CMA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A blood pressure reading of 142/92 mmHg would be classified as which stage according to current AHA guidelines? → Stage 2 Hypertension
2. Which of the following anatomical structures is referenced by the combing form cost/o? → Rib
3. Which of the following methods is used to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into a sterile field? → Aseptic technique
4. A medical assistant is preparing a claim for an outpatient procedure. Which standardized form should be used to submit the charges to the insurance company? → CMS-1500
5. A patient's BMI is calculated using which two measurements? → Height and weight
6. Which of the following positions is commonly used for examination and treatment of the abdomen and lower extremities? → Linotomy position
7. What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult? → 60–100 beats per minute
8. A blood pressure cuff that is too small for the patient will produce a reading that is: → Falsely high
9. The dorsalis pedis pulse is detected in which of the following areas of the body? → Top of the foot
10. A patient's spirometry results show FEV1/FVC ratio below 70%. This finding is MOST consistent with: → Obstructive lung disease
11. A patient arrives at the clinic with a prescription for a Schedule II medication. Which of the following is a key characteristic of drugs in this category? → They have a high potential for abuse and dependence.
12. Which of the following is the BEST site for a capillary puncture in an adult? → The fingertip (lateral aspect of the third or fourth finger)
13. Which of the following is the most accurate site for temperature measurement in an infant? → Rectal
14. Who registers doctors to provide prescriptions for prohibited substances? → Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
15. Which technique is used to assess the size, shape, and consistency of internal organs by tapping the body's surface? → Percussion
16. When a patient asks about a diagnosis that is outside the medical assistant's scope of practice, the MA should: → Refer the question to the supervising physician
17. What is the purpose of a tourniquet during venipuncture? → To restrict blood flow
18. When educating a patient about a new medication, what is the MOST important step to verify learning has occurred? → Ask the patient to repeat the instructions back
19. Which instrument is used to measure blood pressure? → Sphygmomanometer
20. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute in an adult is classified as: → Tachypnea
21. Which of the following would arise directly from the body's loss of lipids? → The decrease in the amount of estrogen produced.
22. What is meant by the term "antenatal"? → Before birth
23. Which of the following terms describes the intentional deception of a patient for personal gain? → Fraud
24. To prevent improper patient information leaks → Primary goals of HIPAA
25. An act that harms someone physically. → Battery
26. Which of the following is an essential component of a medical office's financial policy that should be clearly communicated to patients? → Policies on no-shows, cancellations, and payment for services
27. What is the purpose of the Allen test before drawing blood from the radial artery? → To ensure collateral circulation to the hand
28. Which of the following is a vital sign that measures the number of breaths taken per minute? → Respiratory rate
29. Which term describes the surgical removal of the uterus? → Hysterectomy
30. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates implied consent? → An unconscious patient in the emergency room receiving life-saving treatment.