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. Which food choice has the LOWEST glycemic index and would be most appropriate for a patient managing type 2 diabetes? → Lentils
5. What is the mechanism of action of metformin in treating type 2 diabetes? → Decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity
6. 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
7. A tourniquet should be released within how many minutes of application to prevent hemoconcentration? → 1 minute
8. A patient's arm shows signs of a hematoma forming during venipuncture. What is the FIRST action to take? → Apply pressure and remove the needle immediately
9. When collecting a blood culture, what is the MOST important step to prevent contamination? → Use chlorhexidine or iodine and allow it to dry completely
10. A patient in a wheelchair needs to be transferred to an exam table. The FIRST step the MA should take is: → Lock the wheelchair brakes
11. A medical assistant discovers a coding error that resulted in the practice being overpaid by an insurance company. What should they do? → Report the overpayment to the supervisor and return the funds to the insurer
12. In the term "salpingo-oophorectomy," which structures are removed? → A fallopian tube and an ovary
13. What does the suffix '-algia' mean? → pain
14. The medical assistant is preparing for a 12-lead ECG. Where is lead V4 placed? → 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line
15. Which of the following is a sign of anaphylaxis that requires immediate epinephrine administration? → Widespread urticaria, throat tightness, and hypotension
16. Which plane divides the body into right and left halves? → Sagittal plane
17. On a standard EKG strip, the paper speed in the United States is: → 25 mm/sec
18. What is the normal pH range of human blood? → 7.35 – 7.45
19. The prefix 'brady-' means which of the following? → Slow
20. A patient is a 'difficult stick.' Which of the following actions is appropriate? → Attempt venipuncture no more than 2 times before requesting assistance
21. Which learning style is BEST addressed by providing a patient with illustrated pamphlets and labeled anatomical diagrams? → Visual
22. What does the prefix 'hyper-' mean in medical terminology? → Above normal or excessive
23. A patient reports a pain level of 8/10 after a procedure. The MA's PRIORITY action is to: → Document the pain level and notify the provider promptly
24. What is the standard paper speed for an EKG machine? → 25 mm/second
25. What is the maximum time a tourniquet should remain in place during venipuncture to prevent hemoconcentration? → 1 minute
26. Which type of isolation precaution uses an N95 respirator for healthcare worker protection? → Airborne precautions
27. The Snellen eye chart is used to assess: → Visual acuity (distance vision)
28. Which type of shock results from a severe systemic allergic reaction and is characterized by widespread vasodilation and hypotension? → Anaphylactic shock
29. Under a microscope, which urine sediment finding is most associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI)? → White blood cell (WBC) clumps and bacteria
30. Which of the following is a contraindication for aspirin therapy? → Children and teenagers with viral illness (Reye's syndrome risk)