Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

Which of the following is an MA's role in pulmonary function testing (PFT)?

1. interpreting the test results

2. setting up the equipment

3. taking blood samples

4. coaching the pt through the test

The correct answer is: coaching the pt through the test

In the context of pulmonary function testing (PFT), the role of a medical assistant includes coaching the patient through the test. This involves providing clear instructions, encouraging the patient, and ensuring they understand what is required of them during the test. The performance of PFTs often depends on the patient's effort and understanding of the procedure. An assistant's ability to effectively communicate and coach the patient can significantly impact the accuracy and reliability of the test results. While setting up the equipment is also a relevant task, it does not encompass the critical role of guiding the patient through a potentially unfamiliar and stressful process. Interpreting test results is typically beyond the scope of a medical assistant's training, as it requires a higher level of clinical expertise usually reserved for physicians or trained specialists. Taking blood samples is a different procedure and not typically involved in PFTs, which primarily focus on measuring lung function and airflow. Thus, coaching patients through the testing process is a central component of the medical assistant's responsibilities in this context.