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. The median cubital vein, commonly used for venipuncture, is located at which anatomical site? → Antecubital fossa of the elbow
3. Which of the following anatomical structures is referenced by the combing form cost/o? → Rib
4. Which of the following methods is used to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into a sterile field? → Aseptic technique
5. 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
6. A patient's BMI is calculated using which two measurements? → Height and weight
7. Which structure connects muscle to bone? → Tendon
8. Which organ is responsible for detoxifying ammonia by converting it to urea? → Liver
9. A patient needs a Pap smear specimen. Which fixative must be applied immediately after collection? → Cytology fixative spray or liquid (e.g., CytoLyt)
10. A patient's chart shows an allergy to penicillin documented as 'anaphylaxis.' The provider orders amoxicillin. The medical assistant should: → Alert the provider immediately before filling the prescription
11. Which of the following positions is commonly used for examination and treatment of the abdomen and lower extremities? → Linotomy position
12. What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult? → 60–100 beats per minute
13. A patient requests copies of their medical records. Under HIPAA, the practice must fulfill this request within: → 30 calendar days
14. A needlestick injury should be reported to the supervisor and documented within how long? → Immediately or as soon as safely possible
15. A sharps container should be replaced when it is how full? → Three-quarters (75%) full
16. A blood pressure cuff that is too small for the patient will produce a reading that is: → Falsely high
17. The thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by which structure? → Diaphragm
18. Which of the following is an example of active immunity? → Receiving the influenza vaccine
19. The dorsalis pedis pulse is detected in which of the following areas of the body? → Top of the foot
20. A patient's spirometry results show FEV1/FVC ratio below 70%. This finding is MOST consistent with: → Obstructive lung disease
21. In ICD-10-CM coding, which category of codes is used for external causes of morbidity? → V, W, X, Y codes
22. 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.
23. The term 'engineering controls' in infection control refers to: → Physical modifications that isolate or remove hazards such as needle-retraction devices
24. The chain of custody for a urine drug screen specimen is maintained by: → Documenting every person who handles the specimen with signatures and timestamps
25. When performing audiometry, which frequency range is considered the normal speech range? → 500-2000 Hz
26. A patient requires oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min. The approximate FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) delivered is: → 28%
27. A physician orders 250 mg of amoxicillin oral suspension. The concentration available is 125 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be administered? → 10 mL
28. A patient is placed on droplet precautions. At what distance must the patient be from others for droplet transmission to be considered a risk? → Within 6 feet (approximately 1–2 meters)
29. 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)
30. Which of the following is the most accurate site for temperature measurement in an infant? → Rectal