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. Which test is used to evaluate kidney function by measuring waste product filtration? → Serum creatinine and GFR
2. Standard precautions apply to which of the following? → All patients regardless of diagnosis
3. The SOAP format for charting stands for: → Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
4. When performing a capillary blood glucose test, which finger site is preferred for the puncture? → Lateral side of the fingertip
5. The medical term 'dyspnea' refers to: → Difficulty breathing
6. According to the CLSI order of draw, which tube should be collected FIRST when multiple tubes are needed? → Blood culture bottles
7. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses: → Level of consciousness
8. The practice of reducing the number of microorganisms and preventing their spread is known as which of the following? → Medical asepsis
9. Before administering a subcutaneous (SQ) injection, the skin should be pinched to a fold and the needle inserted at what angle? → 45 degrees
10. A patient asks the medical technician to explain the risk of a procedure. The technician is unsure. What is BEST practice? → Refer the question to the supervising clinician or physician
11. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions indicates: → Diabetes mellitus
12. What should you do if a patient refuses treatment or a procedure? → Respect the refusal and document the decision.
13. Which medication requires checking an apical pulse for a full minute before administration? → Digoxin
14. When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio? → 30:2
15. During a sterile dressing change, if the sterile field becomes wet from drainage, the medical technician should: → Consider the sterile field contaminated and set up a new one
16. Which of the following practices is the most effective way to break the 'mode of transmission' link in the chain of infection? → Performing proper hand hygiene
17. The Z-track technique for intramuscular injection is used to: → Prevent medication from leaking back through the needle track
18. Which term describes a condition of insufficient oxygen reaching body tissues? → Hypoxia
19. Which thermometer site provides the most accurate core body temperature? → Rectal
20. When applying a gait belt to assist a patient with ambulation, where should the belt be positioned? → Around the waist over clothing, snug enough to fit two fingers underneath
21. Sharps containers should be replaced when they reach what fill level? → Three-quarters full
22. The concept of 'scope of practice' refers to: → The range of procedures a professional is legally authorized to perform
23. The trachea divides into two main branches called: → Bronchi
24. When performing a 12-lead ECG, which electrode placement is used for lead V4? → 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line
25. What should healthcare providers do if they suspect a patient is being abused? → Report the suspected abuse to the authorities.
26. A patient's chart notes 'NPO' status before surgery. This abbreviation means: → Nothing by mouth
27. Which of the following is an example of unethical behavior in medical practice? → Reporting false patient information.
28. When performing a capillary blood draw (fingerstick), which part of the finger is the preferred puncture site? → The lateral side of the fingertip pad
29. Which of the following terms describes the process by which a drug is transported from the site of administration to the body's bloodstream? → Absorption
30. The primary purpose of medical documentation is to: → Provide a legal record and facilitate continuity of care