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. Which evidence-based approach is most important when applying clinical assessment methods principles? → Integrating current research with clinical expertise and patient values
2. In the context of Certified Medical Aide, what is the primary goal of clinical assessment methods? → Optimal patient outcomes and safety
3. What role does documentation play in patient safety protocols? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
4. What role does documentation play in clinical assessment methods? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
5. In the context of Certified Medical Aide, what is the primary goal of patient communication? → Optimal patient outcomes and safety
6. Which type of precautions should be used for ALL patients regardless of diagnosis? → Standard precautions
7. What is the minimum recommended contact time for most intermediate-level disinfectants to be effective? → The product's labeled wet contact time
8. Which ethical principle is most directly applicable to diagnostic procedures? → Beneficence — acting in the patient's best interest
9. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate? → Medulla oblongata
10. What role does documentation play in diagnostic procedures? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
11. Why is it unethical to share patient information with friends? → It breaches confidentiality
12. After turning on an AED, what is the FIRST operational step? → Attach the electrode pads as shown in the device diagram
13. Which evidence-based approach is most important when applying treatment planning principles? → Integrating current research with clinical expertise and patient values
14. Why is documenting vital signs important? → They help monitor patient status
15. Which class of drug helps regulate mood disorders? → Antidepressants
16. What is an advanced directive? → Legal wishes for care
17. What role does documentation play in documentation standards? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
18. What does the chain of infection describe? → The sequence of elements required for an infection to spread
19. Which of the following is one of the 'Five Rights' of medication administration? → Right dose
20. What does the first-aid acronym RICE stand for when managing musculoskeletal injuries? → Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
21. Which hand hygiene product is most effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)? → Soap and running water
22. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during documentation standards procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
23. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during clinical assessment methods procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
24. Which clinical finding is a sign of respiratory distress in a patient? → Nasal flaring and use of accessory muscles to breathe
25. Which ethical principle is most directly applicable to clinical assessment methods? → Beneficence — acting in the patient's best interest
26. What is the standard of care requirement for patient communication in clinical practice? → The level of care a reasonably competent practitioner would provide
27. Which gland produces insulin to regulate blood glucose? → Pancreas
28. What is the standard of care requirement for diagnostic procedures in clinical practice? → The level of care a reasonably competent practitioner would provide
29. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR performed by a single rescuer? → 30:2
30. In the context of Certified Medical Aide, what is the primary goal of diagnostic procedures? → Optimal patient outcomes and safety