NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Administrative TasksEasy
A medical assistant is scheduling an appointment for a patient who requires a fasting blood test. Which of the following times is most appropriate to schedule the appointment?
- A4:00 PM
- B2:00 PM
- C8:00 AM
- D11:00 AM
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 8:00 AM
For a fasting blood test, it is best to schedule the appointment as early in the morning as possible to minimize the patient's fasting duration and discomfort. 8:00 AM allows for a full night's fast.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Scheduling late in the afternoon would be highly inconvenient and potentially unsafe for a patient requiring fasting.
- B. Scheduling in the afternoon would require the patient to fast for an extended and uncomfortable period.
- D. While earlier than afternoon, 11:00 AM still requires a longer fasting period than necessary.
Fasting Blood Test Scheduling
Scheduling a fasting blood test requires consideration of the patient's convenience and the need for an accurate fasting period, typically 8-12 hours prior.
- Patients must abstain from food and drink (except water) for 8-12 hours.
- Early morning appointments are preferred to minimize discomfort.
- Instructions should be clear regarding medications and water intake.
Memory trick: Early bird gets the non-fasting worm, later bird gets the discomfort.