NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) practice quiz

Question 1

What is the correct order of draw for vacuum tubes when collecting blood specimens using a multisample needle?

Accepted Answer

Blood culture, sodium citrate, SST, EDTA

Answer

Blood culture, SST, EDTA, sodium citrate

Answer

EDTA, sodium citrate, SST, blood culture

Answer

SST, EDTA, sodium citrate, blood culture

Question 2

Which prefix means 'below' or 'under' in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

Hypo-

Answer

Epi-

Answer

Peri-

Answer

Hyper-

Question 3

When performing hand hygiene, how long should a medical assistant scrub with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled?

Accepted Answer

At least 20 seconds

Answer

At least 5 seconds

Answer

At least 30 seconds

Answer

At least 10 seconds

Question 4

Under HIPAA, which of the following is considered protected health information (PHI)?

Accepted Answer

A patient's name combined with their diagnosis

Answer

A published research article on diabetes that contains no patient details

Answer

The general services and hours that a clinic lists on its website

Answer

A medical assistant's employment contract and personnel file

Question 5

A medical assistant is scheduling a follow-up appointment for a patient who requires a fasting blood test. What should the assistant ensure when scheduling?

Accepted Answer

The appointment is scheduled for the morning to accommodate fasting requirements

Answer

The appointment is scheduled at the end of the day to minimize wait times

Answer

The appointment is scheduled during the lunch hour when the lab is less busy

Answer

The appointment is scheduled at any time since fasting does not affect lab results

Question 6

A medical assistant is applying an electrode for a 12-lead EKG. Which placement corresponds to the V1 lead position?

Accepted Answer

Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border

Answer

Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line

Answer

Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border

Answer

Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line

Question 7

A patient's pulse oximetry reading shows 94%. What is the normal range for oxygen saturation?

Accepted Answer

95% to 100%

Answer

90% to 95%

Answer

85% to 90%

Answer

80% to 85%

Question 8

A medical assistant is performing an ear irrigation on a patient with cerumen impaction. At what temperature should the irrigation solution be?

Accepted Answer

Body temperature (37°C or 98.6°F)

Answer

Room temperature (22°C or 72°F)

Answer

Warm (45°C or 113°F)

Answer

Cold (10°C or 50°F)

Question 9

Which chamber of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Right ventricle

Answer

Left ventricle

Answer

Left atrium

Answer

Right atrium

Question 10

A patient calls requesting a refill of their insulin prescription. What should the medical assistant do first?

Accepted Answer

Verify the patient's identity and check the medical record for refill status

Answer

Refer the patient to the emergency department for the refill without checking the chart

Answer

Tell the patient that insulin refills can never be authorized by phone

Answer

Call in the refill to the pharmacy without the provider's approval

Question 11

A patient's insurance requires prior authorization for an MRI. What is the medical assistant's role in this process?

Accepted Answer

Compile clinical documentation and submit the prior authorization request

Answer

Skip the authorization and schedule the procedure anyway to save time

Answer

Tell the patient to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement afterward

Answer

Perform the MRI without authorization since it was physician-ordered

Question 12

A patient reports feeling dizzy when standing up quickly. The medical assistant takes orthostatic vital signs. Which reading indicates orthostatic hypotension?

Accepted Answer

A systolic drop of 20 mmHg or more when moving from lying to standing

Answer

No change in blood pressure between positions

Answer

A diastolic increase of 10 mmHg when moving from lying to standing

Answer

An increase in heart rate of only 5 beats per minute when standing up

Question 13

A patient who speaks limited English needs to understand discharge instructions. What is the best approach for the medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

Use a certified medical interpreter rather than a family member

Answer

Provide written instructions only and assume the patient can read

Answer

Speak louder and slower to help the patient understand

Answer

Have the patient's child translate the instructions

Question 14

Which accreditation body accredits medical assisting programs and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)?

Accepted Answer

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Answer

National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), which develops licensing exams for physicians

Answer

American Medical Association (AMA), which sets standards for physicians' practice

Answer

American Hospital Association (AHA), which represents hospitals and health systems

Question 15

A medical assistant is positioning a patient with breathing difficulty for an exam. Which position best eases respiration?

Accepted Answer

Semi-Fowler's position with the head of the bed at 45 degrees

Answer

Prone position, lying face down with the head turned to one side

Answer

Flat supine position with the legs elevated on pillows

Answer

Trendelenburg position, with the head lower than the feet

Question 16

In which order should a medical assistant remove PPE after caring for a patient in contact precautions?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, then goggles or face shield, then gown, then mask last

Answer

Gown first, then mask, then gloves, then hand hygiene at the end

Answer

Mask first, then gown, then gloves, then goggles or face shield

Answer

Gloves and mask together, then gown, then goggles last

Question 17

Which body plane divides the body into right and left portions?

Accepted Answer

Sagittal plane

Answer

Transverse plane

Answer

Oblique plane through the abdomen

Answer

Coronal plane dividing front and back

Question 18

Before a minor in-office surgery, which consent element must the provider obtain?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent with risks, benefits, and alternatives explained

Answer

Implied consent assumed from the appointment booking, with no discussion

Answer

Consent given only by the medical assistant

Answer

No consent is needed for office procedures

Question 19

Which scheduling method books several patients at the same start time?

Accepted Answer

Wave scheduling

Answer

Strict single-booking with no overlap

Answer

Inpatient bed rotation

Answer

Surgical block release

Question 20

How long should a tourniquet remain on during routine venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

No longer than one minute

Answer

At least five full minutes

Answer

Until the tubes are labeled and bagged

Answer

For the entire patient visit

Question 21

Which urine dipstick finding most suggests a urinary tract infection?

Accepted Answer

Positive leukocyte esterase with positive nitrites

Answer

Pale yellow color with no odor

Answer

Negative protein with normal pH

Answer

Highly dilute urine with very low specific gravity

Question 22

How many milliliters are in one US fluid ounce?

Accepted Answer

30 mL

Answer

1000 mL

Answer

500 mL

Answer

5 mL

Question 23

What is the teach-back method in patient education?

Accepted Answer

Asking the patient to restate instructions in their own words

Answer

Lecturing without pausing for questions so the patient hears everything

Answer

Testing the patient with a graded exam

Answer

Handing the patient a pamphlet with no discussion of its content

Question 24

Which code set reports a patient's diagnosis on a claim?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM codes

Answer

HCPCS Level II for supplies only

Answer

CPT codes for procedures

Answer

DRG codes for office visits

Question 25

At what angle should an intradermal injection be given?

Accepted Answer

10 to 15 degrees with the bevel up

Answer

45 degrees into subcutaneous tissue

Answer

180 degrees parallel to the skin

Answer

90 degrees straight into the muscle

Question 26

Which site is preferred for an intramuscular injection in an adult?

Accepted Answer

Ventrogluteal site of the hip

Answer

Inner forearm skin, where a shallow injection is given

Answer

Dorsal hand vein area, where the skin is thin

Answer

Lower eyelid margin, where there is a rich blood supply

Question 27

Which phone technique follows proper etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the office, yourself, and asking how you may help

Answer

Promising a diagnosis to the caller before triage has taken place

Answer

Answering with silence until the caller speaks first

Answer

Eating loudly while taking messages from the callers

Question 28

What should be checked before performing a CLIA-waived glucose test?

Accepted Answer

Control results, reagent expiration, and meter calibration

Answer

Only the patient's favorite color and room number

Answer

The waiting room television volume and temperature

Answer

The assistant's lunch schedule and break time

Question 29

Which structure produces insulin?

Accepted Answer

Beta cells of the pancreatic islets

Answer

Villi of the small intestine

Answer

Alveoli of the lungs

Answer

Glomeruli of the kidneys

Question 30

Which EKG artifact is caused by patient movement?

Accepted Answer

Wandering baseline with muscle tremor artifact

Answer

A perfectly flat calibration signal in all leads

Answer

Clean regular complexes only, with a stable baseline

Answer

A disconnected lead showing nothing on the screen

Question 31

Which screening is recommended for colorectal cancer in average-risk adults starting at 45?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy at guideline intervals

Answer

Monthly chest x-ray to look for lung tumors

Answer

Daily throat culture

Answer

Weekly EKG tracing

Question 32

Which is an open-ended question?

Accepted Answer

What brings you in today?

Answer

Are you allergic to penicillin?

Answer

Do you have pain: yes or no?

Answer

Is your birthday in June?

Question 33

Which angle is used for a subcutaneous injection?

Accepted Answer

45 to 90 degrees depending on tissue

Answer

180 degrees across the surface of the skin

Answer

0 degrees flat on the skin to scrape the surface

Answer

10 degrees into the dermis for a shallow skin test

Question 34

What does 'NPO' mean?

Accepted Answer

Nothing by mouth

Answer

New patient only

Answer

Normal pulse observation

Answer

Night shift personnel

Question 35

Which document lets a patient name a health care decision maker?

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for health care

Answer

Vendor invoice

Answer

Parking permit application for a hospital lot

Answer

Gym membership form from the patient's fitness center

Question 36

Which referral step is the assistant's role?

Accepted Answer

Verifying insurance, booking the specialist, and sending records

Answer

Ordering surgery without approval from the insurance plan

Answer

Diagnosing the condition independently of the provider

Answer

Canceling all follow-up care once the referral is made

Question 37

Which finding is a normal adult vital-sign set?

Accepted Answer

Temp 98.6F, pulse 76, respirations 16, BP 118/76

Answer

Temp 104F, pulse 150, respirations 40, which suggest a severe fever

Answer

Pulse 30 with confusion

Answer

BP 220/140 with chest pain, which suggests a hypertensive emergency

Question 38

Which situation requires mandatory abuse reporting?

Accepted Answer

Suspected child or elder abuse observed in clinic

Answer

A missed appointment that the patient did not cancel

Answer

A disagreement over billing or insurance coverage

Answer

A patient disliking the wait time in the lobby

Question 39

Which term means toward the midline?

Accepted Answer

Medial toward the center

Answer

Cephalic toward the head

Answer

Lateral away from center

Answer

Proximal near the trunk

Question 40

Which response de-escalates an angry patient?

Accepted Answer

Staying calm, listening fully, then offering solutions

Answer

Raising your voice louder than the patient's

Answer

Walking away silently while the patient is talking

Answer

Arguing about who is right in the situation