2025 CCMA Exam 72 Test Questions

Use written communication with the patient

A medical assistant is communicating with a patient who is hearing impaired and has a caregiver. Which of the following modes of communication is correct?

A. Speak directly to the patient's caregiver

B. Use written communication with the patient

C. Speak louder to the patient for better understanding

D. Position himself above the patient's eye level

The patient

A medical assistant has given a patient an Advance Beneficiary Notice form to sign for an elective breast augmentation. Who is responsible for the payment to the provider for these services?

A. The patient

B. Medicare

C. Third party payer

D. Medicaid

Metabolism

Liver dysfunction primarily affects which of the following pharmacokinetic processes?

A. Absorption

B. Distribution

C. Metabolism

D. Excretion

Airborne

A medical assistant is caring for a patient who has tuberculosis. For which of the following transmission routes should the assistant take precautions?

A. Bloodborne

B. Airborne

C. Vector-borne

D. Skin contact

Lift the knot toward the wound

A medical assistant should take which of the following actions when removing sutures?

A. Perform a sterile hand scrub

B. Lift the knot toward the wound

C. Begin cutting the sutures in the middle of the wound

D. Clean the wound with a disinfectant

subcutaneous

Which of the following routes should be used for an insulin injection?

A. Intradermal

B. Subcutaneous

C. Intravenous

D. Intramuscular

Irrigate the wound with sterile normal saline

A medical assistant is a provider's office is cleaning a patient's jagged, contaminated wound. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

A. Irrigate the wound with sterile normal saline.

B. Insert liquid bandage into the wound.

C. Wash the wound with soap and warm water.

D. Apply microporous tape to the wound.

Advise him that privacy regulations prevent releasing patient information regardless of his relationship to the patient

The partner of a patient comes into the office demanding to know what the patient was seen for and why he was charged for the visit. What is the best way for the medical assistant to handle this situation when no Authorization to Release Health Information is on file?

A. Advise him that privacy regulations prevent releasing patient information regardless of his relationship to the patient.

B. Verbally share the patient information with him since he is the subscriber on the patient's medical insurance.

C. Reassure him that he has nothing to worry about since his partner's visit was only a follow up to a minor surgery.

D. Instruct him to provide proof of identity prior to providing the requested information.

Informed consent

Giving the patient adequate information concerning the method, risk, and consequences prior to a procedure is called __________.

A. confidentiality

B. tort

C. informed consent

D. the right to know

Provide a list of revelant community organizations

A patient comes into the provider's office and reports intimate partner abuse. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take to assist this patient?

A. Share personal experience with the patient.

B. Refer the patient to another provider.

C. Provide a list of relevant community organizations.

D. Counsel the patient on the situation.

Distilled water

Which of the following solutions is used in the autoclave for sterilization?

A. Distilled water

B. Glutaraldehyde

C. 1:10 bleach solution

D. Chlorohexidine

Three

A medical assistant is performing a pulmonary function test using spirometry. How many maneuvers are required from the patient before the assistant can calculate the average measurements and record the results?

A. Five

B. Two

C. Three

D. Four

Admission to a hospital

Which of the following should a medical assistant recognize as a patient transition of care?

A. Consultation with a pharmacist

B. Screening by a psychiatrist

C. Admission to a hospital

D. Assessment with a nutritionist

To include patients and family in team communication

Which of the following should a medical assistant recognize as a goal of patient-centered care?

A. To improve the insurance coverage of services

B. To increase the likelihood of hospitalization for chronic disorders

C. To include patients and family in team communication

D. To restrict the accessibility of face to face services

Radiology report

A patient is scheduled for an orthopedic consultation. The medical assistant should ensure that the health record includes which of the following?

A. Urinalysis results

B. Radiology report

C. Tympanometry measurements

D. Lipid panel

Urine specimen volume is 6mL

Which of the following conditions would be cause for specimen rejection for a routine urinalysis?

A. Urine specimen volume is 6mL

B. Urine specimen temperature is 23 degrees C

C. Urine specimen container missing preservative

D. Urine specimen is amber and turbid

Vertigo

A medical assistant is performing an ear irrigation on a patient. Which of the following side effects should the assistant expect the patient to experience?

A. Vertigo

B. Bloody discharge

C. Vomiting

D. Syncope

American heart association

A provider instructs a medical assistant to refer a patient to community resources for additional statistical information following a CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)surgery. To which of the following resources should the assistant refer the patient for this service?

A. American Red Cross

B. American Heart Association

C. American Lung Association

D. American Board of Surgeons

Ophthalmoscope

A medical assistant should ensure that which of the following pieces of equipment is in the room for a patient who is having a contact lens evaluation?

A. Otoscope

B. Tympanometer

C. Sphygmomanometer

D. Ophthalmoscope

Atrioventricular node

In the sequence of the electrical stimulation of the heart, which of the following parts of the conduction system is stimulated next after the sinoatrial node?

A. Left bundle branch

B. Purkinje fibers

C. Right bundle branch

D. Atrioventricular node

Ensure the scale is balanced

Which of the following steps should a medical assistant take in preparation for obtaining a weight measurement from a 6 year old child?

A. Have the child remove clothes for measurement

B. Ensure the scale is balanced

C. Disinfect the scale with cavicide

D. Put on gloves

Warm the side for a minimum of 10 minutes prior to puncture

Which of the following actions should a medical assistant take when performing a capillary puncture on a 10 month old patient?

A. Place a bandage on the site after holding pressure for 1 minute

B. Apply direct, firm pressure to the puncture site on the finger

C. Warm the site for a minimum of 10 minutes prior to puncture

D. Have the parent hold the child during the procedure

Supine

A medical assistant is preparing to do an EKG on a cardiac patient. In which of the following positions should the patient be for this procedure?

A. Fowler's

B. Supine

C. Prone

D. Trendelenburg

Apply even pressure to the finger during the collection

Which of the following actions is correct when performing a capillary puncture?

A. Wipe away the first five drops of blood after puncturing

B. Apply even pressure to the finger during the collection

C. Puncture the index finger at the tip

D. Puncture parallel to the fingerprint

Removing a cyst

In order to maintain compliance with standard precautions, a medical assistant should recognize that which of the following tasks requires the use of gloves, despite the absence of any visible blood?

A. Obtaining a tympanic reading

B. Administering a nebulizer treatment

C. Performing a visual acuity test

D. Removing a cyst

Figure 8

Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use to supply support when applying a bandage to an ankle?

A. Figure 8

B. Recurrent

C. Tubular

D. Triangular

Transdermal patches

Which of the following dosage forms can be absorbed slowly to create a constant, time-released systematic effect?

A. Liniments

B. Transdermal patches

C. Suppositories

D. Creams

PASS

A medical assistant walks into a patient's room and discovers a fire in the trash can. Which of the following pneumonic devices describes the proper procedure for use of a fire extinguisher?

A. NKDA

B. RICE

C. PASS

D. RACE

Position a walker over the scale

Which of the following methods should a medical assistant use when weighing a patient who has balance issues?

A. Have a patient hold onto the wall while weighing

B. Position a walker over the scale

C. Position a cane on the scale between his feet

D. Have the patient sit in a chair on the scale

Rhinoplasty

Which of the following procedures should a medical assistant identify as surgical reconstruction?

A. Bronchiectasis

B. Rhinoplasty

C. Appendectomy

D. Lobotomy

Main term

A medical assistant is looking up diagnostic codes. Which of the following parts of the diagnostic statement should the assistant use when searching in the alphabetical index?

A. E code

B. Modifying term

C. Main term

D. Subterm

Recheck the blood pressure after a few minutes

A medical assistant obtains an elevated blood pressure reading from a visibly upset patient. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

A. Perform orthostatic blood pressure.

B. Recheck the blood pressure after a few minutes.

C. Measure blood pressure at the wrist.

D. Use the palpatory method for blood pressure.

Referral

A medical assistant has a patient who has a PPO insurance plan. The provider would like the patient to see a cardiologist. Which of the following forms should the medical assistant use for the request?

A. Referral

B. Authorization

C. Precertification

D. Verification of Eligibility

Maintain a 1 inch border around the sterile field

A medical assistant is acting as a sterile scrub assistant. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

A. Tear the corner when opening the 4 x 4 package

B. Maintain a 1-inch border around the sterile field

C. Wear nonlatex gloves

D. Lay the instruments gently on the sterile field

Objective

A medical assistant is setting up a chart for a new patient. The office uses the SOAPE method of documentation. The patient's vital signs should be documented in which of the following areas?

A. Subjective

B. Objective

C. Assessment

D. Evaluation

1:10 solution of bleach and water

A medical assistant should use which of the following solutions to clean a work surface after a blood spill?

A. 1:10 solution of bleach and water

B. 1:5 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water

C. 1:10 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water

D. 1:5 solution bleach and water

Mitochondria

Which of the following cell organelles is responsible for energy production?

A. Nucleus

B. Mitochondria

C. Endoplasmic reticulum

D. Ribosome

No show

A medical assistant notes the abbreviation "NS" next to several appointments from the previous day's office schedule. Which of the following is the correct description of the abbreviation?

A. New surgical

B. Normal scheduling

C. Needs supervision

D. No show

Syncope

A patient reports sweating, flushed extremities, ringing in his ears, and dizziness during his last blood draw. Which of the following should the medical assistant recognize as the greatest risk for the patient while performing a venipuncture?

A. Hematoma

B. Neuropathy

C. Neuritis

D. Syncope

Using an alcohol-based rub in place of handwashing

Proper aseptic technique includes which of the following?

A. Using an alcohol based rub in place of handwashing

B. Recapping needles before disposal

C. Recycling pre filled syringes

D. Disposing of used tourniquets in a sharps container

Sterilization indicators

A medical assistant is preparing the autoclave to sterilize instruments. Which of the following items is required to properly process the instruments?

A. Cotton balls

B. Masking tape

C. Purified water

D. Sterilization indicators

The patient

A medical assistant is obtaining pregnancy test results for a 15 year old patient. The test is negative. To whom should the assistant provide the results?

A. Patient's legal guardian

B. The patient

C. Health department

D. Medicaid office

Fire extinguishers pins are intact

Which of the following should be reported to the safety team to ensure the medical office is prepared for a fire?

A. Fire extinguishers pins are intact

B. Multiplug adapters are not in use

C. Sprinkler heads are unobstructed

D. One emergency exit is available

Family history

Which of the following factors increases the risk for developing Chron's disease?

A. Advanced age

B. Residence in a rural area

C. Family history

D. Hispanic ethnicity

CMS- 1500

Which of the following is the current universal claim form submitted for outpatient medical billing?

A. CMS-1500

B. HCFA-1500

C. I-9

D. Superbill

Open the package away from the body

A medical assistant is setting up a tray for a minor procedure. Which of the following actions maintains the sterile field of the tray?

A. Opens the package away from the body

B. Keeps hands below the waist

C. Places instruments on the tray's border

D. Dons clean gloves

Ensure the skin is clean and dry

A medical assistant is applying EKG electrodes to a patient who is sweating profusely and presents with chest pain. Which of the following actions should the assistant take to acquire an adequate tracing?

A. Ensure the skin is clean and dry

B. Apply conductive gel to the patient's chest

C. Shave the electrode sites

D. Place the electrodes below the clavicle

24 hours

A medical assistant is submitting an urgent referral request to the insurance company for authorization. Which of the following describes how long the authorization process will take?

A. 24 hours

B. 3 working days

C. Immediate approval via phone

D. 10 days

Tapping

When a medical assistant is taking a patient's blood pressure, which of the following Korotkoff sounds represents the systolic blood pressure.

A. Swooshing

B. Soft and muffled

C. Faint and pulsing

D. Tapping

Forehead

From which area of the body should a medical assistant obtain body temperature using a temporal artery thermometer?

A. Tympanic membrane

B. Armpit

C. Rectum

D. Forehead

Identify the patient correctly

Which of the following standards is addressed by The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals toward improving patient safety?

A. Follow patient's advance directives

B. Create a disaster plan

C. Comply with ADA accommodations

D. Identify patients correctly

Oxygen

A medical assistant is assisting with a biopsy of an abscess that requires the sample to be sent to the laboratory. The specimen requires an anaerobic collection device. The assistant should recognize that this specimen should not be exposed to which of the following?

A. Oxygen

B. Light

C. Temperatures about 0 C (32 F)

D. Carbon dioxide

Invite the patient to a private area of the clinic to speak

A medical assistant is speaking with a patient in the reception area who is verbally angry about having to wait for her appointment. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

A. Speak to the patient in a high tone of voice

B. Invite the patient to a private area of the clinic to speak

C. Move the patients appointment ahead of other scheduled appointments

D. Explain the importance of the office's schedule to the patient

This test measures the distance. My RBC's have dropped.

A provider orders an ESR to be performed on a patient and describes the test to the patient. Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. "This test measures my estrogen serum ratio after menopause"

B. "This test measures the fluctuation of serum protein"

C. "This test measures my hemoglobin levels"

D. "This test measures the distance my RBCs have dropped"

Soak the instrument and a bleach solution

Which of the following is the first step a medical assistant should take when sanitizing a soiled hemostat?

A. Rinse the instrument under cold water

B. Soak the instrument in a bleach solution

C. Place the instrument in an autoclave using heat tape

D. Wipe the instrument with a cavicide wipe and towel dry

At the level slightly above the eyebrows

When obtaining a head circumference measurement on an infant, where is the correct placement of the tape for the measurements?

A. The proximal portion of the nasal bridge

B. At the level of the external auditory meatus

C. At the level slightly above the eyebrows

D. From the apex of the skull to the chin

When obtaining a head circumference measurement on an infant, where is the correct placement of the tape for the measurements?

A. The proximal portion of the nasal bridge

B. At the level of the external auditory meatus

C. At the level slightly above the eyebrows

D. From the apex of the skull to the chin

C. At the level slightly above the eyebrows

syncope

During a routine venipuncture, the patient becomes pale and diaphoretic. What condition is most likely to occur in this patient?

A.syncope

B. Seizure

C.nausea

D.shock

Diagnosis code

Which of the following items included on the CMS-1500 claim form should a medical assistant recognize as indicating the medical necessity of a procedure?

A. Modifier

B. Diagnosis code

C. Charges

D.place of service

Remain within the patient's view to allow lip-reading.

A medical assistant is collecting a health history from an older adult patient who exhibits moderate hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

A. Keep her hands still to avoid distracting the patient.

B. Speak with a raised pitch when clarifying information.

C. Use longer sentences to keep the patient's attention.

D. Remain within the patient's view to allow lip-reading.

"I think that you feel that your treatment is not effective."

patient tells a medical assistant that his provider's office is incompetent, as there is no improvement in his condition. Which of the following is an appropriate response for the assistant to make?

A. "I think that you feel that your treatment is not effective."

B. "I'm sure that the provider can help you get better."

C. "That isn't fair. Our office treats many patients successfully."

D. "You could take a different medication and then you'll feel better.'

Parentage testing

A medical assistant should follow chain of custody guidelines for which of the following types of laboratory results?

A. Digoxin levels

B. Blood cultures

C. Parentage testing

D. Lead levels

Holter monitor application

Which of the following cardiac procedures is within a medical assistant's scope of practice and does not require a licensed technician or provider to assist or perform it?

A. Cardiac Doppler

B. Nuclear stress test

C. Holter monitor application

D. Angiogram

Chlorhexidine

A medical assistant should use which of the following solutions to prepare a patient's skin prior to drawing blood cultures?

A. Benzoin tincture

B. Hydrogen peroxide

C. Isopropyl alcohol

D. Chlorhexidine

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

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?

A. Ensure the specimen has a volume of 20 ml

B. Record the specimen's temperature 8 min after collection.

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

D. Ask the provider to supervise the collection and shipment of the specimen.

With the labia spread, urinate a small amount into the toilet before collecting the sample.

A medical assistant is explaining to a female patient how to collect a clean-catch urine specimen. Which of the following instructions should the assistant include?

A. Place the removable lid of the specimen container face down on a clean surface.

B. Clean the perineal area from back to front with three antiseptic towelettes.

C. With the labia spread, urinate a small amount into the toilet before collecting the sample.

D. To collect the urine, press the specimen container's edges up against the perineum.

Lift the first knot away from the skin.

A medical assistant is removing sutures from a patient who has a laceration on his left lower leg. After setting up the sterile field, which of the following actions should the assistant take?

A.Discard each suture immediately after removal.

B. Lift the first knot away from the skin.

C. Cut the knot to remove it from the suture.

D. Use bandage scissors to cut the suture.

Home health care

A provider examines an older adult patient who is disabled and has a lesion on her arm. A medical assistant should anticipate a referral for this patient to which of the following ancillary services?

A. Diagnostic services

B. Home health care

C. Rehabilitation services

D. Hospice care

Sanitization

A medical assistant is responsible for cleaning the instruments used in a minor surgery. Which of the following is the first step in this process?

A. Sanitization

B. Chemical sterilization

C. Wrapping

D. Autoclave

Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac. OR pull down on the lid to create a conjunctival sac

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

A. Hold the ointment tube parallel to and above the patient's eye.

B. Apply a thin ribbon of ointment along the conjunctival sac.

C. Apply the ointment from the outer canthus to the inner canthus.

D. Have the patient keep her eye open after application.

Pull the pinna of the ear up and back.

A medical assistant is performing an ear irrigation for an adult (anyone over the age of 12) patient who has a cerumen impaction. Which of the following steps should the assistant complete prior to administering the irrigation solution?

A. Cool the irrigation solution to 15.6° C (60° F).

B. Place the patient in the prone position.

C. Pull the pinna of the ear up and back.

D. Insert a cotton-tipped applicator into the ear canal.

"Place the tablet between your gums and cheek."

A medical assistant is reinforcing instructions with a patient about how to take a buccal tablet. Which of the following instructions should the assistant give the patient?

A. "Swallow the tablet whole."

B. "Place the tablet under your tongue."

C. "Dissolve the tablet in water."

D. "Place the tablet between your gums and cheek."

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