Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

Recognizing abnormal laboratory results is a crucial skill for medical assistants. In this case, a potassium level of 3 mEq/L is considered low, as the normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Low potassium, or hypokalemia, can lead to various health issues, including muscle weakness, cramping, and potentially severe complications such as arrhythmias. This makes it essential for health care providers to address low potassium levels promptly.

The other laboratory results fall within the normal ranges typically expected in clinical settings: sodium levels are normal around 135-145 mEq/L, chloride levels are usually between 98-107 mEq/L, and calcium levels are typically around 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. These values indicate that they do not require any immediate concern or intervention compared to the abnormal potassium level.