AAMA CMA Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

What is the "point" of a needle?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

"Sharpened end of the shaft.". The shaft is the "length of the needle; inserted into the body." The lumen is the "inside opening of the shaft." The hub is the "part of the needle that connects to the syringe."

Question 2

With regard to common charting terminology, what is "OS"?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Left eye.. "OS" stands for Oculus sinistra and it refers to the left eye. "OD" is the right eye and "OU", both eyes.

Question 3

You find a rash on the back of a patient's neck. When this patient tells you she was diagnosed with pediculosis by the health department nurse, the Medical Assistant knows that this is this rash is caused by:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

an infestation with lice. Pediculosis is the medical term for lice with capitus type being of the head and pubis type being of the genital area. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, inflammation of the sebaceous glands is acne, and a cold sore or fever blister is herpes simplex.

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE of dosage calculations?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The Medical Assistant should have basic knowledge of the commonly used measurements in drug preparation.. The Medical Assistant will need to calculate dosages of medications on her job. She or he will not need to understand calculus to do dosage calculations. She or he will be responsible for the conversion between the systems.

Question 5

The median effective dose of a drug is also known as________?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

ED50. The median effective dose of a drug, or ED50, is the dosage that will be effective for 50% of the population.

This is used as a benchmark when deciding on prescription strengths.

Question 6

What medication is an agent that counteracts poisons and their effect?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

an antidote. An antihistamine is an agent that acts to counteract histamine. An anticholinergic is an agent that blocks parasympathetic nerve impulses. An antacid is an agent that neutralizes acid.

Question 7

The doctor may dictate what to the medical assistant?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Case history.. A case history is a physician completed form. A doctor may dictate the initial case history to a medical assistant. This will be transcribed into the medical records.

Question 8

In order to prescribe controlled substances a medical practitioner needs a license from________?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The DEA. A license from the DEA is required for all persons prescribing controlled substances. The license lasts for three years (though it can be taken away at any time for malpractice) and costs $731. .

Question 9

If a patient makes his/her condition worse by ignoring medical advice, that may be considered:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Contributory negligence. When a patient ignores medical advice, for example does not take prescribed drugs, and so makes his/her condition worse, that may be considered contributory negligence. This means some responsibility for the deterioration lies with the patient, and may count in favor of a medical practitioner in a lawsuit.

Question 10

Which prevention strategy against bloodborne pathogens is defined as "structural or mechanical devices that are designed to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens"?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Engineering controls.. Here are the definitions for the other answer choices:

Work practice controls - "Protocols that promote the behaviors necessary to properly use engineering controls."

Personal Protective Equipment - "Equipment that minimizes exposure beyond the limits of engineering and work practice controls."

Standard precautions - "Application of the concept that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and moist body substances are to be treated as if contaminated by medically important pathogens regardless of their actual pathogenicity."

AAMA CMA Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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