NHA CCMA Study Guide, Nha
certification study guide for CCMA
Family History Definition - ANSWER-Summary of health problems of siblings, parents,
and other blood relatives that could alert the physician to hereditary and/or familial
disease.
Social History Definition - ANSWER-Includes marital status, occupation, educational
attainment, hobbies, use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation - ANSWER-ROS
Review of Systems Definition - ANSWER-This is an orderly and systematic check of
each organ and system of the body by questions. Both positive and pertinent negative
findings are documented.
3 Body Processes Necessary for life are: - ANSWER-Body Temperature, Respiration,
Heart Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: - ANSWER-Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood
Pressure
Chief Complaint Definition - ANSWER-The reason why the patient came to see the
physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation - ANSWER-CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation - ANSWER-HPI
History of Present Illness Definition - ANSWER-This is an explanation of the CC to
determine the onset of the illness; associated symptoms; what the patient has done to
treat the condition, etc.
Past, Family and Social History Abbreviation - ANSWER-PFSH
Past Medical History Definition - ANSWER-Includes all health problems, major
illnesses, surgeries the patient has had, current medications complete with reasons for
taking them, and allergies.
Define Body Temperature - ANSWER-Is a balance between heart production and heart
loss in conjunction with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
Thermometers - ANSWER-Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit and
Centigrade or Celsius scale.
,Temperature Sites - ANSWER-Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the
axilla (underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal - ANSWER-98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral - ANSWER-97.6F to 99.6F
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary - ANSWER-96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane - ANSWER-98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile - ANSWER-Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile - ANSWER-Absence of Fever
Define Fever - ANSWER-Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever - ANSWER-Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline then
rises again.
Remittent Fever - ANSWER-Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not return
to baseline temperature.
Continuous Fever - ANSWER-A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it does
not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature - ANSWER-Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: - ANSWER--infants and children less
than six years old
-patients who has had surgery or facial, neck, nose, or mouth injury
-those receiving oxygen
-those with nasogastric tubes
-patients with convulsive seizure
-hemiplegic patients
-patients with altered mental status
How long after a patient eats, smokes or drinks do you wait to take an oral
temperature? - ANSWER-30 minutes
,When taking an oral temperature how long do you leave the thermometer in the
patient's mouth? - ANSWER-3-5 minutes
Rectal Temperature - ANSWER-Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: - ANSWER--patient's with heart
disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature - ANSWER-Is the least accurate and is taken only when no other
temperature site can be used.
When taking an axillary temperature how long should the thermometer be held in place?
- ANSWER-5-10 minutes
Tympanic Temperature - ANSWER-Is useful for children and confused patients
because of the speed of operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what patients: - ANSWER--patients with an
ear disorder or ear drainage
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: - ANSWER-A covered probe is gently inserted
into the ear canal and temperature is measured with seconds (1-3 seconds).
What is the normal range for an adult pulse: - ANSWER-60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: - ANSWER-The radial artery (found
in the wrist on the same side as the thumb).
When taking a pulse at the radial artery it is felt with the: - ANSWER-First two or three
fingers (never with the thumb) and usually taken for 30 seconds multiplied by two to get
the rate per minute.
(Taking a pulse at the radial artery) If the rate is unusually fast or slow then: - ANSWER-
Count it for 60 seconds
The _____ _____ is a more accurate measurement of the heart rate and it is taken over
the apex of the heart by auscultation using the stethoscope. - ANSWER-Apical Pulse
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: - ANSWER-Irregular heart rate and for
infants and small children.
Respiratory Characteristics - ANSWER-Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
Respiratory Rate - ANSWER-Is the number of respirations per minute.
, Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate - ANSWER-12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: - ANSWER-One inspiration (inhale) and One
Expiration (exhale).
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: - ANSWER-Count respirations for 30 seconds
then multiplied by two or count for a full minute.
Define Apnea - ANSWER-This is a temporary complete absence of breathing which
may by result of a reduction in the stimuli to the respiratory centers of the brain.
Define Tachypnea - ANSWER-This is a respiration rate of greater than 40/min. It is
transient in the newborn and maybe caused by the hysteria in the adult.
Define Bradypnea - ANSWER-Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs during
sleep. It may also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm - ANSWER-Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can vary
with age: infants have an irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes - ANSWER-This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing rate.
Define Orthopnea - ANSWER-This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an upright
position.
Define Respiratory Depth - ANSWER-Refers to the amount of air that is inspired and
expired during each respiration.
Define Hypoventilation - ANSWER-State in which reduced amount of air enters the
lungs resulting in decreased oxygen level and increased carbon dioxide level in blood. It
can be due to breathing that is too shallow, or too slow, or to diminished lung function.
Define Hyperpnea - ANSWER-Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation - ANSWER-State in which there is an increased amount of air
entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure - ANSWER-This is the measurement of the amount of force
exerted by the blood on the peripheral arterial walls and is expressed in millimeters
(mm) of mercury (Hg).
Blood Pressure Abbreviation - ANSWER-BP
BP consist of two components: - ANSWER-The Highest (systole) and lowest (diastole)
amount of pressure exerted during the cardiac cycle.
certification study guide for CCMA
Family History Definition - ANSWER-Summary of health problems of siblings, parents,
and other blood relatives that could alert the physician to hereditary and/or familial
disease.
Social History Definition - ANSWER-Includes marital status, occupation, educational
attainment, hobbies, use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation - ANSWER-ROS
Review of Systems Definition - ANSWER-This is an orderly and systematic check of
each organ and system of the body by questions. Both positive and pertinent negative
findings are documented.
3 Body Processes Necessary for life are: - ANSWER-Body Temperature, Respiration,
Heart Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: - ANSWER-Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood
Pressure
Chief Complaint Definition - ANSWER-The reason why the patient came to see the
physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation - ANSWER-CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation - ANSWER-HPI
History of Present Illness Definition - ANSWER-This is an explanation of the CC to
determine the onset of the illness; associated symptoms; what the patient has done to
treat the condition, etc.
Past, Family and Social History Abbreviation - ANSWER-PFSH
Past Medical History Definition - ANSWER-Includes all health problems, major
illnesses, surgeries the patient has had, current medications complete with reasons for
taking them, and allergies.
Define Body Temperature - ANSWER-Is a balance between heart production and heart
loss in conjunction with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
Thermometers - ANSWER-Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit and
Centigrade or Celsius scale.
,Temperature Sites - ANSWER-Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the
axilla (underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal - ANSWER-98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral - ANSWER-97.6F to 99.6F
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary - ANSWER-96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane - ANSWER-98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile - ANSWER-Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile - ANSWER-Absence of Fever
Define Fever - ANSWER-Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever - ANSWER-Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline then
rises again.
Remittent Fever - ANSWER-Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not return
to baseline temperature.
Continuous Fever - ANSWER-A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it does
not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature - ANSWER-Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: - ANSWER--infants and children less
than six years old
-patients who has had surgery or facial, neck, nose, or mouth injury
-those receiving oxygen
-those with nasogastric tubes
-patients with convulsive seizure
-hemiplegic patients
-patients with altered mental status
How long after a patient eats, smokes or drinks do you wait to take an oral
temperature? - ANSWER-30 minutes
,When taking an oral temperature how long do you leave the thermometer in the
patient's mouth? - ANSWER-3-5 minutes
Rectal Temperature - ANSWER-Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: - ANSWER--patient's with heart
disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature - ANSWER-Is the least accurate and is taken only when no other
temperature site can be used.
When taking an axillary temperature how long should the thermometer be held in place?
- ANSWER-5-10 minutes
Tympanic Temperature - ANSWER-Is useful for children and confused patients
because of the speed of operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what patients: - ANSWER--patients with an
ear disorder or ear drainage
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: - ANSWER-A covered probe is gently inserted
into the ear canal and temperature is measured with seconds (1-3 seconds).
What is the normal range for an adult pulse: - ANSWER-60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: - ANSWER-The radial artery (found
in the wrist on the same side as the thumb).
When taking a pulse at the radial artery it is felt with the: - ANSWER-First two or three
fingers (never with the thumb) and usually taken for 30 seconds multiplied by two to get
the rate per minute.
(Taking a pulse at the radial artery) If the rate is unusually fast or slow then: - ANSWER-
Count it for 60 seconds
The _____ _____ is a more accurate measurement of the heart rate and it is taken over
the apex of the heart by auscultation using the stethoscope. - ANSWER-Apical Pulse
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: - ANSWER-Irregular heart rate and for
infants and small children.
Respiratory Characteristics - ANSWER-Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
Respiratory Rate - ANSWER-Is the number of respirations per minute.
, Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate - ANSWER-12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: - ANSWER-One inspiration (inhale) and One
Expiration (exhale).
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: - ANSWER-Count respirations for 30 seconds
then multiplied by two or count for a full minute.
Define Apnea - ANSWER-This is a temporary complete absence of breathing which
may by result of a reduction in the stimuli to the respiratory centers of the brain.
Define Tachypnea - ANSWER-This is a respiration rate of greater than 40/min. It is
transient in the newborn and maybe caused by the hysteria in the adult.
Define Bradypnea - ANSWER-Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs during
sleep. It may also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm - ANSWER-Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can vary
with age: infants have an irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes - ANSWER-This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing rate.
Define Orthopnea - ANSWER-This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an upright
position.
Define Respiratory Depth - ANSWER-Refers to the amount of air that is inspired and
expired during each respiration.
Define Hypoventilation - ANSWER-State in which reduced amount of air enters the
lungs resulting in decreased oxygen level and increased carbon dioxide level in blood. It
can be due to breathing that is too shallow, or too slow, or to diminished lung function.
Define Hyperpnea - ANSWER-Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation - ANSWER-State in which there is an increased amount of air
entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure - ANSWER-This is the measurement of the amount of force
exerted by the blood on the peripheral arterial walls and is expressed in millimeters
(mm) of mercury (Hg).
Blood Pressure Abbreviation - ANSWER-BP
BP consist of two components: - ANSWER-The Highest (systole) and lowest (diastole)
amount of pressure exerted during the cardiac cycle.
