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. Under most state laws, a CMT may administer medications under the supervision of which professional? → A licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
2. When a patient is unable to swallow tablets, which action requires nurse or physician authorization before the medication technician proceeds? → Crushing the tablet and mixing it with food or liquid
3. How should medications be disposed of safely? → Follow facility protocol for medication disposal.
4. What is the correct documentation for a medication that was held per physician order? → Circle or mark the scheduled time with the 'hold' code and note the order
5. According to Standard Precautions, a CMT must wear gloves when performing which of these medication administration tasks? → Applying a topical antifungal cream to an area of non-intact skin.
6. Which action by a medication technician violates the standard of safe medication storage? → Leaving the medication cart unlocked while stepping away to answer a call light
7. After administering a medication, the technician notices the resident is having difficulty breathing. What should be done first? → Stay with the resident and call for the nurse immediately
8. A resident's order is for atenolol 25 mg. The pharmacy sends 50 mg scored tablets. What should you do? → Split the scored tablet and give half
9. A medication technician discovers a co-worker removing medications from the facility's locked cart for personal use. What is the MOST appropriate action? → Report the incident to a supervisor immediately
10. Under CMS regulations, a nursing facility must conduct a Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment primarily to: → Assess resident care needs and support care planning and reimbursement
11. Which of the following best describes 'PRN' medication orders? → Medications given only when a specific condition or symptom is present
12. A CMT drops a resident's medication, which is still sealed in its unit-dose packaging, onto the floor of the resident's room. What is the correct action? → Discard the medication according to facility policy and obtain a new dose.
13. Which route of administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream and has the fastest onset? → Intravenous
14. Cough preparations containing less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 mL are classified as which schedule? → Schedule V
15. What does HIPAA stand for and why is it important in medication administration? → Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
16. Which group of side effects is characteristic of anticholinergic medications? → Dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision
17. A patient refuses to take their prescribed blood pressure medication. What is the medication technician's correct first response? → Document the refusal and notify the nurse immediately
18. Which of the following is an example of a controlled substance that requires special documentation? → Hydrocodone
19. The abbreviation 'BID' on a medication order means the drug should be given: → Twice daily
20. Which of the following is a clinically significant drug-food interaction? → Taking warfarin while consuming large amounts of leafy green vegetables daily
21. A patient tells the medication technician that another staff member took money from their wallet. What should the technician do? → Report the allegation immediately to the supervisor and follow facility policy
22. The primary purpose of the FDA's MedWatch program is to: → Collect and evaluate reports of adverse drug reactions and product problems
23. Which of the following best describes the principle of informed consent as it applies to medication administration? → The patient must understand what medication is being given and agree to receive it
24. Which of the following is considered a form of patient abuse in a long-term care setting? → Threatening a patient with loss of privileges if they don't take their medication
25. When a patient refuses a scheduled controlled substance, the medication technician should: → Document the refusal in the MAR and notify the nurse
26. Nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in which type of container? → Original amber glass container
27. What is a 'black box warning' on a medication label? → The FDA's strongest warning about serious or life-threatening risks
28. How many micrograms (mcg) are in 1 milligram (mg)? → 1,000 mcg
29. What information should be included when reporting an adverse drug reaction? → Resident name, medication name and dose, time given, symptoms observed, and actions taken
30. Which of the following is NOT within the scope of practice for a Certified Medication Technician when administering medications? → Calculating and administering a dose of intravenous (IV) medication.