National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Practice Test

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Study for the NCCT Medical Assistant Test. Enhance your skills with comprehensive questions and explanations. Prepare for your exam effectively!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which piece of equipment is vital for measuring a patient's weight?

Sphygmomanometer
Stethoscope
Balance scale
Thermometer

The correct answer is: Balance scale

The correct answer is a balance scale, as it is specifically designed to accurately measure a person's weight. In a medical setting, knowing a patient's weight is crucial for various reasons, including assessing health status, determining medication dosages, and monitoring changes over time. In contrast, the sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure, which is not related to weight measurement. A stethoscope is utilized for listening to internal body sounds, like the heartbeat or breathing, rather than weighing patients. The thermometer is essential for measuring body temperature, but it also does not serve the purpose of weighing individuals. Each of these tools has its unique function within healthcare, but the balance scale is the go-to instrument for weight assessment.