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Quiz: Medical Terminology: Common Abbreviations and Symbols

Name: PASS THE NET™ Nursing Entrance Test Study Guide
Author: National Medical Assistant Certification Association

By Nancy Kimmel, MSN, FNP / July 2, 2026

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Question 1 of 10

1. Question

A doctor’s order instructs that a patient is to be “NPO after midnight” for a procedure the next morning. What is the most appropriate action for the medical assistant to take?

Offer the patient a glass of water at 11:59 PM.
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Inform the patient and their family that they cannot have anything to eat or drink, including water, after midnight.
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Ask the patient if they have any dietary preferences for their meal before midnight.
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Place a sign above the patient's bed that says "No Food."
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Question 2 of 10

2. Question

A lab result is reported as “0.5 mg”. Why is this the correct notation instead of “.5 mg”?

The leading zero is required by all laboratories.
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The leading zero prevents the decimal point from being missed, which could cause a tenfold dosing error.
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The leading zero indicates that the result is preliminary.
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The leading zero is only used for medication dosages, not lab results.
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Question 3 of 10

3. Question

A medical assistant is updating a patient’s record and needs to note that the patient is allergic to penicillin. The patient has no other known allergies. What is the most accurate way to document this?

NKA
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NKDA
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Allergy: Penicillin
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No known allergies
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Question 4 of 10

4. Question

A patient is prescribed a medication to be taken “prn” for anxiety. How should the medical assistant instruct the patient?

"Take this medication every day to prevent anxiety."
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"Take this medication only when you feel anxious."
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"Take this medication before you go to bed each night."
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"Take this medication with a meal to avoid stomach upset."
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Question 5 of 10

5. Question

A patient is scheduled for a CABG. This is a major surgery related to which part of the body?

Brain
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Lungs
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Heart
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Kidneys
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Question 6 of 10

6. Question

A patient with diabetes has a note in their chart that reads “BS ?”. How would you interpret this?

The patient's blood sugar is within the normal range.
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The patient's blood sugar is elevated.
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The patient's blood sugar is low.
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The patient needs an urgent blood sugar test.
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Question 7 of 10

7. Question

A physician writes an order for a medication to be given every other day. Which of the following is the correct way to write this?

Q.O.D.
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Every other day
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qod
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Every other d.
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Question 8 of 10

8. Question

A physician’s note says “Patient to f/u with Cardiology in 2 weeks.” What is the most appropriate action for the CCMA based on this note?

Tell the patient to call the cardiologist in 2 weeks.
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Assist the patient in scheduling a follow-up appointment with the cardiology department for two weeks from now.
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Give the patient a brochure for the cardiology department.
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Document that the patient has a heart condition.
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Question 9 of 10

9. Question

A prescription is written for 10 units of insulin. How should this be written to avoid ambiguity?

10 U insulin
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10 IU insulin
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10 units insulin
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10.0 units insulin
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Question 10 of 10

10. Question

While reviewing a patient’s chart, you see the note “c/o nausea”. What does this entry mean?

The patient has a history of nausea.
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The patient is currently complaining of nausea.
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The patient should be given medication for nausea.
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The patient's nausea is a side effect of their medication.
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