CMA Domain 1: Clinical Competency Welcome to your CMA Domain 1: Clinical Competency 1. CMA: Clinical Competency When preparing a patient for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which of the following locations is NOT a correct placement for a limb lead? A. On the right wrist. B. On the left ankle. C. On the right upper arm. D. On the left lower abdomen. None 2. CMA: Clinical Competency A medical assistant is asked to administer a subcutaneous injection. At what angle should the needle be inserted? A. 90 degrees. B. 45 degrees. C. 15 degrees. D. 30 degrees. None 3. CMA: Clinical Competency Which of the following is the most appropriate action when performing venipuncture on a patient with a history of fainting during blood draws? A. Have the patient stand to increase blood flow. B. Perform the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize discomfort. C. Use a butterfly needle in the antecubital fossa. D. Position the patient lying down or in a semi-reclining position. None 4. CMA: Clinical Competency When assessing a wound for signs of infection, which of the following findings would be considered abnormal and indicative of infection? A. A decrease in redness around the wound. B. The presence of clear, watery drainage. C. An increase in wound temperature compared to the surrounding skin. D. A decrease in wound size over time. None 5. CMA: Clinical Competency In a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which of the following actions should the medical assistant take when applying compression stockings? A. Apply the stockings before the patient gets out of bed in the morning. B. Ensure the stockings are applied with wrinkles to promote blood flow. C. Apply the stockings only to the affected leg to prevent further clotting. D. Encourage the patient to remove the stockings at night for comfort. None 6. CMA: Clinical Competency When instructing a patient on the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for asthma, which of the following statements is correct? A. "Inhale quickly and deeply immediately after pressing the canister." B. "Hold your breath for 5 seconds after inhaling the medication." C. "Wait at least 30 seconds between puffs to increase the medication's effectiveness." D. "Shake the inhaler vigorously for at least 30 seconds before use." None 7. CMA: Clinical Competency A medical assistant is preparing to assist with a minor surgical procedure. Which of the following sterilization techniques is most appropriate for the surgical instruments? A. Autoclaving. B. Soaking in isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes. C. Using ultraviolet light for 30 minutes. D. Rinsing with hot water and soap. None 8. CMA: Clinical Competency When performing an ear irrigation to remove impacted cerumen, which of the following solutions is most commonly used? A. Hydrogen peroxide and water mixture. B. Saline solution. C. Antiseptic soap solution. D. Alcohol and vinegar mixture. None 9. CMA: Clinical Competency In the management of a diabetic patient, which of the following actions is NOT recommended during a hypoglycemic event? A. Providing a glass of fruit juice or regular soda. B. Administering an oral glucose tablet. C. Giving the patient a snack high in simple carbohydrates and protein. D. Encouraging physical activity to increase blood sugar levels. None 10. CMA: Clinical Competency When assessing a patient's pulse oximetry reading, which of the following values generally indicates a need for immediate medical intervention due to severe hypoxemia? A. 95% B. 92% C. 89% D. 85% None 11. CMA: Clinical Competency In a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 'COPD', which of the following is the preferred site for administering an intramuscular injection to avoid complications? A. Deltoid muscle B. Ventrogluteal site C. Vastus lateralis muscle D. Dorsogluteal muscle None 12. CMA: Clinical Competency When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended depth of chest compressions? A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) C. At least 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) D. At least 3 inches (7.6 cm) None 13. CMA: Clinical Competency Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when treating a patient experiencing an anaphylactic reaction? A. Administering oral antihistamines B. Administering epinephrine via an auto-injector C. Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling D. Encouraging deep breathing exercises None 14. CMA: Clinical Competency In the case of accidental needlestick injury, which of the following is the first action a medical assistant should take? A. Apply a tourniquet above the injury site. B. Wash the area with soap and water immediately. C. Cover the wound with an antibiotic ointment. D. Check the patient's medical records for hepatitis B vaccination status. None 15. CMA: Clinical Competency When obtaining a blood sample for a fasting blood glucose test, which of the following patient instructions is most appropriate? A. Consume a light meal before the test. B. No specific preparation is required. C. Avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 8-12 hours before the test. D. Drink a glucose solution 2 hours before the test. None 16. CMA: Clinical Competency Which of the following techniques should be used when instructing a patient on the collection of a midstream urine specimen? A. Begin urinating into the toilet, then collect the middle portion of urine in the specimen container. B. Collect the first part of the urination directly into the specimen container. C. Collect the entire urination process into a large container, then transfer a portion into the specimen container. D. Urinate directly into the specimen container from start to finish without stopping. None 17. CMA: Clinical Competency When assisting with the application of a cast, which of the following is a crucial consideration to prevent complications? A. Apply the cast as tightly as possible to immobilize the limb fully. B. Ensure that the skin is completely dry before application. C. Check for proper circulation beyond the cast after application. D. Trim the cast edges before it has fully dried to ensure a snug fit. None 18. CMA: Clinical Competency For a patient requiring a 24-hour urine collection, which of the following instructions is essential for ensuring the accuracy of the test? A. Limit fluid intake to less than 1 liter during the collection period. B. Discard the first morning's urine then collect all urine for the next 24 hours. C. Collect urine in multiple small containers and combine them at the end of the day. D. Include the first morning's urine at the beginning and end of the collection period. None 19. CMA: Clinical Competency In administering a Z-track injection, why is it important to displace the skin and subcutaneous tissue laterally and hold it until the injection is complete? A. To minimize the pain associated with the injection. B. To prevent the medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue. C. To ensure the needle enters the muscle at the correct angle. D. To allow for a slower absorption of the medication. None 20. CMA: Clinical Competency When preparing to perform an arterial blood gas (ABG) collection, which of the following is the most critical pre-procedure step to ensure patient safety? A. Applying a tourniquet to the selected limb. B. Performing the Allen test to assess collateral circulation. C. Chilling the syringe to preserve the blood gas values. D. Administering a local anesthetic to reduce pain. None 21. CMA: Clinical Competency In electrocardiography (ECG), which of the following lead placements is correct for lead V4 during a 12-lead ECG procedure? A. In the fifth intercostal space at the right midclavicular line. B. In the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line. C. At the left anterior axillary line, level with V4. D. In the second intercostal space at the left sternal border. None 22. CMA: Clinical Competency When instructing a patient on the collection of a sputum sample for tuberculosis testing, which of the following times is optimal for collection? A. Immediately after a meal. B. Just before bedtime. C. Upon waking in the morning. D. After vigorous exercise. None 23. CMA: Clinical Competency A medical assistant is preparing to administer an intradermal injection for tuberculosis testing. At what angle should the needle be inserted? A. 90 degrees. B. 45 degrees. C. 15 degrees. D. 5 to 15 degrees. None 24. CMA: Clinical Competency For a patient who is scheduled for a thyroid function test, which of the following instructions regarding medication is most appropriate? A. Discontinue all medications 24 hours before the test. B. Continue taking all medications except thyroid supplements. C. Inform the healthcare provider of all medications being taken. D. Take thyroid medication immediately before the test for accuracy. None 25. CMA: Clinical Competency When performing a heel stick on an infant for a blood sample, which of the following areas is the recommended site? A. The center of the heel. B. The medial aspect of the heel. C. The lateral plantar surface of the heel. D. The tip of the big toe. None 26. CMA: Clinical Competency In managing a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction (heart attack), which of the following medications should a medical assistant be prepared to administer immediately under the direction of a healthcare provider? A. Oral glucose. B. Aspirin. C. Ibuprofen. D. Acetaminophen. None 27. CMA: Clinical Competency When instructing a patient on the use of a 24-hour Holter monitor, which of the following activities is typically restricted? A. Showering or bathing. B. Eating and drinking normally. C. Engaging in light exercise. D. Sleeping in their usual position. None 28. CMA: Clinical Competency For a patient experiencing symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, which of the following procedures is correct for measuring blood pressure? A. Measure blood pressure only while the patient is seated. B. Measure blood pressure immediately after the patient stands up from a lying position. C. Measure blood pressure after the patient has been standing for 5 minutes. D. Measure blood pressure in both arms while the patient is lying down. None 29. CMA: Clinical Competency When a medical assistant is preparing to assist with a lumbar puncture, which of the following patient positions is most appropriate? A. Supine, with legs extended. B. Prone, with a pillow under the abdomen. C. Sitting upright, leaning forward onto a table. D. Lateral decubitus, with legs pulled up to the chest and chin down to the chest. None 30. CMA: Clinical Competency In the sterilization process, which of the following indicators is used to verify that sterilization has been achieved? A. A change in color of the sterilization pouch. B. The temperature inside the autoclave reaching the set point. C. The time the instruments have been inside the autoclave. D. A biological indicator that shows microbial growth. None 31. CMA: Clinical Competency When administering a tuberculin skin test (TST), which of the following steps is critical to ensure the test's accuracy? A. Injecting the tuberculin parallel to the skin's surface. B. Applying a bandage immediately after the injection. C. Massaging the injection site to disperse the antigen. D. Using a 25-gauge needle for the injection. None 32. CMA: Clinical Competency A medical assistant is preparing to assist with the removal of sutures from a patient's wound. Which of the following is the most appropriate action to take first? A. Assessing the wound for signs of infection. B. Applying an antibiotic ointment to the suture line. C. Cutting the suture at the knot and pulling from the tied end. D. Soaking the wound in saline to loosen the sutures. None 33. CMA: Clinical Competency In instructing a patient on the use of a peak flow meter for asthma management, which of the following is the most important piece of advice? A. Use the meter after taking bronchodilator medication to check its effectiveness. B. Perform the test at random times for variability. C. Record the highest of three readings as the day's result. D. Stand up and hold the meter horizontally during the test. None 34. CMA: Clinical Competency When a medical assistant is providing instructions for collecting a 24-hour urine specimen, which of the following is essential to emphasize to ensure the accuracy of the test? A. Increase fluid intake significantly during the collection period. B. Start the collection by voiding and discarding the first urine of the morning. C. Collect the urine in different containers and combine them at the end of the period. D. Avoid refrigeration of the specimen during the collection period. None 35. CMA: Clinical Competency What is the primary reason for performing capillary blood glucose testing on the side of the fingertip rather than the pad? A. To obtain a more accurate glucose reading. B. To ensure a quicker blood flow response. C. To minimize pain due to fewer nerve endings. D. To reduce the risk of contamination. None 36. CMA: Clinical Competency In the management of a patient with congestive heart failure (CHF), why is it important to measure both weight and urinary output daily? A. To monitor for potential kidney failure. B. To assess the effectiveness of diuretic therapy. C. To determine the patient's nutritional status. D. To calculate daily fluid intake requirements. None 37. CMA: Clinical Competency When assisting a physician with a thoracentesis, which of the following patient positions is recommended to facilitate the procedure? A. Supine with arms raised above the head. B. Prone with a pillow under the hips. C. Sitting upright, leaning forward on a table. D. Lateral decubitus with the affected side up. None 38. CMA: Clinical Competency What is the significance of performing a 'two-step' method for blood pressure measurement in patients newly diagnosed with hypertension? A. To verify the accuracy of the initial reading. B. To determine the best arm for future measurements. C. To assess the need for immediate medication. D. To identify white-coat hypertension. None 39. CMA: Clinical Competency In the administration of eye drops, why is it important to instruct the patient to apply pressure to the nasolacrimal duct for 30 seconds? A. To prevent systemic absorption of the medication. B. To enhance the medication's absorption into the eye. C. To reduce the risk of infection. D. To avoid irritation of the nasal passages. None 40. CMA: Clinical Competency When preparing a patient for an electroencephalogram (EEG), which of the following instructions is most important to ensure reliable results? A. Refrain from consuming caffeine 24 hours before the test. B. Wash hair with conditioner the night before the test. C. Stay awake for 48 hours prior to the test. D. Take all regular medications unless instructed otherwise. None 41. CMA: Clinical Competency For a patient undergoing a stress test, which of the following pre-test instructions is crucial to ensure accurate and safe test results? A. Consume a high-carbohydrate meal 2 hours before the test. B. Avoid caffeine and tobacco on the day of the test. C. Perform vigorous exercise the morning of the test to enhance cardiovascular response. D. Take beta-blockers to control heart rate during the test. None 42. CMA: Clinical Competency When a medical assistant is instructing a patient on the use of a dry powder inhaler (DPI), which of the following is the most important instruction to emphasize? A. "Inhale slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece." B. "Shake the inhaler vigorously before use." C. "Hold your breath for 20 seconds after inhaling the medication." D. "Exhale fully into the inhaler to empty your lungs." None 43. CMA: Clinical Competency In preparing a patient for an echocardiogram, which of the following areas is most important to expose for optimal imaging? A. The full anterior chest wall B. The left lateral chest area C. The right side of the neck D. The upper abdominal quadrant None 44. CMA: Clinical Competency A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a Holter monitor. Which of the following instructions should be emphasized regarding skin preparation? A. "Apply a thick layer of lotion to the chest area before attaching the electrodes." B. "Shave the chest area where electrodes will be placed to ensure good contact." C. "Avoid wearing any clothing over the monitor to prevent interference." D. "Keep the electrode sites dry and avoid sweating during the monitoring period." None 45. CMA: Clinical Competency When performing a fingerstick blood glucose test, which of the following is a critical step to ensure the accuracy of the test result? A. Warming the finger prior to puncture B. Applying pressure to the finger until bleeding stops C. Using the first drop of blood for the test D. Washing the site with warm water and soap only None 46. CMA: Clinical Competency In the context of basic life support (BLS), what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a two-rescuer CPR scenario in adults? A. 15:02 B. 30:02:00 C. 5:01 D. 2:15 None 47. CMA: Clinical Competency Which of the following is the most appropriate site for an IM injection in a 6-month-old infant? A. Deltoid muscle B. Ventrogluteal site C. Vastus lateralis muscle D. Dorsogluteal muscle None 48. CMA: Clinical Competency When collecting a throat swab for a culture to diagnose Streptococcal pharyngitis, which of the following techniques is essential? A. Swabbing the tip of the tongue B. Avoiding contact with the teeth and gums C. Asking the patient to gargle with saline before the swab D. Applying pressure to the swab to collect tissue cells None 49. CMA: Clinical Competency In the management of a patient using warfarin, which of the following laboratory tests is most critical for monitoring therapy? A. Complete blood count 'CBC' B. Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) C. Basic metabolic panel (BMP) D. Liver function tests (LFTs) None 50. CMA: Clinical Competency For a patient undergoing a sigmoidoscopy, which of the following patient preparations is most appropriate? A. Consuming a low-fiber diet for 7 days before the procedure B. Completing a bowel preparation regimen to clear the lower bowel C. Fasting for 12 hours prior to the procedure D. Taking a mild sedative the night before the procedure None 51. CMA: Clinical Competency In the preparation of a patient for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which of the following is crucial to verify? A. The patient has fasted for at least 6 hours. B. The patient has no history of allergic reactions to iodine. C. The absence of any metal implants or devices in the patient's body. D. The patient's tolerance for enclosed spaces. None 52. CMA: Clinical Competency When educating a patient about the management of chronic kidney disease 'CKD', which dietary restriction is most commonly recommended? A. High protein intake B. Low sodium intake C. Increased consumption of potassium-rich foods D. High carbohydrate intake None 53. CMA: Clinical Competency In providing first aid for a chemical burn, which of the following steps should be taken first? A. Covering the burn with a sterile dressing B. Flushing the affected area with large amounts of water C. Applying a neutralizing agent to the chemical D. Removing contaminated clothing after flushing None 54. CMA: Clinical Competency For a patient experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure, which of the following actions is most appropriate? A. Restraining the patient to prevent injury B. Placing something in the patient's mouth to protect the tongue C. Timing the duration of the seizure D. Offering water immediately after the seizure ends None 55. CMA: Clinical Competency In the administration of an EpiPen for a patient experiencing anaphylaxis, which of the following steps is crucial immediately after injection? A. Apply a cold compress to the injection site to reduce swelling. B. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption. C. Keep the patient in a prone position to maintain airway patency. D. Monitor the patient for signs of improvement or worsening symptoms. None 56. CMA: Clinical Competency When performing a spirometry test, which of the following patient instructions is essential to obtain accurate results? A. "Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as possible before exhaling." B. "Exhale slowly and steadily into the mouthpiece until you cannot exhale any more." C. "Inhale as quickly as possible until your lungs are completely full." D. "Take a deep breath in, then exhale forcefully and as quickly as possible into the mouthpiece." None 57. CMA: Clinical Competency In preparing a patient for a colonoscopy, which of the following dietary instructions is most important to start 48 hours before the procedure? A. Consume a high-fiber diet to clear the gastrointestinal tract. B. Begin a clear liquid diet to ensure the colon is empty. C. Avoid red meat but continue eating solid foods until 24 hours before. D. Increase intake of dairy products for easier bowel movement. None 58. CMA: Clinical Competency For a patient with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which of the following is the most critical initial action? A. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask. B. Perform a fingerstick blood glucose test to rule out hypoglycemia. C. Place the patient in a supine position to promote cerebral perfusion. D. Administer intravenous fluids to combat potential dehydration. None 59. CMA: Clinical Competency When assisting with an IUD insertion, which of the following patient education points is essential to discuss regarding post-procedure care? A. Immediate return to physical activities such as heavy lifting is encouraged. B. Use of a backup contraceptive method is necessary for the first 6 weeks. C. Expectation of no menstrual periods henceforth as a common side effect. D. Reporting signs of infection or severe discomfort to the healthcare provider. None 60. CMA: Clinical Competency When performing a heel stick on an infant for a blood sample, which of the following areas is the recommended site? A. The center of the heel. B. The medial aspect of the heel. C. The lateral plantar surface of the heel. D. The tip of the big toe. None 1 out of 60 Time is Up! Time's up
