Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What is a polyp?

1. A type of cancerous lesion

2. A benign growth extending from the surface of the mucous membrane

3. A type of skin irritation

4. An abnormal tube-like structure

The correct answer is: A benign growth extending from the surface of the mucous membrane

A polyp is characterized as a benign growth that extends from the surface of a mucous membrane. This means that polyps are generally non-cancerous and can occur in various parts of the body, such as the colon, nasal passages, and uterus. Their benign nature is crucial to understanding them, as they are often formed in response to chronic irritation or inflammation. In the context of understanding health conditions, identifying polyps is important since while most are harmless, some can develop into cancer over time if left untreated. Therefore, regular monitoring and potential removal are often recommended for certain types of polyps, particularly those found in the colon. The other options describe different conditions or structures but do not accurately capture the essence of what a polyp is. Cancerous lesions refer specifically to malignant growths, skin irritation does not imply growth, and an abnormal tube-like structure does not relate to the definition of polyps. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the nature of polyps in the broader context of health and disease management.