CMT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which test is used to evaluate kidney function by measuring waste product filtration? → Serum creatinine and GFR
2. Standard precautions apply to which of the following? → All patients regardless of diagnosis
3. The SOAP format for charting stands for: → Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
4. The medical term 'dyspnea' refers to: → Difficulty breathing
5. According to the CLSI order of draw, which tube should be collected FIRST when multiple tubes are needed? → Blood culture bottles
6. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses: → Level of consciousness
7. The practice of reducing the number of microorganisms and preventing their spread is known as which of the following? → Medical asepsis
8. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions indicates: → Diabetes mellitus
9. What should you do if a patient refuses treatment or a procedure? → Respect the refusal and document the decision.
10. Which medication requires checking an apical pulse for a full minute before administration? → Digoxin
11. When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio? → 30:2
12. Which of the following practices is the most effective way to break the 'mode of transmission' link in the chain of infection? → Performing proper hand hygiene
13. The Z-track technique for intramuscular injection is used to: → Prevent medication from leaking back through the needle track
14. Which thermometer site provides the most accurate core body temperature? → Rectal
15. Sharps containers should be replaced when they reach what fill level? → Three-quarters full
16. The concept of 'scope of practice' refers to: → The range of procedures a professional is legally authorized to perform
17. The trachea divides into two main branches called: → Bronchi
18. What should healthcare providers do if they suspect a patient is being abused? → Report the suspected abuse to the authorities.
19. Which of the following is an example of unethical behavior in medical practice? → Reporting false patient information.
20. Which of the following terms describes the process by which a drug is transported from the site of administration to the body's bloodstream? → Absorption
21. The primary purpose of medical documentation is to: → Provide a legal record and facilitate continuity of care
22. During emergency triage using the START system, a patient who is breathing at 24 breaths/min with a radial pulse and follows commands is categorized as: → Yellow (delayed)
23. What constitutes a breach of patient confidentiality? → Sharing patient information with unauthorized individuals
24. The purpose of a loading dose is to: → Rapidly achieve therapeutic blood levels before switching to maintenance dosing
25. A throat culture is primarily used to detect which pathogen? → Group A Streptococcus
26. Which of the following is an example of objective data in a medical record? → Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
27. When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be placed approximately how far above the antecubital fossa? → 1 inch (2.5 cm)
28. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily protects: → Patient health information privacy
29. Incident reports in healthcare are used to: → Document unusual occurrences for risk management and quality improvement
30. Mandatory reporting laws require healthcare workers to report: → Suspected child or elder abuse