CCMA Practice Questions (2026) — Free Sample Questions with Answers

Answer: C

Anger: Anger shows as hostility or blame ("Why me?"), not as an offer to change behavior.

Denial: Denial is refusing to accept the diagnosis ("This can't be true"); this patient accepts it but seeks a deal.

Bargaining: Correct. Bargaining is trying to make a deal (often with a higher power) to change or delay the outcome.

Acceptance: Acceptance is coming to terms with the reality and planning for it, not hoping to reverse it.

Kübler-Ross stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. "If I do X, then maybe Y" signals bargaining.

Answer: A

1. 1. Desired (D) = 500 mg; Have (H) = 250 mg; Quantity (Q) = 5 mL.
2. 2. D ÷ H = 500 ÷ 250 = 2.
3. 3. 2 × 5 mL = 10 mL.
4. 4. Check: 10 mL × (250 mg / 5 mL) = 500 mg.

10 mL: Correct. (500 mg ÷ 250 mg) × 5 mL = 2 × 5 mL = 10 mL.

5 mL: 5 mL contains only 250 mg, half of the ordered dose.

2 mL: This is the ratio of desired to have (500 ÷ 250 = 2) without multiplying by the 5 mL quantity.

20 mL: 20 mL would deliver 1,000 mg, twice the ordered dose.

Use Desired ÷ Have × Quantity, and check that the answer makes sense: a dose twice the strength per 5 mL needs twice the volume.

Answer: A

1. At 25 mm/s, each large box is 0.20 s, so 300 large boxes pass in 1 minute.
2. Count the large boxes between two consecutive R waves: 4.
3. Heart rate = 300 ÷ 4 = 75 beats/min.

75 beats/min: Correct. 300 ÷ 4 large boxes = 75 beats/min.

60 beats/min: 60 beats/min corresponds to 5 large boxes between R waves.

100 beats/min: 100 beats/min corresponds to 3 large boxes between R waves.

120 beats/min: 120 beats/min corresponds to 2.5 large boxes between R waves (300 ÷ 2.5).

300 method for regular rhythms: heart rate = 300 ÷ number of large boxes between R waves (300, 150, 100, 75, 60, 50).

Answer: B

Gold, light blue, lavender, gray: Placing the serum tube first is an outdated sequence; clot activator carryover can affect coagulation results.

Light blue, gold, lavender, gray: Correct. CLSI GP41 order: citrate, then serum tubes, then heparin, then EDTA, then sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate.

Lavender, light blue, gold, gray: EDTA drawn early can carry over and alter coagulation and chemistry results (for example, falsely high potassium and low calcium).

Light blue, lavender, gold, gray: Serum tubes come before EDTA in the CLSI order.

CLSI venous order: blood cultures, light blue, red/gold, green, lavender, gray. It minimizes additive carryover between tubes.

Answer: A

Cleanse front to back, void the first portion into the toilet, then collect the midstream portion: Correct. Cleansing front to back and discarding the first stream flushes urethral organisms, so the midstream sample reflects bladder urine.

Cleanse back to front, then collect the entire void in the sterile cup: Back-to-front cleansing drags rectal flora forward, and a whole void includes the contaminated first stream.

Collect the first portion of the stream, since it contains the most bacteria: The first stream carries urethral and skin contaminants; it is discarded, not collected, for a culture.

Void into a clean bedpan first, then carefully pour the urine into the sterile container: A bedpan is not sterile and the pour adds contamination; urine goes straight into the sterile cup midstream.

Clean-catch midstream: cleanse front to back, start voiding into the toilet, collect the middle of the stream in a sterile cup without touching its inside, finish in the toilet.

Answer: A

The pack was exposed to the autoclave cycle, not that its contents are sterile: Chemical indicator tape only shows that the pack went through a process. Biological (spore) testing confirms that the sterilizer actually killed organisms.

Every instrument inside the pack is sterile: Tape cannot confirm sterility. Overloading or air pockets can still leave items unsterile.

The autoclave passed its weekly spore test: Only a biological indicator (spore test) checks sterilizer performance.

The pack stays sterile for exactly 30 days: Sterility of a stored pack depends on events such as tears or moisture, not a fixed date set by the tape.

Chemical indicators show exposure. Biological indicators (spore tests, at least weekly per CDC) confirm that sterilization worked.

Answer: A

Into the anterolateral thigh, held in place per the device instructions: The outer mid-thigh (vastus lateralis) gives fast IM absorption. Auto-injectors can go through clothing, and the hold time depends on the device.

Into the abdomen, two inches from the umbilicus: The abdomen is a subcutaneous site. Epinephrine for anaphylaxis is given IM.

Into the buttock, upper outer quadrant: Injecting the buttock risks the sciatic nerve and may not reach the muscle. It is not the labeled site.

Into the deltoid, after removing the shirt sleeve: Auto-injectors are designed and labeled for the anterolateral thigh.

Anaphylaxis: epinephrine IM into the anterolateral thigh right away, call EMS, and watch for a second-phase reaction.

Answer: C

Leave it, since it is still on the sterile drape: The whole drape is not sterile; the 1-inch border is not.

Slide the gauze to the center with sterile forceps: Moving it does not undo the contamination it picked up at the border.

Consider the gauze contaminated and replace it: The outer 1-inch border of a sterile field is treated as nonsterile, so anything that touches it is contaminated.

Use the gauze only for the final skin prep: Contaminated supplies may not be used for any sterile step.

Treat the outer 1 inch of a sterile field as contaminated. When in doubt, consider an item contaminated.

Answer: C

1. 1. Convert weight: 44 lb ÷ 2.2 lb/kg = 20 kg.
2. 2. Calculate the dose: 20 kg × 15 mg/kg = 300 mg.
3. 3. Calculate the volume: 300 mg ÷ 250 mg × 5 mL.
4. 4. 300 ÷ 250 = 1.2; 1.2 × 5 mL = 6 mL.

13.2 mL: This used 44 as kilograms (660 mg) without converting from pounds.

29 mL: This multiplied pounds by 2.2 instead of dividing, giving 96.8 kg.

6 mL: Correct. 44 lb ÷ 2.2 = 20 kg; 20 kg × 15 mg/kg = 300 mg; 300 mg ÷ 250 mg × 5 mL = 6 mL.

1.2 mL: This found 300 mg ÷ 250 mg but forgot to multiply by the 5 mL volume.

Weight-based dosing: convert lb to kg (÷ 2.2), multiply by mg/kg, then use desired ÷ have × volume.

Answer: D

Have the parent sign the VIS as proof of federal consent: Federal law does not require a signature on the VIS; the VIS is not a consent form.

Give the VIS after the vaccine so the visit is not delayed: The VIS must be provided before the vaccine so the parent can ask questions first.

Give a VIS only with the first dose of a multi-dose series: A VIS is required before every dose, including each dose of a series.

Give the current VIS before the dose and record its edition date and the date given: Correct. Federal law requires the current VIS before each dose, and the record must include the VIS edition date and the date it was provided.

Give the current VIS before each covered vaccine dose and document the edition date and date given; a signature is not federally required.

Answer: A

The reading will likely be falsely high: Correct. A bladder that is too small must be inflated higher to compress the artery, overestimating BP. The bladder should encircle about 80% of the arm.

The reading will likely be falsely low: A falsely low reading results from a cuff that is too large, not too small.

The reading will be accurate if the cuff is applied snugly: Snug application cannot make up for a bladder that is too small for the arm.

Only the diastolic pressure will be affected: An undersized cuff overestimates both systolic and diastolic pressure.

Choose the cuff by measured arm circumference (bladder ≈80% of the arm): too small reads high, too large reads low.

Answer: D

Screening is not recommended until the patient turns 50 years old: Age 50 was the start age in the older (2016) recommendation; it was lowered to 45 in 2021.

Screening is recommended for adults aged 40 to 85 every year by colonoscopy: The age range is 45 to 75, and colonoscopy is typically repeated every 10 years if normal, not yearly.

Screening is only recommended if the patient has bleeding or pain: Screening is for people without symptoms; symptoms call for diagnostic evaluation, not screening.

Screening is recommended for average-risk adults aged 45 to 75: Correct. The USPSTF (2021) lowered the starting age from 50 to 45 for average-risk adults and recommends screening through age 75.

USPSTF: screen average-risk adults for colorectal cancer from 45 through 75; the CCMA flags the care gap so the provider can order a screening test.

Answer: C

"Do you understand how to use the meter, or do you have any questions about it?": A yes/no "Do you understand?" question does not verify understanding; many patients say yes even when confused.

"Here is the instruction booklet, so call our office if anything is not clear later.": Handing out written material without checking understanding is not teach-back.

"So I know I explained it well, can you show me how you will check your sugar at home?": Correct. Teach-back asks the patient to explain or demonstrate in their own words, and frames it as a check on the teacher, not a test of the patient.

"Most of our patients find this meter easy, so I am sure you will do just fine.": Reassurance does not confirm comprehension and may discourage the patient from admitting confusion.

Teach-back means asking the patient to explain or demonstrate the instructions in their own words, then re-teaching anything they missed.

Answer: B

1. Remaining deductible: $500 − $350 = $150.
2. The patient pays the first $150 of the $900 allowed amount toward the deductible.
3. Amount left after the deductible: $900 − $150 = $750.
4. Coinsurance: 20% × $750 = $150.
5. Patient total: $150 + $150 = $300.

$180: This is 20% of the full $900; it ignores the $150 of deductible still to be met.

$300: Correct. $150 to finish the deductible plus 20% of the remaining $750 ($150) = $300.

$150: This counts only the remaining deductible (or only the coinsurance), not both.

$330: This adds the $150 deductible to 20% of the full $900; coinsurance applies only after the deductible is met, to the remaining $750.

The deductible is paid first; coinsurance is then a percentage of what remains of the allowed amount.

Answer: D

Let the son interpret because he speaks both languages fluently: Children lack medical vocabulary, may filter bad news, and the patient may hold back sensitive details.

Speak slowly and simply in English, using gestures to fill gaps: Simplified English and gestures do not ensure accurate understanding of medical information.

Reschedule the visit until the patient can bring an adult relative: Delaying care is unnecessary, and untrained family interpreters are also not the preferred choice.

Arrange a qualified medical interpreter by phone, video or in person: Correct. Federal rules (Title VI, ACA Section 1557) require qualified language help at no cost; minors should not interpret except in an emergency.

Use a qualified medical interpreter for patients with limited English proficiency; avoid using minors or untrained family members except in an emergency.

Answer: A

Implied consent: Correct. Implied consent is shown by actions, such as offering an arm for a routine injection after it is explained.

Expressed written consent: Written consent requires a signed form; this patient signed nothing.

Informed consent: Informed consent is a documented discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives by the provider, usually for invasive procedures.

Emergency consent: Emergency (presumed) consent applies when a patient cannot consent during a life-threatening emergency.

Implied consent comes from actions in routine care; expressed consent is spoken or written; informed consent adds a risk/benefit discussion by the provider.