness; regression = reverting to earlier/childlike behavior under stress; rationalization = justifying behavior with logical-sounding but false reasons.

What is 'displacement' as a coping/defense mechanism? Give an example.

Displacement = redirecting emotions from the true source to a safer, less threatening target (e.g., a patient angry at their diagnosis yells at the receptionist).

What is therapeutic communication and name two of its techniques.

Therapeutic communication is purposeful, patient-centered interaction that promotes understanding and trust. Techniques include active listening, open-ended questions, reflection/restating, clarification, and silence.

What is the difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions in patient interviews?

Open-ended questions encourage detailed, descriptive responses ('How have you been feeling?'); closed-ended questions elicit short yes/no or one-word answers ('Do you have pain?').

Name three blocks/barriers to therapeutic communication.

Giving false reassurance, being judgmental/giving disapproval, changing the subject, giving unsolicited advice, using medical jargon, or asking 'why' questions that put patients on the defensive.

What is cultural competence in healthcare?

The ability to understand, respect, and effectively respond to the cultural and linguistic needs, beliefs, and practices of diverse patients to provide quality, individualized care.

Define 'ethnocentrism' and 'cultural diversity' in a healthcare context.

Ethnocentrism = believing one's own culture or way is superior to others; cultural diversity = the variety of cultural, ethnic, religious, and social differences among patients and staff.

List Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief and dying in order.

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

In the grief process, what characterizes the 'bargaining' stage?

The person attempts to negotiate or make deals (often with a higher power) to postpone death or change the outcome, frequently expressed as 'if only' statements.

What are the three macronutrients and their approximate calorie (kcal) value per gram?

Carbohydrates = 4 kcal/g; Proteins = 4 kcal/g; Fats (lipids) = 9 kcal/g. (Alcohol, though not a nutrient, = 7 kcal/g.)

What is the difference between a macronutrient and a micronutrient?

Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) are needed in large amounts and provide energy; micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are needed in small amounts and support metabolic and regulatory functions.

Distinguish fat-soluble from water-soluble vitamins and list each group.

Fat-soluble (stored in body fat): A, D, E, K. Water-soluble (not stored, excreted in urine): B-complex vitamins and vitamin C.

Name the vitamin associated with each: scurvy, rickets, and night blindness.

Scurvy = vitamin C deficiency; rickets = vitamin D deficiency; night blindness = vitamin A deficiency.

What special diet is prescribed for celiac disease and what for chronic kidney disease?

Celiac disease = gluten-free diet (no wheat, barley, rye). Chronic kidney disease = renal diet (restricted protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus).

Describe a clear liquid diet and name one situation it is used for.

A clear liquid diet includes transparent liquids such as water, clear broth, gelatin, clear juices, and tea; used before/after surgery or certain procedures (e.g., colonoscopy prep) and during acute GI illness.

What dietary modifications define a 'DASH' diet and a 'diabetic' diet?

DASH (for hypertension) = low sodium, high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Diabetic diet = controlled/consistent carbohydrate intake to manage blood glucose.

What are the five food groups represented on the USDA's MyPlate?

Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, and Dairy (with vegetables and grains making up the largest portions of the plate).

Name two key principles taught when providing patient education to ensure understanding.

Use plain language (avoid jargon), assess for barriers (literacy, language, sensory), provide written/visual materials, and use the 'teach-back' method where the patient repeats information in their own words to confirm comprehension.