NHA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which DEA form is required for a pharmacy to order Schedule II controlled substances? → DEA Form 222
2. What should a healthcare provider do if the EKG shows an irregular rhythm? → Document the finding and consult with a physician for further evaluation
3. A prescription for a Schedule II drug requires which of the following? → A written or electronic prescription with no refills
4. A gray-topped tube is primarily used for which type of laboratory test? → Glucose tolerance test
5. Which type of urine specimen is required for a culture and sensitivity test? → Clean-catch midstream specimen
6. Which type of transmission-based precaution is required for a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis? → Airborne precautions
7. What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) require employers to provide to at-risk healthcare workers? → Hepatitis B vaccination at no cost, along with PPE and annual training
8. What is the correct order of draw for a light blue top tube, a lavender top tube, and a serum separator tube (SST)? → Light Blue, SST, Lavender
9. A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood for coagulation, chemistry, and hematology tests. Which of the following is the correct order of draw? → Light Blue, Green, Lavender
10. What is the primary purpose of an auxiliary label on a prescription vial? → To provide additional warnings or instructions for the patient
11. What does the root word "hepat/o" refer to in medical terminology? → Liver
12. Which federal law protects the privacy of patient health information? → Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
13. According to HIPAA guidelines, which of the following is a potential violation of patient privacy? → Discussing a patient's case in the hallway
14. Which of the following is an example of an indirect contact transmission via a fomite? → Touching a contaminated blood pressure cuff and then touching your face
15. A patient calls to cancel an appointment. What is the first action the medical assistant should take? → Immediately update the appointment schedule
16. How should the skin be prepared before placing EKG electrodes? → Clean the skin with alcohol and remove any oils or dirt
17. Which color-coded waste bag is used for infectious/biohazardous waste in U.S. healthcare facilities? → Red or orange
18. An office schedules three patients to arrive at the top of the hour and then sees them based on their arrival time. This is known as: → Wave scheduling
19. What is the most critical step in ensuring the accuracy of a laboratory result? → Properly labeling the specimen
20. In the ICD-10-CM code M19.011, what does the 'M' represent? → The chapter of the disease classification
21. When performing a routine venipuncture, which vein is typically the first choice for the phlebotomist? → Median cubital vein
22. The ICD-10-CM coding system is used to report which of the following? → Diagnoses and diseases
23. What is the correct procedure for disposing of a used needle after drawing blood? → Place the uncapped needle immediately into a puncture-resistant sharps container
24. What is the mechanism by which an autoclave sterilizes medical equipment? → Pressurized steam at high temperature (typically 121°C)
25. The first segment of a National Drug Code (NDC) number identifies the: → Manufacturer or labeler
26. When preparing a blood specimen for transport to an outside laboratory, what action should the medical assistant take? → Complete a requisition and place it in the outer pocket of the transport bag
27. The additive in a lavender-topped collection tube is: → EDTA
28. The suffix "-ectomy" refers to what type of medical procedure? → Removal
29. What is the primary function of the additive EDTA found in a lavender-topped tube? → Bind calcium to prevent clotting
30. What is the main purpose of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)? → To ensure that patients receive emergency care regardless of their ability to pay