Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

An MA is preparing a patient who has intermittent peripheral cyanosis for an exam by the provider. The assistant should understand that healthy perfusion of the hands and feet depends on adequate interaction between which of the following two body systems?

1. Cardiovascular and lymphatic

2. Endocrine and nervous

3. Circulatory and muscular

4. Circulatory and respiratory

The correct answer is: Circulatory and respiratory

The correct choice highlights the vital role of the circulatory and respiratory systems in maintaining adequate perfusion, especially in tissues like the hands and feet. The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood throughout the body, while the respiratory system facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This interaction ensures that the tissues receive enough oxygen to function properly. In cases of peripheral cyanosis, where there is a bluish coloration due to low oxygen levels, it becomes particularly important to understand how these two systems work together. Oxygenated blood from the lungs travels through the circulatory system to the extremities. If there is an issue with this transfer or if the respiratory system is not providing enough oxygen, it can lead to issues like cyanosis in the fingers and toes. The other options, while they address various bodily functions, do not focus on the primary systems that directly influence the oxygen supply to peripheral tissues. For instance, the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems primarily work together to manage fluid and waste, but lymphatic drainage is not directly responsible for oxygen delivery. The endocrine and nervous systems regulate hormonal and nervous responses, which, although important for overall function, are not the main players in tissue oxygenation. Lastly, while the circulatory and