Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Baseline Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which of the following is a common symptom of dyspnea?
• Who should sign the documentation for a forensic specimen according to the chain of custody protocol?
• What formula is used to convert a patient's weight from kilograms to pounds?
• Why is it important for medical assistants to maintain appropriate spatial considerations with patients?
• If a patient faints after an injection administered by an MA, what is the appropriate action to take?
• What instruction should a medical assistant provide when administering an enteric-coated tablet?
• Which form of health information exchange is encouraged by ONC to allow patients control over their health information?
• Which aseptic method uses sound waves to clean surgical instruments?
• In what situation should a medical assistant read the diastolic pressure while deflating a blood pressure cuff?
• What does the first sound heard indicate when taking a patient's blood pressure?
• What is the typical site for administering an intramuscular injection in adults?
• What is the primary focus of a medical assistant in patient care?
• What is the correct technique for holding a butterfly needle set while obtaining a blood sample?
• What is a suitable first aid procedure for a patient with a third-degree burn on their hands?
• A patient's ability to walk, groom themselves, bathe, and eat is assessed by which type of screening?
• A medical assistant is performing an EKG on a patient. Which of the following describes the appropriate placement of the electrodes?
• After assisting a provider with a biopsy, how should a medical assistant dispose of a scalpel?
• When is it necessary for a medical assistant to use personal protective equipment (PPE)?
• During a venipuncture procedure, what personal protective equipment is required by OSHA regulations?
• A medical assistant is preparing a patient to have a mole excised. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?
• Overwhelming experiences often lead to which of the following conditions?
• According to the CDC, when should a medical assistant wash their hands for one full minute?
• What is the appropriate spatial distance a medical assistant should maintain when checking in a patient?
• Which of the following best describes the role of a medical assistant?
• In which of the following quadrants is the gallbladder located?
• What component of medical terminology is used to ensure the ease of pronunciation?
• What type of allergy testing applies an allergen to the skin to detect delayed allergic reactions?
• Which waste material is typically considered hazardous and should not be thrown in a regular waste bin?
• Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use when bandaging a wound with a roller bandage?
• What is the first step a medical assistant should take when preparing a patient for a physical exam?
• Which cell structure is primarily responsible for providing energy for cells?
• A medical assistant is working with a patient who has a cognitive impairment that causes them to display short-term memory loss. How should the assistant adapt to this barrier?
• A patient's insurance company calls the office to obtain additional information regarding a recently submitted claim. Which of the following regulations allows the office to release this information without written authorization?
• Which of the following is recognized as a CLIA-waived laboratory test?
• For which condition is a Holter Monitor typically used?
• What technique should a medical assistant use to sterilize hemostats after an invasive procedure?
• In which position is it best to place a patient receiving a colposcopy?
• Which test is used to assess a patient's color perception and detect color blindness?
• What should be done immediately if a patient starts to faint during a procedure?
• Which disease is mandatorily reportable to the state by medical assistants?
• What should a medical assistant verify prior to receiving a prescription?
• Which eating disorder is characterized by purging, use of laxatives, and mood swings?
• An angry patient confronts a medical assistant in the reception area. What action should the medical assistant take?
• If a patient has a home displacement after a hurricane, where should they be referred?
• A patient regularly in contact with coal and wood dust is at increased risk for developing which disorder?
• What should be checked alongside a patient’s medical history to assess risk for lung disease?
• A medical assistant has acquired a preauthorization for a patient's referral to a specialist. Which of the following is a reason for the insurer to deny the claim submitted by the specialist?
• Which of the following is classified as a root word?
• What must occur before a patient signs an informed consent form for a procedure?
• What instrument should be prepared for a cervical polypectomy surgical procedure?
• In preparing for a colposcopy procedure, which position should the medical assistant place the patient?
• What action should a medical assistant take to confirm a prescription request that has been called into a pharmacy?
• Which of the following cardiac procedures is within the Medical Assistant's (MA) scope of practice?
• If a patient's cholecystectomy is denied due to "preauthorization required," what should the medical assistant do?
• A medical assistant is preparing to complete an 837P/CMS-1500 claim form. Which of the following components identifies the practitioner who provided the submitted services?
• When a medical assistant paraphrases during a patient interview, what technique are they using?
• Where is the correct placement for lead V4 in an ECG?
• Which part of Medicare covers durable medical equipment (DME)?
• When performing venipuncture, which tube should be drawn after obtaining blood cultures?
• Which example of patient coaching is focused on disease prevention?
• What type of artifact is indicated if an EKG tracing shows upward and downward movements of the waveform?
• What important information should a medical assistant verify at every office visit?
• If a patient weighs 72 kg, how much do they weigh in pounds?
• What term describes the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of medications?
• What is one role of the medical assistant during a patient's examination?
• Which of the following is within the Medical Assistant's scope of practice?
• What can result from using outdated or incorrect codes on a billing claim?
• What is an advantage of using electronic practice management software for scheduling appointments?
• What is the correct order of draw for venipuncture?
• If a patient reports headaches when reading from a computer monitor, where should the medical assistant enter this information?
• Which disinfectant is recommended for cleaning surfaces after a surgical procedure?
• To assist with hemostasis after a venipuncture, what should the medical assistant instruct the patient to do?
• What is the best position for a medical assistant to take when speaking to a hard of hearing patient?
• Which of the following is categorized as an adverse reaction?
• What kind of artifact does a wandering baseline in an EKG tracing indicate?
• What is the correct spacing between allergens for a scratch allergy test?
• Which of the following is a key responsibility of a medical assistant in a clinical setting?
• Which condition requires strict avoidance of gluten in the diet?
• What information is necessary when preparing an 837P/CMS-1500 claim form for a patient treated for a burn injury?
• Which of the following is a safeguard for all health care employees and patients who may be at risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials?
• What is an example of positive nonverbal behavior in patient interaction?
• What should be included in the instructions to a patient post-venipuncture?
• A medical assistant is preparing to apply a transdermal patch for a patient. Which of the following is the correct method?
• During patient assessment, why is it important for an MA to ask open-ended questions?
• What cell structure helps the body mobilize and secrete mucus from the respiratory system?
• What type of pulse is characterized by an extremely strong and full feeling?
• Which action is crucial for a medical assistant to take before administering an injection?
• An MA is preparing a patient for a sigmoidoscopy exam. In which position should the assistant place the patient?
• If a medical assistant sustains a small laceration from a sharps container, which documentation is required?
• What should a medical assistant do when encountering a patient at risk of an allergic reaction?
• Which supplies are required for proper hand-washing techniques?
• To obtain an accurate blood pressure reading, how much should a medical assistant inflate the cuff above the previously recorded pulse?
• A medical assistant is processing blood samples obtained for DNA analysis and paternity testing. What information must they include on the document to maintain the chain of custody?
• Which fasting blood sugar lab results are considered abnormal?
• For which situation should an assistant be prepared to document refusal of treatment by a patient?
• In regards to reporting a communicable disease, which statement is true?
• For a patient needing sutures, which supply should the medical assistant provide to the provider?
• What should a medical assistant do if a patient is allergic to a medication listed in their chart?
• Which of the following methods is the best way to measure the amount of body fat on a patient?
• At what age should a colonoscopy be scheduled for initial screening?
• When a medical assistant is communicating with a patient who is upset, which of the following mechanisms indicates the assistant is receptive and listening?
• A medical assistant is talking with a patient who sustained a foot fracture in a fall. To which of the following resources should the assistant refer the patient for assistance?
• Which of the following defines the process of sterilization?
• A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a urine creatinine test. Over what period of time should the assistant instruct the patient to collect the specimen?
• Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for use on flammable liquids?
• What should a medical assistant do when dealing with an angry patient?
• What is the best method for an MA to gather additional details from a patient regarding their chief complaint?
• What is the normal setting for the standardization mark on an EKG?
• Which feature should a medical assistant use when composing business correspondence in simplified letter style?
• According to the stages of hypertension, which blood pressure reading is categorized as elevated?
• After setting up the sterile field to remove sutures, which action should a medical assistant take?
• What type of mask is required when caring for a patient with COVID-19?
• What recommendation should a medical assistant give to reduce the spread of infection?
• What is a common preanalytical error that can affect test results during venipuncture?
• A medical assistant forgets to draw prothrombin time (PT) after collecting other specimens. What is the appropriate action?
• If a provider prescribes medication to be taken BID, how often should the patient take it?
• What term refers to the absence of infection or infectious material?
• What term describes the process where a financial account's balance is matched with a bank statement?
• During routine follow-up calls to patients, which action should a medical assistant take first if the patient reports unsatisfactory progress?
• When taking a rectal temperature in an infant, how far should the thermometer be inserted?
• Which of the following aseptic techniques can be achieved using dry heat, moist heat, ultraviolet light, gas, chemicals, or ionizing radiation?
• What is the primary role of a medical assistant?
• What is the first step a medical assistant should recognize when providing first aid for a laceration?
• In which position should a patient be placed when preparing to perform a 12-lead EKG?
• What is the meaning of HIPAA?
• Which condition is characterized by an overload of iron in the body?
• Which organization dictates the operations of physical office clinical laboratories?
• The temperature of a urine sample should be within which range for it to be usable in a drug test?
• Which is a standard PPE precaution?
• A medical assistant is performing intake for a 6-month-old patient. Which of the following measurements is required to complete the pediatric growth chart?
• For which screening should a medical assistant provide information during a 45-year-old female patient's annual physical?
• Which method is used to apply an allergen to a patient's skin for allergy testing?
• What does a Snellen chart primarily measure?
• An MA calls a patient to obtain a specimen. Which action should occur first?
• If a medical assistant is exposed to an infectious disease via a human bite, what should they do first?
• A pulse oximeter may show an artificially low oxygen saturation due to which condition?
• Which of the following is a vital sign that a medical assistant must monitor?
• What should a medical assistant instruct a patient to do prior to gowning for a physical examination?
• Which of the following is a correct preventive screening matched with the appropriate age?
• What should a medical assistant do if there is a language barrier with a patient regarding informed consent?
• During patient intake, which information is essential to collect?
• When performing a capillary collection from a patient with poor circulation, what technique should the assistant use?
• When obtaining lab tests from an older adult patient with small veins, which method of draw should a medical assistant use?
• What is a crucial step in ensuring patient safety during medication administration?
• What type of advance directive provides information about the person a patient designates to make health care decisions for them?
• What is the minimum percentage of alcohol that an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should contain?
• What classification is the hCG test typically placed under in a laboratory setting?
• What community resource should be provided to someone whose partner has caused physical harm?
• What does the Kubler-Ross grieving process indicate about a patient in the bargaining state?
• Which of the following is an acceptable practice for a medical assistant when handling patient information?
• If a patient is experiencing dyspnea during an EKG procedure, what position should the medical assistant place them in?
• What do team members take into consideration within a patient-centered medical home (PCMH)?
• To help a patient from a different culture feel more comfortable, a medical assistant should do which of the following?
• A medical assistant is unsure where to sort a piece of mail. What is the best action to take?
• A medical assistant is processing a referral for a patient with a terminal illness. Where should the patient be referred?
• At what age is the HPV vaccine recommended to be administered?
• Which of the following tests measures the oxygen saturation in a patient's blood?
• During an intradermal injection for allergy testing, where should a medical assistant locate the injection site?
• Which instrument is appropriate for removing stitches?
• A medical assistant needs to schedule a follow-up appointment for a patient. What is the most appropriate action?
• Which factor can impede a patient's understanding of informed consent?
• A medical assistant is speaking with a patient about their social history and notices the patient is fidgeting and appears anxious. Which of the following nonverbal communication styles is the patient exhibiting?
• At what age should patients receive the Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine?
• In communicating with patients, which of the following is important for a medical assistant to remember?
• What should a medical assistant recognize as signs of gonorrhea in a patient?
• Which term should a medical assistant use to describe a patient's discomfort and difficulty breathing?
• A patient with a BMI of 30.5 is classified in which weight status category?
• When measuring a patient's oxygen saturation, what action should a medical assistant take?
• What action should a medical assistant take to prevent contamination when performing surgical asepsis?
• What is the purpose of applying pressure after completing a venipuncture?
• Why is it important for a medical assistant to know a patient's medication allergies?
• What is the significance of the light blue tube in blood collection?
• Which section of clinical medical records contains the patient's subjective data obtained during the clinical intake process?
• Which insurance policy is primary for an adolescent with two policies held by their divorced parents?
• A medical assistant needs to protect a patient's PHI when preparing an after-visit summary. Which identifier should be verified?
• What is a common symptom of PTSD?
• A medical assistant fails to document a patient's preference for not using any blood products during their procedure. This error falls under which legal principle?
• What action should a medical assistant take when collecting a health history from a patient with moderate hearing loss?
• During a patient intake, which of the following is most important to verify?
• When should a medical assistant schedule an appointment for a patient with an acute illness?
• What is an effective method for an MA to identify a patient?
• Which of the following actions can help reduce the risk of infection in a healthcare setting?
• Where should a patient place buccal medication before swallowing?
• A medical assistant is labeling a blood sample for anemia. Which of the following tests should the assistant label on the requisition form?
• What is essential for ensuring accurate reimbursement of a claim?
• What should a medical assistant document in the EHR when administering immunizations?
• A medical assistant observing a patient with heatstroke should expect to see what manifestation?
• Which form of communication is most effective for a patient with visual impairments?
• Before running an EKG, what is the final step to ensure tracing is clear?
• When performing an initial patient interview, a medical assistant should focus on which aspect to ensure accurate communication with the provider?
• A patient reports severe headaches and chronic tingling in their arms and legs. Which specialty should the provider refer the patient to for consultation?
• How many calories are found per gram of fat?
• An MA drops an instrument on the floor while setting up a sterile tray. After the procedure, a patient calls with concerns about infection. Which tort has the MA committed?
• For an 18-month-old toddler, which site is preferred for venipuncture to draw blood for a lead level?
• What is the correct positioning for an 18-month-old patient receiving ear drops in the right ear?
• What measurement should be taken to determine if a child has microcephaly during a routine exam?
• A medical assistant works in a practice that is part of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). What type of medical coverage will the team focus on improving care for?
• What does administering medication through the right route ensure?
• Which medication is known to come in a sublingual form?
• According to the Controlled Substances Act, which statement is true regarding controlled substances in the office?
• What is the primary goal in documenting the lot number in the EHR?
• In which stage of the grief process does depression typically present itself?
• Which document is required when billing a patient's third-party payer for an office visit?
• Which two body systems work together to move hormones throughout the body?
• Which of the following is a sign that a patient may be in distress during a medical procedure?
• What is the primary purpose of maintaining a chain of custody for forensic specimens?
• The abbreviation PRN is commonly used in medical contexts to mean what?
• Which of the following best describes an otoscope?
• A medical assistant needs to draw a blood glucose level on a patient. Which of the following tubes should they use?
• What is the first step a medical assistant should take when scheduling a procedure at a local facility?
• What is one task a medical assistant should perform during a punch biopsy of a mole?
• According to OSHA guidelines, which of the following can be disposed of in a regular waste bin?
• Which of the following diagnostic statements is appropriate in the outpatient setting?
• What is the primary purpose of utilizing a clinical centrifuge?
• Which letter format uses indented paragraphs?
• When labeling venipuncture tubes after a blood draw, which information is essential to include?
• Which instrument should be prepared for a general physical examination?
• What is the recommended temperature range for effective sterilization in an autoclave?
• In which situation is it necessary for a medical assistant to wear gloves?
• Which of the following statements describes the doctrine of professional discretion?
• Which information is most commonly included in electronic prescription templates created by a medical assistant?
• What type of scheduling involves seeing patients in the order of their arrival?
• What is the primary role of a Medical Assistant in patient care?
• Which process allows prescriptions to be sent electronically?
• Which finger should a medical assistant choose for performing a capillary puncture on an adult?