AMCA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which vitamin directly antagonizes warfarin's mechanism of action? → Vitamin K
2. Which macronutrient provides the body's PREFERRED source of energy? → Carbohydrates
3. Which scheduling system allows patients to arrive at any time during a set window rather than at a specific appointment time? → Open-access scheduling
4. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable patient identification step before blood collection? → Checking the patient's insurance card for identity
5. A patient who ingested an unknown substance calls the clinic. Which number should the medical assistant advise them to call? → 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center)
6. Which of the following is a beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker used primarily to treat hypertension and heart failure? → Metoprolol
7. What does the abbreviation 'PRN' mean on a medication order? → As needed
8. Which type of consent is implied when a patient extends their arm for a routine blood draw? → Implied consent
9. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) combination is required when there is a risk of blood splatter during an emergency procedure? → Gloves, gown, and face shield/mask
10. In the correct Order of Draw, which tube is collected FIRST during a multi-tube draw? → Blood culture bottles
11. A patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis should be placed in which type of room? → An airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative air pressure
12. Which situation requires mandatory reporting regardless of patient confidentiality? → A patient presents with injuries consistent with domestic abuse
13. A patient's chart shows a blood pressure reading of 142/92 mmHg. This is classified as: → Stage 1 Hypertension
14. When a urine specimen cannot be analyzed within 2 hours of collection, it should be: → Refrigerated at 2–8°C
15. Which form is used to submit insurance claims for reimbursement? → CMS-1500
16. Which ICD-10-CM guideline requires coding to the highest level of specificity? → Use the most specific code available
17. What does the prefix 'hypo-' mean in medical terminology? → Below normal / deficient
18. What is the primary purpose of applying a tourniquet during venipuncture? → To distend the vein for easier access
19. A medical assistant discovers that a coworker is accessing patient records without a job-related need. The BEST immediate action is to: → Report the situation to the privacy officer or supervisor
20. A 4-year-old child refuses to cooperate during a blood draw. Which approach is MOST appropriate based on developmental psychology? → Use simple words, allow the child to hold a comfort item, and provide praise afterward
21. Osseous tissue is another name for: → Bone tissue
22. The prefix 'tachy-' in medical terminology means: → Fast / rapid
23. Which type of drug interaction occurs when one medication increases the breakdown of another drug, reducing its effectiveness? → Enzyme induction
24. Which schedule of controlled substances has no currently accepted medical use in the United States? → Schedule I
25. Which type of insurance plan requires patients to select a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialist visits? → HMO
26. What does the prefix 'poly-' mean in medical terminology? → many
27. In SOAP note format, the physical examination findings are recorded under which section? → Objective
28. What is the recommended site for measuring body temperature in an unresponsive adult patient? → Rectal or tympanic
29. State medical practice acts are primarily enforced by which entity? → State medical licensing boards
30. Which laboratory test is primarily used to evaluate kidney function by measuring the waste product filtered by the glomeruli? → Creatinine