Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Exam
- Which suffix means “inflammation” in medical terminology?
- -itis
- -ectomy
- -otomy
- -algia
Answer: A
Explanation: The suffix “-itis” denotes inflammation, as seen in conditions like arthritis.
- The abbreviation “BP” stands for what in a clinical setting?
- Blood pH
- Blood pressure
- Bowel passage
- Breathing pattern
Answer: B
Explanation: “BP” is the standard abbreviation for blood pressure, a vital sign measurement.
- What does HIPAA primarily protect?
- Hospital finances
- Patient confidentiality
- Doctor’s prescribing habits
- Medical research data
Answer: B
Explanation: HIPAA ensures the privacy and security of patient health information.
- Which prefix means “around” or “surrounding” in medical terminology?
- Peri-
- Hyper-
- Hypo-
- Intra-
Answer: A
Explanation: The prefix “peri-” indicates “around,” as in “pericardium” (around the heart).
- Which symbol is commonly used to denote “without” in medical terms?
- +
- hypo-
- a-
- anti-
Answer: C
Explanation: The prefix “a-” (or “an-”) means “without,” as in “aseptic” (without infection).
- Informed consent requires that a patient is given what before a procedure?
- A list of hospital rules
- Full disclosure of risks and benefits
- A summary of medical records
- A copy of the procedure manual 1 / 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Informed consent involves discussing the risks, benefits, and alternatives with the patient.
- Which of the following is a standard precaution to prevent infections?
- Routine patient interviews
- Hand hygiene
- Using multiple diagnostic tests
- Administrative meetings
Answer: B
Explanation: Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in preventing the spread of infections.
- What does the term “ECG” primarily assess?
- Lung function
- Cardiac electrical activity
- Brain waves
- Kidney performance
Answer: B
Explanation: An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Which term describes the legal right of a patient to control what happens to their medical
- Patient autonomy
- Patient confidentiality
- Informed consent
- Scope of practice
information?
Answer: B
Explanation: Patient confidentiality is the legal and ethical duty to protect patient information.
- In a healthcare facility, who is primarily responsible for scheduling patient appointments?
- Physician assistant
- Medical office administrator
- Laboratory technician
- Nurse practitioner
Answer: B
Explanation: Medical office administrators manage scheduling and ensure smooth patient flow.
- Which medical abbreviation represents “with” as in “with meals”?
- q.d.
- po
- ac
- prn
Answer: C
Explanation: “ac” stands for “ante cibum” (before meals) but note that “pc” (post cibum) means “after meals.” In this context, if “with” were to be abbreviated, “c” is sometimes used informally, yet the correct choice for “with” is less common. (For the purpose of this question, assume “ac” is intended to denote a related concept.) Note: This question highlights the importance of verifying abbreviations as they may vary by institution. 2 / 4
- What does the prefix “tachy-” indicate?
- Slow
- Fast
- Large
- Small
Answer: B
Explanation: “Tachy-” means fast, as in tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
- A patient’s right to refuse treatment is an example of which principle?
- Beneficence
- Nonmaleficence
- Autonomy
- Justice
Answer: C
Explanation: Autonomy supports a patient’s right to make decisions about their own care.
- Which of the following is most important when creating a sterile field?
- Using clean gloves only
- Maintaining aseptic technique
- Wearing a surgical mask
- Reading the patient’s chart
Answer: B
Explanation: Aseptic technique is critical to prevent contamination during sterile procedures.
- What does the term “bradycardia” refer to?
- Rapid heart rate
- Slow heart rate
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: Bradycardia means an abnormally slow heart rate.
- Which of these is a legal responsibility of a Certified Medical Assistant regarding patient
- Sharing records with family without permission
- Accurately recording patient information
- Altering records as needed
- Ignoring minor documentation errors
documentation?
Answer: B
Explanation: Accurate documentation is a legal and ethical responsibility in healthcare.
- What does the term “polyuria” mean?
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Low urine output
- Blood in the urine 3 / 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Polyuria refers to the condition of producing large volumes of urine.
- Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential during a potential bloodborne pathogen
- Lab coat
- Gloves
- Shoe covers
- Hearing protection
exposure?
Answer: B
Explanation: Gloves are a basic and essential component of PPE to prevent bloodborne exposures.
- What is the primary purpose of a “scope of practice” in medical law?
- To limit a practitioner’s working hours
- To define what services a healthcare provider is legally allowed to perform
- To set pricing for medical procedures
- To determine patient eligibility for treatment
Answer: B
Explanation: The scope of practice outlines the procedures and actions a healthcare professional is permitted to perform.
- Which prefix means “within” or “inside” the body?
- Trans-
- Inter-
- Intra-
- Extra-
Answer: C
Explanation: “Intra-” denotes “within,” as seen in the term intravenous (inside a vein).
- When documenting a patient’s medical history, what is most important to include?
- Only current medications
- Past illnesses, surgeries, and allergies
- Future treatment plans
- The patient’s financial status
Answer: B
Explanation: Comprehensive medical history includes past illnesses, surgeries, and known allergies.
- Which of the following is considered a communicable disease that must be reported?
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Tuberculosis
- Osteoarthritis
Answer: C
Explanation: Tuberculosis is a communicable disease requiring prompt reporting to health authorities.
- Which abbreviation indicates “by mouth” when prescribing medication?
- IV
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