NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareMedium
A medical assistant is performing a physical examination on a patient. When measuring the patient's visual acuity using a Snellen chart, the MA should instruct the patient to stand how far from the chart?
- A20 feet
- B25 feet
- C10 feet
- D15 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 20 feet
The standard distance for visual acuity testing using a Snellen chart is 20 feet. This distance is crucial for accurate interpretation of the results, as the chart is calibrated for this specific viewing distance.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 25 feet is too far for standard Snellen chart testing, potentially leading to inaccurate results.
- C. 10 feet is too close for standard Snellen chart testing, leading to inaccurate results.
- D. 15 feet is not the standard distance for a Snellen chart.
Snellen Chart Distance
The Snellen eye chart is used to measure visual acuity, and patients must stand exactly 20 feet (or 6 meters) away from the chart for accurate and standardized results.
- Measures visual acuity.
- Standard distance is 20 feet.
- Crucial for accurate interpretation.
Memory trick: Twenty Feet for Clear Sight.