CCMA Ch. 1 - Foundational Knowledge and Medical Terminology

Perform delegated clinical and administrative tasks under provider supervision within state law and facility policy.

What is the role of a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)?

Below, deficient, or low, as in hypoglycemia.

What does the prefix "hypo-" mean in medical terminology?

Above, excessive, or high, as in hypertension.

What does the prefix "hyper-" mean?

Inflammation.

What does the suffix "-itis" mean?

Surgical removal.

What does the suffix "-ectomy" mean?

Cutting into or incision.

What does the suffix "-otomy" mean?

Creation of an opening.

What does the suffix "-ostomy" mean?

Toward the front of the body.

What does "anterior" mean?

Toward the back of the body.

What does "posterior" mean?

Closer to the point of attachment or trunk.

What does "proximal" mean?

Farther from the point of attachment or trunk.

What does "distal" mean?

Lying face up.

What does "supine" mean?

Lying face down.

What does "prone" mean?

Toward the midline of the body.

What does "medial" mean?

Away from the midline of the body.

What does "lateral" mean?

Nothing by mouth.

What is the meaning of the abbreviation NPO?

As needed.

What is the meaning of PRN?

BID = twice daily; TID = three times daily; QID = four times daily.

What is the meaning of BID, TID, and QID?

Immediately.

What is the meaning of stat?

Every hour. Use caution with abbreviations and follow facility policy.

What is the meaning of q.h. or q1h?

Sagittal plane.

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

Frontal/coronal plane.

What body plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?

Transverse plane.

What body plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions?

Clarify before acting; do not guess.

What should the MA do when a medical abbreviation is unclear?

Do not perform the task. Notify the provider/supervisor and follow state law and facility policy.

What should a medical assistant do if a task is outside scope of practice?

Stop, clarify the order or instruction with the provider, and document according to policy.

What is the safest response when unsure about a clinical instruction?

Use at least two identifiers, such as full name and date of birth. Do not rely on room number alone.

What patient identifiers should be used before procedures or medication administration?