The Ambulatory Care Certification Test (AMB-BC™) is a professional certification exam for registered nurses (RNs) who practice in the ambulatory care setting. The exam is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and covers a wide range of topics, including clinical practice, communication, professional role, systems/legal and regulatory, and education.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with an overview of the AMB-BC exam, including the content areas covered, the format of the exam, and tips for success. We will also provide you with a sample set of test questions and answers to help you prepare for the exam.
Content Areas Covered
The AMB-BC exam covers the following content areas:
- Clinical Practice: This domain includes questions on a variety of topics, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of patients with a wide range of conditions.
- Communication: This domain includes questions on effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Professional Role: This domain includes questions on the ethical and legal responsibilities of ambulatory care nurses, as well as their role in promoting patient safety and quality of care.
- Systems/Legal and Regulatory: This domain includes questions on the healthcare system, legal and regulatory issues, and reimbursement policies.
- Education: This domain includes questions on patient and family education, as well as the role of the ambulatory care nurse in promoting public health.
Exam Format
The AMB-BC exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam is timed, and candidates have 3 hours to complete it.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips for success on the AMB-BC exam:
- Study the entire content outline. The AMB-BC exam covers a wide range of topics, so it is important to study the entire content outline before taking the exam.
- Use a variety of study materials. There are many different study materials available for the AMB-BC exam, including review books, practice tests, and online courses. Use a variety of study materials to ensure that you are prepared for the exam.
- Form a study group. Studying with other nurses can be a great way to learn the material and prepare for the exam.
- Take practice tests. Practice tests are a great way to assess your knowledge and identify any areas where you need to focus your studies.
- Get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam. This will help you to be alert and focused during the exam.
Sample Test Questions and Answers
Here is a sample set of test questions and answers from the AMB-BC exam:
Clinical Practice
- A patient presents to the ambulatory care clinic with a complaint of chest pain. The nurse suspects that the patient may be having a myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following assessment findings is most indicative of an MI?
A. Bradycardia B. Hypotension C. Diaphoresis D. All of the above
Answer: D
- A patient with diabetes mellitus presents to the ambulatory care clinic for a follow-up appointment. The patient’s blood glucose level is 300 mg/dL. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
A. Administer insulin B. Educate the patient on diabetes management C. Refer the patient to a specialist D. All of the above
Answer: D
Communication
- A patient with cancer is having difficulty communicating with their family about their illness. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use to help the patient communicate with their family?
A. Encourage the patient to be honest with their family about their illness. B. Help the patient to identify a support person who can help them communicate with their family. C. Provide the patient with resources on communication and cancer. D. All of the above
Answer: D
Professional Role
- A patient is diagnosed with a new chronic illness. The nurse is responsible for educating the patient about their illness and how to manage it. Which of the following steps should the nurse take?
A. Assess the patient’s learning needs. B. Develop a teaching plan that is tailored to the patient’s needs. C. Use a variety of teaching methods to reach the patient. D. All of the above
Answer: D Systems/Legal and Regulatory
- A patient is prescribed a new medication. The nurse is responsible for educating the patient about the medication, including its side effects and potential interactions with other medications. The nurse is also responsible for ensuring that the patient has a prescription for the medication and that the prescription is valid.
Education
- A patient with hypertension is having difficulty maintaining their blood pressure goals. The nurse should educate the patient on the importance of lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, in controlling blood pressure. The nurse should also educate the patient on the importance of taking their medication as prescribed and monitoring their blood pressure regularly.
Conclusion
The AMB-BC exam is a challenging exam, but it is also a rewarding one. By preparing carefully and studying all of the content areas, you can increase your chances of success on the exam.
FAQs
Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the AMB-BC exam?
A: To take the AMB-BC exam, you must be a registered nurse (RN) with at least one year of experience in ambulatory care nursing. You must also have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Q: How much does the AMB-BC exam cost?
A: The AMB-BC exam costs $299 for ANCC members and $399 for non-members.
Q: Where is the AMB-BC exam offered?
A: The AMB-BC exam is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States.
Q: How long does it take to get the results of the AMB-BC exam?
A: You will receive the results of your AMB-BC exam within 2-3 weeks of taking the exam.
Q: What happens if I fail the AMB-BC exam?
A: If you fail the AMB-BC exam, you can retake the exam after 90 days. You will need to pay the exam fee again to retake the exam.
