CMA - "All to Know"

What are the 4 main vital signs?

Temperature, Pulse, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure

How do you take blood pressure manually?

Place cuff 1 inch above elbow, find brachial artery, inflate to 160–180 mmHg, slowly release air, listen for first sound (systolic) and last sound (diastolic)

What is normal adult blood pressure?

120/80 mmHg

How do you take a pulse?

Place 2 fingers on radial artery (thumb side of wrist), count beats for 30 seconds, multiply by 2

What is a normal pulse rate for adults?

60–100 beats per minute

How do you count respiratory rate?

Watch chest rise/fall for 30 seconds, multiply by 2

What is a normal respiratory rate for adults?

12–20 breaths per minute

How do you take body temperature?

Use thermometer (oral, tympanic, axillary, or temporal); follow directions for accuracy

What is a normal adult temperature?

Around 98.6°F or 37°C

What is the most common site to draw blood from?

Median cubital vein (in the bend of the elbow)

What are the basic steps of a venipuncture?

ID patient, wear gloves, apply tourniquet, find vein, clean with alcohol, insert needle bevel-up, collect blood, release tourniquet, remove needle, apply gauze, label tubes

What do you do if blood flow stops during a draw?

Reposition the needle slightly or try another site

What do red-top blood collection tubes contain?

No additive – used for serum tests

What do lavender-top blood tubes contain?

EDTA – used for Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What should you always do before any procedure?

Verify patient identity using 2 identifiers (name + DOB)

What does PPE stand for?

Personal Protective Equipment

What are examples of PPE?

Gloves, mask, gown, goggles, face shield

How do you remove gloves properly?

Grab outside of one glove, pull off inside-out, hold it with gloved hand, slide fingers under the other glove, peel off inside-out

What is the number one way to prevent infection?

Handwashing

How long should you wash your hands?

At least 20 seconds

What is the correct order for putting on PPE?

Gown → Mask → Goggles/Face Shield → Gloves

What is HIPAA?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – protects patient privacy

What does “scope of practice” mean?

The tasks you are trained and legally allowed to do

Can a CMA diagnose or prescribe medications?

No

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

What are signs of infection to watch for in a patient?

Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus, fever

What are the main body systems you should know?

Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Digestive, Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Urinary, Endocrine, Integumentary, Immune, Reproductive

What does “tachy-” mean?

Fast (e.g., tachycardia = fast heart rate)

What does “brady-” mean?

Slow (e.g., bradycardia = slow heart rate)

What does “-itis” mean?

Inflammation (e.g., tonsillitis = inflammation of tonsils)

What does “-algia” mean?

Pain (e.g., neuralgia = nerve pain)

What does “derm-” refer to?

Skin

What does “hepat-” refer to?

Liver

What does “cardio-” refer to?

Heart

What does “neuro-” refer to?

Nerves or brain

What does “gastro-” refer to?

Stomach

What position is used for abdominal exams?

Supine (lying flat on back)

What position is used for rectal exams or enemas?

Sim’s position (on left side with right knee up)

What position is used for Pap smears?

Lithotomy (on back, feet in stirrups)

How do you assist with a physical exam?

Prepare room, collect supplies, assist doctor, reassure patient, document findings

What should you do after a procedure?

Dispose of sharps, clean equipment, remove PPE, wash hands, document everything

How do you maintain patient confidentiality?

Don’t talk about patients in public places; only access info you need to know

What should you include in a patient history?

Chief complaint, allergies, medications, past illnesses, surgeries, family & social history

What is informed consent?

The patient’s right to understand and agree to treatment before it’s done

How should you communicate with anxious patients?

Speak calmly, use simple language, listen carefully, show empathy

What soft skills are important for a CMA?

Communication, teamwork, professionalism, time management, attention to detail

What should a CMA wear to class or clinicals?

Clean scrubs, closed-toe shoes, minimal jewelry, hair tied back, good hygiene

How do you act professionally as a CMA?

Be respectful, show up on time, follow rules, keep patient info private, be accountable

What does a CMA do on a typical day?

Take vitals, assist exams, draw blood, update records, talk with patients, prep rooms

Can you work as a CMA right out of high school?

Yes, if certified – many programs offer certification like NHA (CCMA)

What is the NHA CCMA exam?

National exam that certifies you as a Clinical Medical Assistant

What career paths can a CMA lead to?

Nursing (CNA, LVN, RN), lab tech, radiology tech, physician assistant, medical school