Free CCMA Practice Test: 10 NHA CCMA Practice Questions

✅ Correct Answer: B: All vital signs are within normal adult ranges

Normal adult vital signs are approximately: blood pressure < 120/80 mmHg, pulse 60–100 bpm, respirations 12–20/min, and oral temperature about 98.6ðF (37°C). All values in this scenario fall within those ranges.

Reference: NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 3 (Patient Intake and Vitals)

✅ Correct Answer: C: Blood culture bottles (yellow-top or culture media)

The standard order of draw begins with blood culture bottles to prevent contamination by additives from other tubes, followed by light blue (coagulation), red/SST (serum), green (heparin), lavender (EDTA), and gray (fluoride) tubes.

Reference: NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 8 (Phlebotomy); CLSI order of draw

✅ Correct Answer: C: Right diagnosis

The five rights of medication administration are: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. "Right diagnosis" is not one of the five rights.

Reference: NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 4 (General Patient Care Part 1)

✅ Correct Answer: B: Politely explain that protected health information cannot be shared without the patient’s authorization

Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, protected health information (PHI) may only be disclosed with the patient’s written authorization (or another permitted exception). Family members are not automatically entitled to PHI without authorization.

Reference: HIPAA Privacy Rule; NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 13 (Medical Law and Ethics)

✅ Correct Answer: B: Hand hygiene

The CDC identifies hand hygiene as the single most important practice to reduce the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings. It should be performed before and after patient contact, after glove removal, and when moving from a contaminated to a clean body site.

Reference: CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines; NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 6 (Infection Control and Safety)

✅ Correct Answer: B: Complete blood count (CBC)

The lavender-top tube contains EDTA, an anticoagulant used for hematology tests such as the complete blood count (CBC). PT/INR uses a light blue (sodium citrate) tube; glucose may use gray (fluoride) or SST tubes depending on the test.

Reference: NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 8 (Phlebotomy)

✅ Correct Answer: C: Subcutaneous (SUBQ)

Subcutaneous (SUBQ) injections are delivered into the subcutaneous tissue, just below the skin — common sites include the upper arm, abdomen, and thigh. Common SUBQ medications include insulin and heparin.

Reference: NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 4 (General Patient Care Part 1)

✅ Correct Answer: B: Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border

V1 is placed in the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border. V2 is at the fourth intercostal space at the left sternal border; V4 is at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.

Reference: NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 9 (EKG and Cardiovascular Testing)

✅ Correct Answer: A: Waived testing

Most glucose meter (glucometer) tests performed in physician offices are CLIA-waived — simple, low-risk tests with a low probability of error. Waived tests are the most common category in ambulatory settings.

Reference: CLIA Waived Testing; NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 7 (Point of Care Testing and Laboratory Procedures)

✅ Correct Answer: B: Notify the provider or clinical supervisor immediately and monitor the patient

Chest pain is a potentially life-threatening complaint. The medical assistant should notify the provider or clinical supervisor immediately, keep the patient comfortable, and monitor vital signs. Medical assistants should not independently diagnose, treat, or triage beyond their scope.

Reference: NHA CCMA Blueprint Ch. 3 (Patient Intake and Vitals); scope of practice