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. What is the first step in assessing an unresponsive mother after delivery? → Check responsiveness
2. What is a potential complication during labor that requires immediate attention? → Shoulder dystocia
3. Fetal tachycardia is defined as a baseline FHR above which value sustained for more than 10 minutes? → 160 bpm
4. A maternal fever during labor is defined as a temperature at or above: → 38.0°C (100.4°F)
5. Early decelerations on an electronic fetal monitor are caused by which mechanism? → Fetal head compression during contractions
6. FHR accelerations during fetal monitoring indicate: → Fetal well-being and adequate oxygenation
7. Which sign is most indicative of wound infection in a perineal laceration repair? → Erythema, warmth, swelling, and purulent discharge
8. Universal hepatitis B vaccination of newborns is ideally administered within: → 24 hours of birth
9. Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux) is common during pregnancy due to which physiological change? → Progesterone-induced relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and uterine pressure
10. When should the first newborn bath typically be given? → After 24 hours
11. The Braxton Hicks contractions differ from true labor contractions primarily because they: → Do not cause cervical effacement or dilation
12. Which symptom may indicate postpartum hemorrhage? → Profuse bleeding and dizziness
13. Which substance is completely contraindicated throughout pregnancy due to increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and fetal alcohol syndrome? → Alcohol
14. The placenta is fully functional and takes over hormone production from the corpus luteum at approximately which gestational week? → 10 weeks
15. The recommended daily protein intake during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy increases to approximately: → 71 g/day
16. Which maternal position is recommended first when late decelerations are observed to improve fetal oxygenation? → Left lateral decubitus
17. Normal amniotic fluid volume at term is approximately: → 800–1200 mL
18. A nurse observes a laboring patient on oxytocin has 6 contractions in 10 minutes. The appropriate action is to: → Decrease or discontinue oxytocin and notify the provider
19. Pregnant women should avoid which type of fish due to high mercury content? → Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish
20. A sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern is most commonly associated with: → Severe fetal anemia or hypoxia
21. Methylergonovine (Methergine) is contraindicated in patients with: → Hypertension
22. Which nutrient deficiency during pregnancy is most associated with neural tube defects such as spina bifida? → Folic acid
23. Iron-rich foods that enhance iron absorption when consumed together include iron sources and: → Vitamin C–rich foods (citrus, bell peppers, tomatoes)
24. A midwife assistant notices late decelerations on the monitor. Which intervention should be AVOIDED? → Increasing the oxytocin infusion rate
25. Mandatory reporting laws require midwifery assistants to report which of the following to authorities? → Suspected child abuse or neglect
26. Standard precautions in a birth setting require that blood and amniotic fluid be treated as: → Potentially infectious for all patients regardless of diagnosis
27. A midwifery assistant should don sterile gloves using which technique to maintain sterility? → Closed-glove technique, keeping gloves inside the gown cuffs until gloved
28. Which of the following is a common sign of postpartum hemorrhage? → Boggy uterus and heavy bleeding
29. Which hand hygiene technique is recommended before assisting with a sterile procedure in midwifery? → Surgical hand scrub with antimicrobial soap for at least 2–3 minutes
30. Which food is NOT recommended during pregnancy due to risk of Listeria infection? → Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (e.g., Brie, queso fresco)