SCMA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the SCMA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 SCMA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 SCMA Topics to Study (42)
✍️ Sample SCMA Questions & Answers
1. What does 'QID' mean in a medication order?
QID (quater in die) means four times daily, indicating the medication should be administered four times throughout the day.
2. Which of the following findings during a peak flow test would indicate poor asthma control in a patient whose personal best is 500 L/min?
A peak flow reading below 80% of personal best places the patient in the 'yellow zone,' indicating caution; below 50% is the 'red zone' — 74% (370 L/min) signals poor control requiring intervention.
3. If a patient has a symptom of rhinorrhea, it means:
Rhinorrhea is a medical term derived from 'rhino-' meaning nose and '-rrhea' meaning flow or discharge. Therefore, rhinorrhea specifically refers to the condition of having a runny nose, characterized by excessive mucus discharge from the nasal passages. It is a common symptom of colds, allergies, or other nasal irritations.
4. What is the single most effective method of preventing the spread of infection in a medical setting?
Hand hygiene is the #1 method recommended by the CDC and WHO for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
5. The normal adult respiratory rate range is:
The normal resting respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths per minute; rates outside this range indicate bradypnea or tachypnea.
6. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires sharps containers to be replaced when they are:
Sharps containers should be replaced when they reach three-quarters capacity to prevent overfilling, needle-stick injuries, and improper closure.