NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Patient Care Coordination and EducationEasy
A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's chart before their annual physical. The patient is 52 years old, female, and has no significant past medical history. Based on general health promotion guidelines, which preventative screening should the medical assistant anticipate discussing with the patient, if not already completed?
- ARoutine prostate cancer screening.
- BBone density scan for osteoporosis.
- CAnnual colonoscopy for colorectal cancer.
- DMammogram for breast cancer screening.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Mammogram for breast cancer screening.
For a 52-year-old female, routine mammography for breast cancer screening is a standard health promotion guideline, typically recommended every 1-2 years starting at age 40 or 50, depending on specific guidelines and risk factors.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Prostate cancer screening is for males.
- B. Bone density scans are typically recommended for women starting at age 65, or earlier with specific risk factors.
- C. Routine colonoscopy typically starts at age 45 or 50, but annual screening is not standard; it's usually every 5 or 10 years depending on the type of screening and risk factors.
Age-Appropriate Preventative Screenings
Regular medical tests and examinations recommended based on a patient's age, gender, and risk factors to detect diseases early and promote health.
- Guidelines vary by age, sex, and risk.
- Aims for early detection and intervention.
- Includes screenings for cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc.
Memory trick: Screenings: AGE and GENDER guide the calendar.