A patient calls and asks, "My lab report is back—do I have hepatitis?" What is the most appropriate action within MA scope?
Answer choices
- ARead the positive markers and explain that the patient has hepatitis
- BTell the patient the report looks normal and not to worry
- CVerify identity, acknowledge receipt, and refer interpretation to the provider
- DAdvise the patient to self-diagnose using internet lab reference charts
About this question
A patient calls and asks whether lab results mean they have hepatitis. What should the medical assistant do within scope? CCMA communication and ethics items protect patients from unauthorized diagnosis while still requiring helpful, professional handoff to the provider. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NHA CCMA competency being tested.
This scenario asks for the most appropriate MA action. Verify patient identity, acknowledge that the report was received, and refer interpretation and diagnosis to the licensed provider, do not read positives as a diagnosis or reassure that results are “normal” on your own. Scope allows facilitation and scheduling; clinical interpretation belongs to the provider. For can medical assistant interpret lab results hepatitis, turn the deciding clue into a short flashcard prompt for your next review session.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- ARead the positive markers and explain that the patient has hepatitis
- BTell the patient the report looks normal and not to worry
- CVerify identity, acknowledge receipt, and refer interpretation to the providerCorrect
- DAdvise the patient to self-diagnose using internet lab reference charts
Basic rationale
Verify patient identity, confirm the report was received, and transfer the call or message to the provider for diagnosis and explanation.
Option explanations
- A: Incorrect. Read the positive markers and explain that the patient has hepatitis is not the best choice for this scenario.
- B: Incorrect. Tell the patient the report looks normal and not to worry is not the best choice for this scenario.
- C: Correct. Verify patient identity, confirm the report was received, and transfer the call or message to the provider for diagnosis and explanation.
- D: Incorrect. Advise the patient to self-diagnose using internet lab reference charts is not the best choice for this scenario.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
MAs do not independently diagnose or interpret laboratory results for patients. Clinical interpretation belongs to the licensed provider.
Distractor analysis
A: Read the positive markers and explain that the patient has hepatitis does not match the tested concept. B: Tell the patient the report looks normal and not to worry does not match the tested concept. D: Advise the patient to self-diagnose using internet lab reference charts does not match the tested concept.
Exam trap
Never read positives aloud as a diagnosis or reassure that results are normal without provider authority.
Memory tip
Labs: verify ID, then hand off to the provider.
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