Scenario

Rebecca White is a certified medical assistant (CMA) at Walden-Martin Family Medical (WMFM) Clinic. She was hired 8 months ago. She works with several family practice providers at the clinic. Many of the patients she works with have cardiovascular diseases. High blood pressure, or hypertension, seems to be the most common cardiovascular disease seen in her patients.
      During her first few months at the clinic, Rebecca spent a lot of time learning about cardiovascular diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatments. She found out that learning about the cardiovascular system takes time, but she is proud of how much she has learned over the months.
      Rebecca’s supervisor approached her and asked her to mentor a medical assistant student, Lizzy, for her clinical experience. Rebecca is excited about the opportunity, but she is a bit nervous teaching someone else about her job.
While studying this chapter, think about the following questions:
            • What structures are in the cardiovascular system?
            • What are the functions of the cardiovascular system?
            • What are commonly diagnosed cardiovascular system diseases and disorders? What are the etiologies, signs and symptoms, diagnostic processes, and treatment?
            • What are the medical assistant’s primary responsibilities when working with patients who have cardiovascular system diseases and disorders?