CCMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CCMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes are all produced in which location? → Red bone marrow
2. Which preservative is most commonly added to a 24-hour urine collection to prevent bacterial growth? → Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
3. On ECG graph paper, what does each small square represent in time? → 0.04 seconds
4. What is the mechanism of action of metformin in treating type 2 diabetes? → Decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity
5. During patient intake, a medical assistant is obtaining a patient's medical history. Which of the following components is considered part of the social history? → Tobacco and alcohol use
6. A tourniquet should be released within how many minutes of application to prevent hemoconcentration? → 1 minute
7. The medical assistant is preparing for a 12-lead ECG. Where is lead V4 placed? → 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line
8. Which plane divides the body into right and left halves? → Sagittal plane
9. What is the normal pH range of human blood? → 7.35 – 7.45
10. The prefix 'brady-' means which of the following? → Slow
11. A patient is a 'difficult stick.' Which of the following actions is appropriate? → Attempt venipuncture no more than 2 times before requesting assistance
12. What does the prefix 'hyper-' mean in medical terminology? → Above normal or excessive
13. What is the standard paper speed for an EKG machine? → 25 mm/second
14. Which type of isolation precaution uses an N95 respirator for healthcare worker protection? → Airborne precautions
15. The Snellen eye chart is used to assess: → Visual acuity (distance vision)
16. Under a microscope, which urine sediment finding is most associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI)? → White blood cell (WBC) clumps and bacteria
17. Which of the following is a contraindication for aspirin therapy? → Children and teenagers with viral illness (Reye's syndrome risk)
18. A patient with decision-making capacity refuses a recommended blood transfusion for religious reasons. The medical team should: → Respect the refusal and document the patient's decision and their capacity to decide
19. The apical pulse is auscultated at which anatomical location? → Left sternal border, 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
20. When transferring a patient from a wheelchair to an examination table, the medical assistant should: → Lock the wheelchair wheels before beginning the transfer
21. A medical assistant is preparing to draw blood for a coagulation study, a CBC, and a serum chemistry panel. Which of the following is the correct order of draw? → Light Blue, Red, Lavender
22. Which of the following is the most accurate method for measuring a patient's body temperature? → Rectal
23. A modifier in medical coding is used to: → Provide additional information about a procedure without changing its definition
24. Which of the following is the correct angle for a subcutaneous (subcut) injection? → 45–90 degrees
25. Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use to confirm a patient's identity before administering medication? → Ask the patient to state their date of birth and compare it to the medical record
26. During aseptic hand washing, for how long should the hands be scrubbed with soap? → At least 20 seconds
27. A medical assistant is obtaining a patient's blood pressure. Which of the following steps should the assistant take to ensure an accurate reading? → Inflate the cuff 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond where the radial pulse disappears
28. Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart? → Pulmonary vein
29. The abbreviation 'PRN' on a medication order means the drug should be given: → As needed
30. The gray-top (fluoride/oxalate) tube is specifically required for which laboratory test? → Whole blood glucose testing