Your FREE CMA Flashcards 2026 – 300+ Cards

60–100 beats per minute.

12–20 breaths per minute.

97.8–99.1 °F (average ~98.6 °F).

Under 120/80 mmHg.

95–100%.

90° — into muscle (e.g., deltoid, ventrogluteal).

45° — into the fatty tissue beneath the skin.

10–15° — a shallow angle into the dermis.

Classified as obese.

Classified as overweight.

Classified as normal weight.

EDTA — used for CBC and hematology.

Sodium citrate — used for coagulation (PT/INR, PTT).

Clot activator / gel — serum chemistry and serology.

Heparin — plasma chemistry and STAT electrolytes.

Sodium fluoride — glucose and lactate testing.

Cultures, light blue, red/gold, green, lavender, gray.

The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa.

Right patient, drug, dose, route, time, and documentation.

Full name and date of birth — verified before any procedure.

Hand hygiene.

Agent, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

Treat every patient's blood and body fluids as infectious.

Clean technique that reduces and contains microorganisms.

Sterile technique that eliminates all microorganisms.

Treated as non-sterile (contaminated).

Never recap by hand; drop point-first into a puncture-proof container.

Federal rule governing sharps safety, PPE, and exposure control.

10 electrodes (4 limb + 6 precordial) produce 12 views.

Represents atrial depolarization.

Represents ventricular depolarization.

Represents ventricular repolarization.

4th intercostal space, right sternal border.

25 mm/sec — one small box = 0.04 s, one large box = 0.20 s.

Drifting EKG baseline, often from patient movement or breathing.

Uniform fuzzy EKG artifact from nearby electrical equipment.

A simple, low-risk lab test a medical assistant may perform.

Blood glucose, rapid strep, urinalysis dipstick, urine hCG, hemoglobin A1c.

Average blood glucose over about three months.

The percentage of red blood cells in whole blood.

The core meaning of a medical term (e.g., cardi = heart).

A word part at the beginning that modifies meaning (e.g., brady- = slow).

A word part at the end, often naming a condition or procedure (e.g., -itis).

Usually 'o' — joins word parts to ease pronunciation.

Suffix meaning inflammation (e.g., arthritis).

Suffix meaning surgical removal (e.g., appendectomy).

Suffix meaning a blood condition (e.g., anemia).

Prefix meaning slow (e.g., bradycardia).

Prefix meaning fast (e.g., tachycardia).

Prefix meaning excessive or above normal.

Prefix meaning deficient or below normal.

As needed (pro re nata).

Immediately / at once.

Nothing by mouth (nil per os).

By mouth (per os).

Twice a day.

Three times a day.

Four times a day.

Divides the body into right and left portions.

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back).

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower).

Standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Toward the head (opposite: inferior).

Toward the front (opposite: posterior/dorsal).

Toward the midline (opposite: lateral).

Toward the trunk or point of origin (opposite: distal).

Lying flat on the back — used for abdominal exams.

Semi-sitting (45–60°) — used for breathing or head/neck exams.

On the back with feet in stirrups — pelvic/gynecologic exams.

Left side with right knee flexed — rectal exams and enemas.

Lying face down — back and spine exams.

Kneeling with chest down — sigmoidoscopy and rectal exams.

Listening to body sounds, usually with a stethoscope.

Examining by touch (feeling).

Tapping the body and listening to the resulting sounds.

Examining the body by looking.

Sterilizes instruments with pressurized steam.

Confirms an autoclave load reached sterilizing conditions.

Cleansed collection of the middle portion of the urine stream.

A timed specimen collecting all urine over a full day.

Documented control of a specimen to ensure legal integrity.

A fingerstick or heelstick to collect a small blood sample.

Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Carbohydrates and fats.

An IM technique that seals irritating medication in the muscle.

(Desired dose ÷ dose on hand) × quantity on hand.

Equals 1000 milligrams.

Equals 1000 micrograms.

A reason a drug or procedure should NOT be used for a patient.

A CDC document given to patients before a vaccination.

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System — for reporting reactions.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — give fast-acting sugar if conscious.

Hyperglycemic emergency with ketones — needs urgent care.

Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound.

Supplies used to safely clean a blood or body-fluid spill.

Describes a chemical's hazards, handling, and first aid.

A mobile cart of emergency medications and equipment.

Bacteria are treated with antibiotics; viruses are not.

Spread by direct contact between an infected and a susceptible host.

Spread through a contaminated object, surface, or vector.

Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection against exposure.

The main reason, in the patient's words, for the visit.

Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan — a documentation format.

A question that invites a detailed, narrative answer.

Single line through it, then initial and date — never erase.

Document and report per facility policy immediately.

Spins a specimen to separate components (e.g., serum from cells).

A slide prep (saline or KOH) examined under the microscope.

Routine checks confirming test accuracy and reliability.

Adjusting an instrument to a known standard for accuracy.

The tapping sounds heard when taking a manual blood pressure.

The top number — pressure when the heart contracts.

The bottom number — pressure when the heart rests.

Heard at the apex of the heart, 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.

Felt at the thumb side of the wrist.

Felt at the side of the neck.

A fast heart rate (over 100 bpm in an adult).

A slow heart rate (under 60 bpm in an adult).

The bladder should encircle about 80% of the arm circumference.

Produces a falsely HIGH reading.

Having a fever (elevated body temperature).

Another word for fever.

Pulse and respiratory rates are higher than adults' and fall with age.

Plots a child's measurements against age-based percentiles.

Complete blood count — RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets.

The breakdown of white blood cell types.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate — a nonspecific marker of inflammation.

International Normalized Ratio — monitors warfarin/anticoagulation.

Measures cholesterol and triglycerides.

Measures how the body handles a glucose load over time.

Physical, chemical (dipstick), and microscopic exam of urine.

An intradermal test read at 48–72 hours for tuberculosis exposure.

A throat-swab test for streptococcal pharyngitis.

Detects pregnancy in urine or blood.

A pulmonary function test measuring how much/fast air is exhaled.

Measures distance visual acuity (e.g., 20/20).

Hearing testing using pure tones and speech recognition.

A continuous portable EKG worn for 24–48 hours.

Disinfection kills most microbes; sterilization kills all.

Cleaning to remove debris and reduce microorganisms before disinfection.

Marks containers for infectious or regulated medical waste.

Blood, body fluids, sharps, and contaminated materials.

Steps after a needlestick: wash, report, and seek evaluation.

Used to flush the eyes after a chemical or fluid splash.

Using proper posture and lifting technique to prevent injury.

Documents an unexpected event or safety variance.

A thorough hand and forearm wash before sterile procedures.

Setting up a sterile field, minor surgery, certain injections.

Removing closures once a wound has healed, per order.

Keeping a cast clean and dry; watch for swelling or numbness.

Flush from the inner to the outer canthus.

Label at the patient's side with two identifiers and date/time.

Improper collection or handling that invalidates a result.

A common preservation method for certain specimens.

Examines cells and microorganisms (e.g., on a wet mount).

What a drug does and the condition it treats.

An unintended, harmful response to a medication.

Generic is the chemical name; brand is the trademarked name.

Per label — some require refrigeration or light protection.

Medication dissolved under the tongue.

Medication absorbed through the skin via a patch.

Medication breathed into the lungs (e.g., nebulizer, inhaler).

Drops placed into the eye, ear, or nose.

The diameter of a needle — a higher number is a thinner needle.

A common adult IM injection site in the upper arm.

A preferred IM site for larger volumes.

The preferred IM site for infants.

The CDC publishes childhood and adult immunization schedules.

The structural units of the body, from smallest to largest.

Skin, hair, and nails — the body's protective barrier.

The heart and vessels that circulate blood.

The lungs and airways for gas exchange.

RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ — used to locate findings.

Protects patients' protected health information (PHI).

Protected health information — identifiable health data kept private.

Limit PHI access and disclosure to only what a task requires.

Strengthened HIPAA rules for electronic records and breach notice.

Documented voluntary agreement after the provider explains risks.

Consent inferred from actions or assumed in a true emergency.

The provider — the medical assistant may witness the signature.

Failing to provide the accepted standard of care, causing harm.

Threatening or attempting unwanted touch (creating fear).

Actual unauthorized or unwanted touching of a patient.

Spoken defamation of character.

Written defamation of character.

Ending the provider-patient relationship without proper notice.

Employer is liable for an employee's on-the-job negligence.

Protects those who give reasonable emergency aid in good faith.

The level of care a reasonably prudent professional would provide.

A legal order to produce documents or records.

Sworn out-of-court testimony recorded for use in a case.

Tasks an MA is trained, delegated, and legally allowed to do.

Diagnose, prescribe, or independently interpret results.

DEA classifications I–V by abuse potential (e.g., II = high).

A drug regulated under federal law due to abuse potential.

Required reporting of abuse, communicable diseases, and certain wounds.

A document stating care wishes if a patient can't decide.

An advance directive specifying desired treatments.

Do Not Resuscitate — no CPR if the heart or breathing stops.

Do Not Intubate — no breathing tube placed.

Names a person to make medical decisions for a patient.

Patient Self-Determination Act — informs patients of directive rights.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act — protects genetic data.

Written patient permission to disclose records.

Outlines a patient's rights to care, privacy, and information.

Techniques (open questions, reflection) that build trust.

Full attention, no interrupting, and confirming understanding.

Advice, false reassurance, or changing the subject.

A communication block — 'Don't worry, it's nothing.'

Posture, tone, facial expression, eye contact, gestures.

Calming an upset patient to reduce tension safely.

Understanding and sharing another person's feelings.

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act — accessibility compliance.

Required for non-English-speaking and some impaired patients.

An MA role helping patients access and coordinate care.

The basic communication cycle with confirmation of meaning.

An unconscious coping behavior (e.g., denial, projection).

Respecting and adapting to a patient's cultural beliefs.

Resolving a complaint to restore patient satisfaction.

Gathering data and triaging calls by urgency.

Ethics are moral standards; law is enforceable rules.

Encoding electronic PHI so only authorized users can read it.

Sharing records with another provider for ongoing treatment.

Keeping patient information private — verbal and written.

An unfair generalization the MA must recognize and avoid.

A minor legally able to consent to their own care.

Gunshot, stab, and similar wounds must be reported.

Privacy is the patient's right; confidentiality is the duty to protect it.

Disclosing PHI without authorization or a care reason.

Verbal may suffice for minor care; invasive procedures need written.

A competent adult may refuse care; document the refusal.

A minor judged able to understand and consent to certain care.

A civil wrong causing harm, leading to legal liability.

Intentional (assault/battery) vs negligence (unintentional).

Professional negligence by a health-care provider.

The time limit for filing a lawsuit.

An agreement stated clearly in words (spoken or written).

An agreement shown by actions or circumstances.

Ending a provider-patient relationship with proper written notice.

Electronically sending a prescription to a pharmacy.

High abuse potential, accepted medical use (e.g., opioids).

Certain infections must be reported to public health.

Records of births, deaths, and similar events.

Professional codes guiding honest, respectful conduct.

A personal interest that could improperly influence duties.

A security barrier protecting electronic health information.

A record of who accessed electronic PHI and when.

Speak clearly, allow time, and respect dignity with older adults.

Use simple words and involve the caregiver as appropriate.

A patient's ability to understand health information.

Asking a patient to restate instructions to confirm understanding.

Limits protecting against harassment and unwanted attention.

A therapeutic technique confirming the meaning of a message.

Restating a patient's feelings to show understanding.

Coordinating the care team and referrals around the patient.

Knowing which specialist treats which condition for referrals.

Standardized handling of patient phone messages.

Describe the diagnosis — why care was given.

Describe the procedure or service — what was done.

Codes for supplies, equipment, and services not in CPT.

A procedure code must be supported by a diagnosis code.

A two-character add-on that refines a CPT code's meaning.

Billing a higher-level code than documented — fraud.

Billing a lower-level code than documented.

Separately billing services that should be billed together — fraud.

Federal insurance for people 65+ and certain disabilities.

A private-plan alternative to Original Medicare (Part C).

State-administered, income-based coverage.

State Children's Health Insurance Program for low-income children.

Coverage for military members, retirees, and dependents.

Covers job-related injuries and illnesses.

Plans that control cost through networks and referrals.

A statement to the patient explaining claim payment.

A statement to the provider explaining claim payment.

Confirming a patient's active insurance coverage.

Insurer approval required before certain services or drugs.

A rejected claim and the request to reconsider it.

Warns a Medicare patient they may owe for a service.

The amount a patient pays before insurance begins to pay.

A fixed amount the patient pays at the time of service.

A percentage of the cost the patient shares after the deductible.

Money owed TO the practice.

Money the practice OWES to others.

Tracking how long balances have been unpaid (30/60/90 days).

Balancing the day's charges, payments, and adjustments.

Removing an uncollectible or contractual amount from a balance.

A bill listing each charge and payment in detail.

Intentional deception for unauthorized benefit (e.g., upcoding).

Practices inconsistent with sound billing, causing improper payment.

Each patient gets a set appointment time.

Several patients booked at the top of the hour, seen in order.

Patients booked at intervals within the hour.

Grouping similar visit types together.

Two patients in one slot — used sparingly for urgent add-ons.

Blocking off times when a provider is unavailable.

A patient who misses an appointment without canceling.

Urgent needs are triaged ahead of routine appointments.

Established patients have been seen within three years.

Lab, X-ray, surgery, and outpatient services coordinated by the MA.

Identifying data: name, DOB, address, insurance, contact.

Verifying ID and safeguarding patient information.

The digital chart storing a patient's medical information.

A secure website where patients view records and message staff.

A report documenting the patient's history and exam.

A report summarizing a hospital stay at discharge.

A report documenting a surgical procedure.

A clinic note documenting an ongoing course of care.

A specialist's findings sent back to the referring provider.

Preparing the chart and records before the patient arrives.

Booking rooms, staff, and equipment for an appointment.

A third party used to recover seriously overdue patient balances.

Using ICD-10-CM to report the patient's condition.

Using CPT to report the service or procedure performed.

Combining related services under a single code.

A complete, accurate claim that processes without rejection.

A claim returned for errors before processing.

EOB goes to the patient; remittance advice goes to the provider.

Determines primary coverage for a child with two insured parents.

Rules deciding which plan pays first when there are two.

A fixed per-patient payment to a provider regardless of services.

Payment based on each service provided.

The regular amount paid to keep an insurance policy active.

A patient paying out of pocket without insurance.

An overpayment owed back to the patient or payer.

Recording received payments to patient accounts.

A daily record of charges, payments, and adjustments.

Lists services and codes for a single patient visit.

Insurer approval obtained before a planned procedure.

An insurer's approved list of covered medications.

A person covered by an insurance plan.

The person who holds the insurance policy.

Seen by the practice within the past three years.

Patients seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rules for rescheduling and handling missed appointments.

Reminding patients of needed follow-up or preventive visits.

Prioritizing patients by the urgency of their needs.

Collecting demographics and insurance at check-in.

Disclosing records only with proper authorization.

Keeping medical records for the legally required period.

Current patients vs those not seen recently.

A chart organized around the patient's problem list.