Study guide for CCMA 2026 (From NHA)

Which of the following is a parenteral method of administering medications?

Subcutaneous

Subcutaneous administration is a parenteral method of administering medications.

Which of the following statements explains the purpose of Meaningful Use guidelines?

Providers must show they are using electronic health record (EHR) systems in ways that can be measured significantly in both quantity and quality.

Meaningful Use was enacted by the U.S. government to ensure EHR systems are being used in ways that allow both quantity and quality to be measured.

Which of the following departments is responsible for reviewing coagulation tests?

Hematology

The hematology department is responsible for reviewing blood cell counts, morphologic studies, and coagulation tests.

A patient arrives at an emergency department with a large laceration to the wrist that is bleeding profusely. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take first?

Don gloves.

The assistant must don gloves prior to wound care to prevent further contamination.

According to OSHA, which of the following is a guideline for disposing of biomedical waste?

Collection containers for biomedical waste should be leak proof and strong.

Collection containers for biomedical waste should be leak proof and strong.

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination. Which of the following steps should the assistant take first?

Verify the patient's identity.

The first action the assistant should take is to verify the patient's identity. The assistant should ask the patient to state and spell their full name as well as provide their date of birth. The assistant should then compare this information to the patient's medical record.

A medical assistant is providing education to a patient about disease prevention. Which of the following is an example of disease prevention?

Providing an adolescent patient educational material about tobacco use

Providing an adolescent patient educational material about tobacco use is an example of disease prevention, because it provides the patient with information that can prevent engagement in risky health behaviors that lead to disease.

A medical assistant should identify that which of the following represents a potential contamination of a specimen that can result in testing errors or inaccurate results?

Using a hemolyzed blood specimen

Using a hemolyzed blood specimen represents a potential contamination of a specimen that can result in testing errors or inaccurate results.

A medical assistant is evaluating red blood cells (RBCs) microscopically. The assistant should identify that which of the following refers to an enlarged RBC?

Macrocytic

Macrocytic refers to an enlarged RBC.

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1988 requires which of the following information about the immunization be documented in a pediatric patient's permanent medical record?

Lot number of the vaccine

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1988 requires the lot number of the vaccine to be documented in a pediatric patient's permanent medical record.

A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture. At which of the following angles should the assistant insert the needle?

15°

The medical assistant should insert the needle at a 15° angle when performing a venipuncture.

A medical assistant is viewing a patient's medical record to determine which diagnosis and procedure codes should be used for billing purposes. Which of the following describes this process?

Abstracting

Abstracting is the process of reviewing a patient's medical record to determine what diagnosis and procedure codes should be used for billing purposes.

Which of the following links in the chain of infection describes the site where an infection can be stored?

Reservoir

The reservoir is where an infection can be stored.

A medical assistant observes a provider failing to perform hand hygiene before beginning to remove sutures from a patient's hand. The patient's hand later becomes infected. The assistant should identify that which of the following legal torts has occurred?

Negligence

Negligence is the failure to exercise proper care for a patient, such as a provider or assistant not performing hand hygiene before starting a procedure.

Which of the following signed forms should be on file in a patient's electronic health record in order for the medical assistant to discuss the patient's claim with a third-party payer?

Release of information

A release of information form is signed by the patient to provide authorization for the practice to discuss confidential account information with a third-party payer.

A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient who is scheduled for a standard 12-lead EKG. Which of the following statements should the assistant make?

"You should refrain from talking during the procedure."

The assistant should instruct the patient to refrain from talking during the procedure. Even slight movements can interfere with the EKG tracing.

A medical assistant is preparing a sterile field for a minor surgery. Which of the following should the assistant identify as a potential contamination?

Touching the inside of the sterile pack

The assistant should identify that touching the inside of the sterile pack will cause contamination of the sterile field.

A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture. For which of the following amounts of time should the assistant observe the site after releasing pressure and applying a bandage to ensure there is no leakage?

5 to 10 seconds

The assistant should observe the site for 5 to 10 seconds after releasing pressure and applying a bandage to ensure that there is no leakage.

Which of the following dietary supplements promotes bone health?

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements are used to promote bone health.

Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take when communicating with a group of diverse patients?

Use a calm tone of voice.

The assistant should use a calm tone of voice when communicating with a group of patients.

A medical assistant is assisting the provider with a patient who experienced an ankle sprain. The assistant should expect the provider to prescribe which of the following to treat the ankle sprain?

Ice

The assistant should expect the provider to prescribe ice to treat an ankle sprain.

Which of the following is a commonly misused word or phrase in written communication to a patient?

Suppose to

This is a commonly misused phrase in written communication to a patient. The correct use of the phrase is "supposed to," not "suppose to."

A medical assistant is attempting to locate the best available vein for a venipuncture. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to feel a vein bounce?

Palpate the area.

When attempting to locate the best available vein for a venipuncture, the assistant should palpate the area to feel the vein bounce.

A medical assistant is preparing an examination room for a wellness screening. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to ensure the safety of the patient?

Remove clutter from the examination room.

The assistant should ensure the examination room is free from clutter.

A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching about medication administration at home with a patient. Which of the following statements should the assistant make regarding disposal of used needles?

"Dispose of the used needles in a biohazard sharps container."

The assistant should instruct the patient to dispose of used needles in a biohazard sharps container. Patients can obtain a biohazard sharps container at a local pharmacy or medical supply store.

When utilizing an electronic health record (EHR) system for printing computer-generated labels for specimens, which of the following should the medical assistant manually write on the specimen once a venipuncture is completed?

Time and assistant's initials

The assistant should manually write the time and their initials on the specimen once the venipuncture is completed.

A provider suspects that a patient has fibromyalgia. A medical assistant should expect the provider to refer the patient to which of the following specialists?

Rheumatologist

The assistant should expect the provider to refer the patient to a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist specializes in treating patients who have diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, including fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and tender joints.

According to OSHA guidelines, a medical assistant should dispose of blood-soiled gauze dressings in which of the following?

Red biohazard bag

Blood-soiled gauze should be disposed of in a red biohazard bag.

A medical assistant is examining the skin on a patient's forearm where the patient reports developing a rash. The assistant notes multiple solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which of the following terms should the assistant use to document their observations in the patient's medical record?

Papules

Papules are solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. A common cause is allergic eczema.

A medical assistant is documenting in a patient's medical record after performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The assistant should identify that which of the following acronyms is used to indicate cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

CPR

The assistant should identify that CPR is the acronym for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Which of the following actions by a medical assistant is an example of disease prevention coaching?

Providing instructions about effective hand washing

Providing a patient with instructions about effective hand washing is an example of disease prevention coaching, because it supports the patient's ability to stop the spread of disease.

A medical assistant is performing a hematology test. Which of the following tubes should the assistant use for this test?

Lavender

A lavender tube is used for hematology tests

A medical assistant is filling out an incident report following exposure to a patient's blood. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Document witness statements in the incident report.

The assistant should document any witness statements about how the incident occurred in the incident report.

A medical assistant is speaking on the phone with a patient who is very upset. After unsuccessfully diffusing the situation, which of the following individuals should the assistant notify?

Supervisor

The assistant should notify the supervisor if they are unable to diffuse the situation.

After a patient leaves an examination room, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take to prepare the examination table for the next patient?

Roll up the disposable paper on the table tightly and quickly.

Rolling the paper tightly minimizes the transmission of any contaminants on the paper. The assistant should dispose of the paper quickly and place it in a biohazardous waste container if it is wet or soiled.

Which of the following is a common root word?

Append

Append is a common root word, referring to the appendix.

A medical assistant is performing an EKG for a patient and notes a life-threatening arrhythmia. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Keep the patient hooked up to the machine and notify the provider immediately.

The assistant should keep the patient hooked up to the machine and notify the provider immediately.

A medical assistant is preparing to obtain a patient's vital signs. Which of the following patient information should the assistant verify prior to obtaining the patient's vital signs?

Date of birth

The assistant should verify the patient's full name and date of birth prior to obtaining the patient's vital signs.

A medical assistant provides preprocedural instructions to a patient that may require IV contrast and nothing by mouth for 4 to 6 hr. For which of the following diagnostic procedures are these instructions intended?

Computed tomography (CT) scan

A CT scan uses x-rays to create pictures of cross sections of the body. The x-ray beam rotates, providing better images with the use of IV contrast. This test requires IV contrast and nothing by mouth for 4 to 6 hr.

Which of the following laboratory values should a medical assistant report to the provider immediately?

Blood glucose 500 mg/dL

This blood glucose level is far outside the expected reference range of 70 to 99 mg/dL. Therefore, the assistant should report this laboratory value to the provider immediately.

A medical assistant is collecting a urine specimen from a patient for a drug screening. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to adhere to the chain of custody for this specimen?

Send the specimen to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection.

The assistant should send the specimen and completed requisition to the testing laboratory on the same day as the collection.

A medical assistant is using a scale with a height bar to measure a patient's height. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Lower the horizontal bar gently so that it rests on the top of the patient's head.

This position will show an accurate measurement of the patient's height on the vertical extension bar.

Which of the following is the minimum temperature for an autoclave to sterilize instruments?

121.1° C (250° F)

For an autoclave to properly sterilize instruments, the temperature must reach a minimum of 121.1° C (250° F).

A medical assistant is researching community resources that provide holistic care for a patient. Which of the following resources should the assistant select?

Patient-centered medical home (PCMH)

The assistant should select a PCMH. A PCMH is a community resource that can help provide holistic care for a patient.

A medical assistant is obtaining a patient's orthostatic vital signs. The assistant should identify that which of the following information is true regarding orthostatic vital signs?

Wait 5 min with the patient lying down before obtaining the first orthostatic vital signs.

The assistant should have the patient lie down for 5 min before obtaining the patient's first orthostatic vital signs to establish a baseline resting blood pressure and pulse. They should then obtain the vital signs again while the patient is standing after 1 min, and then again after 3 min.

A medical assistant needs to remove all living micro-organisms from a contaminated towel clamp. Which of the following methods should the assistant use to cleanse this instrument?

Sterilization

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, through physical or chemical methods. Therefore, this is the method the assistant should use to cleanse the towel clamp.

A medical assistant is preparing to perform an EKG test for a patient. In which of the following locations should the assistant place the leg electrodes?

Just above the ankles

The assistant should place the leg electrodes just above the ankles on the inner side of the lower leg.

A medical assistant should identify that which of the following is the term used to describe the aseptic technique that involves killing pathogens or rendering them inactive?

Disinfection

The assistant should identify that disinfection is the aseptic technique that involves killing pathogens or rendering them inactive.

A medical assistant is assisting a patient who refuses to accept their terminal illness diagnosis. The assistant should identify that this patient is in which of the following Kübler-Ross stages of grief?

Denial

The assistant should identify that the patient is in the denial stage of grief. A patient who is in the denial stage of grief refuses to accept the fact that they have a terminal illness.

A medical assistant is preparing to store medications. Which of the following information is true regarding the storage of medications?

Controlled substances should be stored in a location that is different from regular medications.

Controlled substances should be stored in a location that is different from regular medications and should be stored in a locked cabinet.

A medical assistant is assisting a provider with the repair of a laceration on a patient's head. The provider's prescription for the procedure includes an injection of 10 mL of lidocaine with epinephrine. The assistant should recognize that which of the following is the purpose of epinephrine in the local anesthetic?

To reduce bleeding at the site

The assistant should recognize that epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor. Its inclusion in the anesthetic reduces bleeding and prolongs the anesthetic's effects. Reducing the bleeding makes it easier for the provider to see the laceration during the repair.

A medical assistant is providing instructions to a patient about how to take an extended-release medication orally. Which of the following patient statements indicates a need for further teaching?

"I can crush or chew the pill if it is too hard for me to swallow."

Extended-release pills should never be crushed or chewed.

Which of the following pieces of equipment is used for removing cancers of the skin?

Cryoprobe

A cryoprobe is used for removing cancers of the skin and warts.

Which of the following drug classifications reduces the progression of cancer cells?

Antineoplastics

Antineoplastics slow the growth of cancer cells.

A medical assistant should identify that which of the following procedures requires prior authorization?

Endoscopy

The assistant should identify that an endoscopy requires prior authorization from a third-party payer. Prior authorization is required for additional procedures to be performed outside the medical office, such as a surgical procedure, radiology test, and hospital visit.

Which of the following guidelines should a medical assistant follow when handling other potentially infectious materials (OPIMs)?

Clean up spills from OPIMs using a disinfectant.

The assistant should clean up spills from OPIMs using a disinfectant.

Which of the following tests measures ventilation function in a normal breath of a patient?

Spirometry

A spirometry test measures ventilation function in a normal breath of a patient.

A medical assistant is administering a medication to a patient. Following administration, the patient experiences shortness of breath, dizziness, and throat tightening. The assistant should identify that the patient is likely experiencing which of the following?

Anaphylactic shock

The assistant should identify that the patient is likely experiencing anaphylactic shock. Manifestations of anaphylactic shock include shortness of breath, dizziness, and throat tightening.

Which of the following should a medical assistant verify when preparing a medication for a patient?

The rights of medication administration

The assistant should verify the rights of medication administration when preparing a prescription.

Which of the following may result in a denied claim?

Medical necessity was unconfirmed.

A denied claim would result if a third-party payer was unable to confirm medical necessity.

Which of the following describes the disorder in which a person continually checks the door locks?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disorder that causes a person to have frequent thoughts or obsessions and an urge to repeat behaviors, such as checking door locks or cleaning.

A medical assistant discovers an unidentifiable liquid on the floor of one of the clinic's treatment rooms. Which of the following materials should the assistant use to remove and dispose of the liquid?

A clean-up kit

A clean-up kit is used to safely dispose of unidentified and possibly biohazardous materials in a clinical setting. The assistant should follow the necessary steps for clean-up and disposal of the liquid to guarantee asepsis and patient safety.

Which of the following clinical roles identifies patient needs and barriers, assists with coordination of care, and assists patients with finding community resources?

Patient navigators

Patient navigators identify patient needs and barriers, assist with coordination of care, and assist patients with finding community resources.

A superbill must include which of the following information to ensure accurate billing?

Diagnosis code

A superbill must include the patient's name, date of service, provider, services provided, and the diagnosis code to ensure accurate billing.

When removing sutures, why is it important for a medical assistant to place the removed sutures on a gauze pad?

To determine the number of sutures removed

The assistant should place removed sutures on a gauze pad and count them to determine the number of sutures removed and compare it to the number of sutures placed. Sutures that are left in place can cause an infection.

A medical assistant should identify that which of the following pieces of equipment must be disinfected before and after use?

Nasal specula

A nasal specula must be disinfected before and after use. Disinfection is required to remove most micro-organisms, and because the nasal specula encounters the mucous membrane, it requires disinfecting.

A medical assistant is checking a patient's hearing using the Weber test. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Ask the patient if they hear the vibration louder in one ear than the other.

When performing the Weber test, the assistant should ask the patient if they hear the vibration louder in one ear than the other. The Weber test is used to determine if a patient's hearing is better in one ear.

Which of the following is a component of a patient's health record and represents the foundation and starting point of all patient-provider contacts?

Complete medical history

A patient's complete medical history and physical examination are components of a patient's health record that represent the foundation and starting point of all patient-provider contacts.

A provider prescribes a new diabetes medication during a patient's visit. Which of the following questions should the medical assistant ask the patient to ensure there are no potential medication interactions?

"Are you are currently taking any over-the-counter, herbal, or prescription medications?"

The provider needs to know all medications a patient is taking to ensure there are no potential medication interactions.

A medical assistant is ensuring that documentation of preventative maintenance and screenings is included in the electronic health record (EHR) of a female patient who is 70 years old. The assistant should identify that which of the following screenings is performed every 2 years for females who are 65 years and older and should be documented in the patient's EHR?

Bone density

The assistant should identify that bone density screenings should be performed every 2 years for females who are 65 years and older.

A medical assistant is preparing to submit a referral to a cardiologist via fax. Which of the following actions should the assistant take first?

Prepare a fax cover sheet.

The first action the assistant should take when sending a fax is to prepare a fax cover sheet. All medical documentation must be transmitted with a cover sheet, including a disclaimer.

Which of the following describes when a primary care provider, pharmacist, therapist, and a medical assistant work together to ensure the appropriate dose of psychotic drugs are being prescribed for a patient?

Teamwork

Teamwork involves working with team members across the health care systems in the best interest of completing a job or task, or for providing quality care to a patient.

Which of the following sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is bacterial?

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoea.

A medical assistant is performing a credit adjustment on a patient account. At which of the following times should the assistant post the adjustment to the patient ledger?

At the same time the payment is posted

The assistant should post the adjustment to the patient ledger at the same time the payment is posted.

A patient's inability to trust health care workers is an example of which of the following barriers in health care?

Cultural differences

A patient's inability to trust health care workers is an example of cultural differences. Cultural differences are attitudes, perceptions, behaviors, and expectations that patients pick up from their family, friends, and ethic group.

When preparing for a cyst removal, which of the following pieces of equipment should a medical assistant place in the sterile field for the provider?

Syringe and needle

When preparing for a cyst removal, the assistant should place a syringe and needle in the sterile field for the provider.

Which of the following is outside of a medical assistant's scope of practice?

Ordering additional laboratory tests to confirm the patient's condition

It is outside of a medical assistant's scope of practice to order additional laboratory tests without a provider's prescription.

Which of the following refers to the range of fees charged by providers who have similar training and experience and practice in the same geographical area?

Usual, Customary, and Reasonable (UCR)

UCR is the range of fees charged by providers who have similar training and experience and practice in the same geographical area.

A medical assistant is classifying services that a patient requires. The assistant should identify which of the following as an ancillary diagnostic service?

Pathology

Ancillary diagnostic services, such as pathology and radiology, provide confirmation of patient diagnoses.

A medical assistant is assisting with a scratch test for a pediatric patient. The assistant should identify that which of the following statements describes the scratch test?

Several allergies can be identified at one time.

The scratch test can identify 70 or more allergies at one time.

Which of the following body systems work together to control and maintain homeostasis?

Endocrine and nervous systems

The endocrine and nervous systems work together to control and maintain homeostasis. The nervous system helps monitor temperature, pressure, and the chemical conditions of bodily fluids while the endocrine system secretes hormones and responses from imbalances or abnormal conditions.

Which of the following positions is appropriate for a pelvic examination?

Lithotomy

The lithotomy position is appropriate for pelvic examinations.

A medical assistant is checking a patient in. The assistant should identify that a check-in sheet that requests which of the following information violates HIPAA laws?

Reason for the patient's visit

A check-in sheet requesting the reason for the patient's visit is a violation of a patient's privacy and violates HIPAA laws.

A patient has fallen and has a bone protruding through the skin. This injury is an example of which of the following types of fractures?

Compound

A compound fracture is a fracture that has broken through the skin.

A medical assistant should identify that which of the following designates a specific person who is authorized to make medical decisions for a patient?

Durable power of attorney

A durable power of attorney designates a person that is authorized to make medical decisions for a patient in the event that the patient is unable to make decisions for themselves.

A medical assistant is speaking with a patient who recently received a terminal diagnosis. The patient states, "I regret not taking better care of myself. Now, I won't be able to accomplish what I wanted to do with my life." The assistant should identify that the patient is in which of the following stages of grief?

Depression

This patient is in the depression stage of grief. This stage of grief is often characterized by patients expressing regret over unfulfilled goals or about not having taken better care of their health.

The abbreviation NPO stands for which of the following?

Nothing by mouth

The abbreviation NPO, short for the Latin phrase "nil per os," stands for "nothing by mouth."

Which of the following items is an example of durable medical equipment (DME)?

Crutches

Crutches are used to help with ambulation. Crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers are examples of DME.

Which of the following stages of the communication cycle involves translating a message based on subjective perceptions or personal factors?

Receiver decoding the message

The receiver decoding the message involves translating the received message based on subjective perceptions or personal factors.

Which of the following tests is granted waived status under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)?

Rapid strep test

The rapid strep test is granted waived status under CLIA.

When assisting a provider with a vaginal examination and Papanicolaou (Pap) test, a medical assistant should identify that which of the following instruments is necessary?

Cytobrush

This instrument is necessary because a cytobrush is used for obtaining a specimen for a Pap test.

A medical assistant is preparing to perform a routine venipuncture. Prior to performing the venipuncture, which of the following information should the assistant obtain to verify the patient's identity?

Patient's full name

The assistant should verify the patient's full name and date of birth prior to performing a routine venipuncture.

A medical assistant is performing a patient intake. The patient states, "I eat once a day and exercise four times a day, but I still feel overweight." The assistant should identify that this statement by the patient describes which of the following conditions?

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by body dysmorphia, limited food intake, and excessive exercise.

According to the CDC, which of the following is the correct order for donning personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Gown, mask, goggles, gloves

According to the CDC, the correct order for donning PPE is gown, mask, goggles, gloves.

A medical assistant notices that the medical office is not providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff. Which of the following regulatory agencies should the assistant contact?

OSHA

OSHA regulates workplace safety. The assistant should contact OSHA to report a violation regarding PPE.

A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient about obtaining a stool sample. Which of the following information should the assistant include?

Avoid retrieving a sample from toilet water.

Toilet water can contaminate a sample. Therefore, the assistant should include this information.

A medical assistant is obtaining a blood sample from an infant. Which of the following methods should the assistant use to obtain the sample?

Capillary puncture

The assistant should use the capillary puncture method to obtain a blood sample from an infant. Capillary punctures are performed as a heel stick on an infant to obtain a blood sample.

Which of the following sections of the health history contains the patient's identifiers, such as the patient's full name and date of birth?

Personal data

The personal data section is typically the first section of the health history form. It includes the patient's name, date of birth, and address.

A medical assistant is administering eye ointment to a patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac.

Ointment should be applied along the conjunctival sac from the inner canthus to the outer canthus.

When coding with the ICD-10-CM, where should the medical assistant begin the process of looking up a diagnosis code for breast cancer?

The Alphabetic Index

The ICD-10-CM contains the Alphabetic Index of diseases, conditions, and related terms. Therefore, the assistant should begin the process of looking up a diagnosis code for breast cancer in the Alphabetic Index.