Clinical Assistant Oral Interview Questions & Sample Answers

Interview Questions & Sample Answers:

1. Briefly explain your education and professional background.
   Answer:
   "I completed a diploma in Clinical Medicine from [Institute]. I have worked in primary health facilities assisting doctors and nurses in patient care."

2. What are the contraindications or limitations of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)?
   Answer:
   "ORS is not suitable for patients with severe dehydration needing IV fluids, those with ileus, or those unable to drink."

3. Mention five signs of depression.
   Answer:

   • Persistent sadness

   • Loss of interest

   • Fatigue

   • Sleep disturbances

   • Suicidal thoughts

4. What are the complications of burn injuries?
   Answer:

   • Infection

   • Scarring and contractures

   • Fluid loss and shock

   • Hypothermia

   • Respiratory problems

5. What interventions are taken when a pregnant woman attends her first clinic visit?
   Answer:
   "Confirm pregnancy, provide antenatal education, perform physical and lab examinations, and schedule follow-ups."

6. What are the signs of an animal or insect bite?
   Answer:
   "Pain, swelling, redness, puncture wounds, and sometimes systemic symptoms like fever."

7. What are the clinical skin manifestations of HIV in children under five?
   Answer:
   "Persistent rash, seborrheic dermatitis, oral candidiasis, and Kaposi’s sarcoma in advanced cases."

8. How do you manage a patient with dehydration due to diarrhea?
   Answer:
   "Administer ORS, monitor vital signs, advise on hygiene, and refer severe cases."

9. Explain the role of wound care in infection prevention.
   Answer:
   "Proper wound dressing promotes healing and prevents microbial contamination."

10. What are the vital signs you routinely check in a clinical setting?
    Answer:
    "Temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation."

11. Describe the procedure for administering an intramuscular injection.
    Answer:
    "Select site, clean area, use correct needle size, insert needle at 90 degrees, inject medication slowly, and dispose of needle safely."

12. How do you counsel patients on medication adherence?
    Answer:
    "Explain the importance, possible side effects, and answer questions to encourage compliance."

13. What are common causes of anemia in your clinical practice?
    Answer:
    "Malnutrition, chronic infections, parasitic infestations, and blood loss."

14. How do you prioritize patients in a busy clinic?
    Answer:
    "By triaging based on severity and urgency of conditions."

15. What steps do you take to maintain patient confidentiality?
    Answer:
    "Keep records secure, discuss cases privately, and share information only with authorized personnel."

16. How do you handle a patient refusing treatment?
    Answer:
    "Respect their decision, provide information on risks, and document the refusal."

17. What role do clinical assistants play in immunization programs?
    Answer:
    "Assist in vaccine administration, record keeping, and community education."

18. Explain how you would manage a patient with suspected tuberculosis.
    Answer:
    "Isolate if necessary, collect sputum samples, refer for diagnostic tests, and start DOTS treatment as per guidelines."

19. Describe the importance of documentation in clinical practice.
    Answer:
    "It ensures continuity of care, legal protection, and accurate reporting."

20. How do you stay updated with clinical guidelines?
    Answer:
    "Attending training, reading updated protocols, and participating in professional networks."