CMA Practice Test: Get Ready for Your CMA Exam! (2024 Updated)

The Certified Medical Assitant Exam (CMA) is a rigorous exam that requires a thorough, broad, and current understanding of health care delivery.

This exam and the its related certification provides an overview of the knowledge required in the following categories: general, clinical, and administrative.

The Certified Medical Assistant is a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Certified Medical Assistant Exam

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Question 1

The staff nurse gave instructions to Maria (CMA) to elevate the client’s right limb, which is in a cast, to prevent swelling. Please mark the action which indicates that Maria is elevating the limb with the cast correctly:

A	Maria places the limb with the cast above heart level.
B	Maria places the limb with the cast near the body.
C	Maria places the limb with the cast below heart level.
D	Maria places the limb with the cast at heart level.

Question 1 Explanation:

The limb must be placed above heart level in order to prevent swelling.

Question 2

Please mark one of the following conditions as a result of the balanced 3 curves of one's spine:

A	Good manners
B	Good physique
C	Good awareness
D	Good posture

Question 2 Explanation:

One has a good posture when the 3 curves of their spine are balanced.

Question 3

Please mark the possible result of stereotyping in providing care:

A	Wrong assessments and inappropriate interventions.
B	Elevated frustration on the part of the medical assistant.
C	Reduced frustration on the part of the medical assistant.
D	Improved cooperation by the clients and family members.

Question 3 Explanation:

Stereotyping can lead to incorrect assessments and inappropriate interventions.

Question 4

Please mark what a medical assistant SHOULDN'T do when taking radial pulse:

A	Point the patient’s palms downward.
B	Use the thumb to palpate the artery.
C	Use two to three fingertips to palpate the pulse at the inner wrist.
D	Assess the pulse rate, rhythm, volume, and bilateral equality.

Question 4 Explanation:

A medical assistant shouldn't use the thumb to palpate the artery when taking radial pulse.

Question 5

A medical assistant is assigned with a middle-aged patient with chronic bronchitis. Please mark the inappropriate intervention in case of promoting adequate respiratory function:

A	Adequate fluid intake.
B	Reducing cigarette smoking to a minimum.
C	Exercises with deep breathing and coughing.
D	Changing the body position of bedridden clients.

Question 5 Explanation:

The inappropriate intervention to promote respiratory function is reducing cigarette smoking to a minimum.

Question 6

Please mark the correct way of a medical assistant helping a hemiplegic client to get dressed:

A	Undress the client’s weak or involved extremities.
B	Undress the lower extremity first, then the upper extremity.
C	Undress the client’s non-involved extremity first.
D	Dress the weak or most involved extremity first.

Question 6 Explanation:

The medical assistant should dress the client’s weak or involved extremity first.

Question 7

Please mark the action that ensures safety of a client in case when an elderly client is admitted to a unit for a first time:

A	Put unnecessary furniture out of the way.
B	Make sure lights are on all the time.
C	Keep side rails up at all times.
D	Put all equipment out of view.

Question 7 Explanation:

In this case, the surrounding must be clutter-free.

Question 8

Please mark the most appropriate position during feedings for a patient with a nasogastric tube in place for intermittent feedings (unless contraindicated):

A	The patient should be in a flat position with head to one side.
B	The patient should be in a flat and supine position.
C	The patient should be in a High Fowler's position.
D	The patient should be in a right lateral position.

Question 8 Explanation:

The patient should be in a High Fowler's position (the head raised at 80-90 degrees).

Question 9

Please mark the infection control precautions that should be observed by a medical assistant in a case when a patient has a highly virulent bacterial infection, spread through close physical contact:

A	Airborne precautions
B	Droplet precautions
C	Contact precautions
D	Protective precautions

Question 9 Explanation:

Contact precautions should be implemented for infections spread by direct contact with infected items.

Question 10

A medical assistant is giving a male client a bed bath and notices that the Foley catheter is no longer taped on the client’s anterior thigh. The medical assistant secures the catheter back in place. Please mark the purpose of the rationale for lateral or upward anchoring of the urethral catheter in a male:

A	To prevent pressure at the penoscrotal area.
B	To promote comfort.
C	To secure the catheter well.
D	To provide privacy.

Question 10 Explanation:

Lateral or upward anchoring of the urethral catheter in a male prevent pressure at the penoscrotal area.

Question 11

Please mark the item which is NOT appropriate when a patient is prescribed only clear liquids:

A	Ice cream
B	Popsicle
C	Gelatin
D	Broth

Question 11 Explanation:

A diet with clear liquids does not include ice cream because it is not clear at room temperature.

Question 12

Please mark the best position for a patient's legs and hips after a surgical repair of a hip:

A	Abduction.
B	Adduction.
C	Prone.
D	Supination.

Question 12 Explanation:

After surgical repair of a hip, the patient should be in abduction at all times.

Question 13

A 26-year-old patient is suspected to have a possible eating disorder and thus, requires daily weight-taking. Please mark the inappropriate action for accurate weight measurement:

A	Using the same scale for each measurement.
B	Balancing the scale at zero.
C	Taking the patient’s weight at different times each day.
D	Making sure that the patient is wearing the same clothing during each measurement.

Question 13 Explanation:

The weight should be measured at the same time each day.

Question 14

Please mark the action that ought to be taken before a medical assistant gives a bed bath to an elderly client:

A	Close the door and windows of the patient’s room.
B	Inform the patient and explain the purpose of the procedure.
C	Remove the patient’s gown under the cover of the top sheet.
D	Place the bed in a flat position.

Question 14 Explanation:

The medical assistant must inform the patient and explain the purpose of the procedure.

Question 15

What is the purpose of an enema when a patient is ordered to have a cleansing enema?

A	The purpose is to stimulate peristalsis through an infusion of a large volume of solution.
B	The purpose is to lubricate the colon and rectum.
C	The purpose is to provide relief from gaseous distention.
D	The purpose is to let the feces absorb oil to become easier to pass.

Question 15 Explanation:

The purpose of a cleansing enema is to remove feces by stimulating peristalsis through the infusion of a large volume of solution.

Question 16

Please mark the type of movement or angle of a joint that provides flexion:

A	Decreased joint angle.
B	Rotated joint angle.
C	Inverted joint angle.
D	Increased joint angle.

Question 16 Explanation:

Flexion is a result of a decreased joint angle.

Question 17

Please mark the most appropriate description for a case when a medical assistant takes a confused patient to the bathroom every night at 9:00 PM before he/she prepares the patient to goo to bed:

A	Bladder and bowel training.
B	Encouraging client participation.
C	Establishing a consistent routine.
D	Providing orientation cues.

Question 17 Explanation:

This case is an example of establishing a consistent routine.

Question 18

Please mark the correct statement about resident care conferences:

A	Family members are not allowed to attend.
B	The resident is required to attend.
C	Residents may refuse suggestions made by the health team.
D	Residents attend only if invited by the doctor.

Question 18 Explanation:

Residents may refuse suggestions made by the health team due to their individual right to participate in care planning.

Question 19

Please mark the joint that is flexed by the hamstrings:

A	Knee
B	Hip
C	Shoulder
D	Elbow

Question 19 Explanation:

The knee joint is flexed by the hamstrings.

Question 20

Please mark the most appropriate statement about implementing an advanced directive:

A	The advance directive is applicable to a patient who can understand and make choices.
B	The physician must evaluate the wishes of the patient to determine what are the patient's preferences.
C	The relatives have the legal right to decide for the patient’s condition.
D	Advance directives have the equivalent procedure as do not resuscitate orders (DNRs).

Question 20 Explanation:

Advanced directives are legal documents that describe the preferences of a patient regarding health care to be used when they become unable to make choices for themselves.

Question 21

What should a medical assistant do while obtaining a patient's vital signs if they notice that their right arm where the intravenous line is connected, is reddened, and if the patient informs them that they feel pain on their IV side?

A	The medical assistant should change the position of the clamp.
B	The medical assistant should regulate the flow rate to facilitate flushing.
C	The medical assistant should report the observation immediately to the licensed nurse.
D	The medical assistant should detect phlebitis, stop the flow rate and pull out the IV line aseptically.

Question 21 Explanation:

In this case, the medical assistant has to report the observation immediately to the licensed nurse.

Question 22

Please mark the task that SHOULDN'T be refused to perform by a medical assistant according to the policies of a respective facility and the job responsibilities of a medical assistant:

A	A medical assistant shouldn't refuse a task that is beyond the legal limits of their role.
B	A medical assistant shouldn't refuse a task that is not in their job description.
C	A medical assistant shouldn't refuse a task that they don't like.
D	A medical assistant shouldn't refuse a task when a nurse is not available to supervise them.

Question 22 Explanation:

The medical assistant has the right to say “no” in performing tasks in many cases except when they feel repulsion of personal nature.

Question 23

Please mark the action that should be taken by a medical assistant when working with patients with osteoarthritis who are on bed rest for prolonged period:

A	The medical assistant should ensure adequate nutrition but limit fluid intake.
B	The medical assistant should provide only passive range of motion and decrease stimulation.
C	The medical assistant should have the patient lie as still as possible and provide massaging.
D	The medical assistant should turn the client every two hours and encourage coughing and deep breathing.

Question 23 Explanation:

Patients who lie in bed for prolonged periods must be turned every two hours, have adequate nutrition, cough and breathe deeply in order to prevent possible complications.

Question 24

Please mark the example of a direct question (a question which is focused on specific pieces of information that the medical assistant needs from the client):

A	“What are your plans for home?”
B	“What will you do when you get home?”
C	“You said that you can’t work.”
D	“Do you feel better now?”

Question 24 Explanation:

“Do you feel better now?” is an example of a direct question.

Question 25

Please mark the situation in which a medical assistant demonstrates empathy:

A	The medical assistant puts others ahead of self.
B	The medical assistant shares emotions with patients.
C	The medical assistant imagines self in the place of others.
D	The medical assistant goes the extra mile for someone.

Question 25 Explanation:

Empathy is putting oneself in the place of someone else to try to understand what that person might be experiencing.

Question 26

Please mark the most appropriate answer given by a medical assistant in a case when their patient tells them that they feel worthless and think they ought to be dead:

A	"You are not a worthless person.”
B	"We are going to help you with your feelings.”
C	"What makes you feel you’re worthless?”
D	"You are so very wrong."

Question 26 Explanation:

The medical assistant should encourage the patient to describe their feelings and talk about them.

Question 27

Please mark the correct authority that provides information in a case when the agency wishes to examine the background of a newly hired medical assistant:

A	A former employer.
B	The medical assistant Registry
C	The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987
D	The National Council for State Boards of Nursing

Question 27 Explanation:

The medical assistant Registry is an official record of people who have successfully completed a competency evaluation program which has information about each medical assistant.

Question 28

Please mark the example of a communication barrier:

A	Use of accepted medical abbreviations.
B	Cultural differences between patients and nursing staff.
C	Use of silence.
D	Having an interpreter speak on behalf of the client.

Question 28 Explanation:

Cultural differences between patients and nursing staff might cause a communication barrier.

Question 29

Please mark the statement that best describes the situation when a medical assistant overheard a co-worker who said that a nurse who is their colleague has an illicit affair with a doctor:

A	The medical assistant is trying to protect a co-worker from gossip.
B	The medical assistant is eavesdropping and tries to clarify the matter with the supervisor.
C	The medical assistant asks the supervisor to intervene in this scandalous situation and protect the reputation of their employer.
D	The medical assistant is participating in gossip and is acting unprofessionally.

Question 29 Explanation:

This situation proves that the medical assistant is participating in gossip and is acting unprofessionally.

Question 30

Elena (RN) is orienting the new medical assistant to the unit and tells him that sometimes they also admit non-Eglish-speaking clients to their unit. What should the medical assistant do when they need to communicate with this type of clients?

A	Stand close to the patient and speak slowly.
B	Ask an interpreter to facilitate communication.
C	Speak to the patient's family together to ease communication.
D	None of the above.

Question 30 Explanation:

The best would be to be provided with an interpreter present when communicating with patients who don't speak the same language.

Question 31

What should a medical assistant do in a case when an 80-year-old patient with Alzheimer's disease has a serious case of pneumonia and becomes attached to a respirator, knowing that the last sense that comatose patients lose is their hearing?

A	The medical assistant should tell the patient's family that probably the patient can’t hear them.
B	The medical assistant should talk loudly so that the patient can hear them.
C	The medical assistant should tell the patient's family who are in the room not to talk.
D	The medical assistant should speak softly then hold the patient's hands gently.

Question 31 Explanation:

The medical assistant should speak softly then hold the patient's hands gently.

Question 32

Please mark the most appropriate action that ought to be taken in a case when one is resigning from their work as a medical assistant:

A	The medical assistant should call the agency and inform the employer that they will not be reporting for work the next day.
B	The medical assistant should call the agency and submit a resignation letter afterward.
C	The medical assistant should find somebody to replace them and recommend them to the Human Resources Department.
D	The medical assistant should write a resignation letter indicating their reason for leaving and the last date they will work.

Question 32 Explanation:

The medical assistant should write a resignation letter indicating their reason for leaving and the last date they will work when resigning from their work.

Question 33

Please mark the correct order of the stages of grieving identified by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross:

A	Numbness, anger, resolution, and reorganization.
B	Denial, anger, identification, depression, and acceptance.
C	Anger, loneliness, depression, and resolution.
D	Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Question 33 Explanation:

The correct order of the stages of grieving identified by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Question 34

What is the first stage of pressure ulcer formation?

A	A non-blanchable, erythematic area of intact skin.
B	Partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis and/or dermis.
C	Full thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue.
D	Full-thickness skin loss, tissue necrosis or damage to the muscle.

Question 34 Explanation:

The first stage of pressure ulcer formation is a non-blanchable, erythematic area of intact skin.

Question 35

Please mark the meal tray that contains food items appropriate for a kosher diet:

A	Pork roast, rice, vegetables, mixed fruit, milk.
B	Crab salad on a croissant, vegetables with dip, potato salad, milk.
C	Sweet and sour chicken with rice and vegetables, mixed fruit, juice.
D	Fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp and vegetables, salad, mixed fruit, iced tea.

Question 35 Explanation:

Kosher diet does not support a combination of meat and diary nor pork or pork products.

Question 36

Please mark the meal tray that contains food items appropriate for a kosher diet:

A	Pork roast, rice, vegetables, mixed fruit, milk.
B	Crab salad on a croissant, vegetables with dip, potato salad, milk.
C	Sweet and sour chicken with rice and vegetables, mixed fruit, juice.
D	Fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp and vegetables, salad, mixed fruit, iced tea.

Question 36 Explanation:

Kosher diet does not support a combination of meat and diary nor pork or pork products.

Question 37

Please mark the statement that a medical assistant should give to a patient who is with delirium and says that he/she sees spiders on the wall:

A	“You are hallucinating. There are no spiders in this room at all.”
B	“I can see the spiders on the wall, but they are not going to hurt you.”
C	“Would you like me to get rid of the spiders?”
D	“I know you are scared, but I do not see spiders on the wall.”

Question 37 Explanation:

The medical assistant shouldn't argue with the patient and provide protection from harm.

Question 38

Please mark the meaning of the acronym SCM:

A	Stress-chronic mastoid
B	Sternum-clenching mastoid
C	Sternocleidomastoid
D	Slow compression massage

Question 38 Explanation:

SCM means sternocleidomastoid.

Question 39

What should a newly hired medical assistant say if they are having an orientation tour with a supervisor and a patient approaches them and asks to help them get out of the hospital?

A	"What would you do if you were out of the hospital?"
B	"I am a new staff member, and I'm on a tour. I'll come back and talk to you."
C	"I think you should talk to the head nurse about that."
D	"I can't do anything about that."

Question 39 Explanation:

The patient who is obviously disturbed should get this answer from the medical assistant: "I am a new staff member, and I'm on a tour. I'll come back and talk to you."

Question 40

Please mark what a medical assistant SHOULDN'T do in the process of communication in a case when they are having an orientation to the home facility, and the nurse supervisor emphasizes that health team members communicate with each other to give coordinated and effective care to their clients:

A	The medical assistant shouldn't use terms with many meanings.
B	The medical assistant shouldn't be brief and concise.
C	The medical assistant shouldn't present information logically and in sequence.
D	The medical assistant shouldn't give facts and be specific.

Question 40 Explanation:

In order to provide effective communication, the medical assistant should use familiar words and be concise.

Question 41

Please mark how a medical assistant should respond if, during a busy day, the nurse gives them a tube of Terramycin ointment and gives instructions to apply it to a patient's eyes:

A	The medical assistant should ask the nurse for a demonstration for a clearer and better understanding of the procedure.
B	The medical assistant should follow the nurse’s request and apply the ointment to the patient's eyes.
C	The medical assistant should ask the nurse to be with them during the application of the ointment.
D	The medical assistant should politely refuse the nurse’s request, and explain their job limitations as a medical assistant.

Question 41 Explanation:

The medical assistant should politely refuse the nurse’s request, and explain their job limitations as a medical assistant that must work under the direction of a licensed doctor.

Question 42

What should a medical assistant do when moving a client or heavy object but still maintaining the workload near the center of gravity to prevent muscle strain and fatigue?

A	The medical assistant should carry the object close to the body.
B	The medical assistant should hyperextend the arms and neck whenever possible during the move.
C	The medical assistant should maintain the bed in its lowest position with the side rails up.
D	The medical assistant should stand as far away from the work area as possible.

Question 42 Explanation:

The medical assistant should carry the object close to the body as a correct principle of body mechanics.

Question 43

What is the name of the longest muscle in the body that likes to abduct, flex and rotate?

A	Biceps femoris
B	Gracilis
C	Sartorius
D	Gluteus

Question 43 Explanation:

This muscle is called Sartorius.

Question 44

Please mark the symptoms which indicate hyperglycemia:

A	Weight gain, tiredness, and rapid pulse.
B	Irritability, excessive perspiration, and rapid pulse.
C	Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
D	Thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss.

Question 44 Explanation:

The symptoms of hyperglycemia are thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and several others.

Question 45

Please mark the two parts which form the autonomic nervous system:

A	Sympathetic and parasympathetic
B	Empathetic and pathetic
C	Organic and energetic
D	Generic and spastic

Question 45 Explanation:

The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Question 46

Please mark the correct name of the heel bone:

A	Patella
B	Calcaneus
C	Plantaris
D	Achilles

Question 46 Explanation:

The name of the heel bone is calcaneus.

Question 47

Please mark the responsibility of the duodenum:

A	Dissolving food in the small intestines
B	Cleaning of the blood
C	Creating bile
D	Absorbing oxygen

Question 47 Explanation:

The duodenum is responsible for the dissolving of food in the small intestines.

Question 48

Please mark the type of system that is usually associated with clients' balance issues:

A	Neurological
B	Vestibular
C	Musculoskeletal
D	None of the above

Question 48 Explanation:

Low balance is a sign of problems in the vestibular system.

Question 49

Please mark the correct statement about binders:

A	A breast binder can be applied for breastfeeding mothers to relieve discomfort.
B	Straight abdominal binders are applied while the client is sitting on a chair.
C	The double T-binder is generally used for male clients.
D	When securing a straight abdominal binder, help the client in a side-lying position to close it at the back using safety pins.

Question 49 Explanation:

T-binders secure dressings in place after rectal and perianal surgeries. The double T-binder is generally used for male patients.

Question 50

Please mark the condition(s) that can be triggered by anxiety:

A	Loss of appetite
B	Constipation or Diarrhea
C	High blood pressure
D	All the above

Question 50 Explanation:

Anxiety can lead to loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea and high blood pressure.

Question 51

Please mark the condition(s) that can be triggered by anxiety:

A	Loss of appetite
B	Constipation or Diarrhea
C	High blood pressure
D	All the above

Question 51 Explanation:

Anxiety can lead to loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea and high blood pressure.

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