6/13/26, 11:49 NHA CCMA Study Guide
AM
NHA CCMA Study Guide 2026-2027 | 544 Verified Q&A |
Vital Signs, Phlebotomy, EKG, Infection Control & More |
Medical Assistant Certification Review.
Chief Complaint Definition The reason why the patient came to see the physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation HPI
History of Present Illness Definition 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 PFSH
Past Medical History Definition Includes all health problems, major illnesses, surgeries the patient has
had, current medications complete with reasons for taking them, and
allergies.
Family History Definition 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 Includes marital status, occupation, educational attainment, hobbies,
use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation ROS
Review of Systems Definition 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: Body Temperature, Respiration, Heart Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood Pressure
Define Body Temperature Is a balance between heart production and heart loss in conjunction
with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
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,6/13/26, 11:49 NHA CCMA Study Guide
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Thermometers Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit and Centigrade
or Celsius scale.
Temperature Sites Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the axilla (underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal 98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral 97.6F to 99.6F
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary 96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane 98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile Absence of Fever
Define Fever Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline then rises again.
Remittent Fever Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not return to baseline
temperature.
Continuous Fever A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it does not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: -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 30 minutes
do you wait to take an oral temperature?
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,6/13/26, 11:49 NHA CCMA Study Guide
AM
When taking an oral temperature how long do 3-5 minutes
you leave the thermometer in the patient's
mouth?
Rectal Temperature Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: -patient's with heart disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature Is the least accurate and is taken only when no other temperature site can
be used.
When taking an axillary temperature how long 5-10 minutes
should the thermometer be held in place?
Tympanic Temperature Is useful for children and confused patients because of the speed of
operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what -patients with an ear disorder or ear drainage
patients:
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: 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: 60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: 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 First two or three fingers (never with the thumb) and usually taken for
with the: 30 seconds multiplied by two to get the rate per minute.
(Taking a pulse at the radial artery) If the rate is Count it for 60 seconds
unusually fast or slow then:
The is a more accurate measurement Apical Pulse
of the heart rate and it is taken over the apex of
the heart by auscultation using the stethoscope.
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: Irregular heart rate and for infants and small children.
Respiratory Characteristics Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
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AM
Respiratory Rate Is the number of respirations per minute.
Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate 12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: One inspiration (inhale) and One Expiration (exhale).
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: Count respirations for 30 seconds then multiplied by two or count for a
full minute.
Define Apnea 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 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 Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs during sleep. It may
also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can vary with age: infants have an
irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing rate.
Define Orthopnea This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an upright position.
Define Respiratory Depth Refers to the amount of air that is inspired and expired during each
respiration.
Define Hypoventilation 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 Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation State in which there is an increased amount of air entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure 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).
4/40
AM
NHA CCMA Study Guide 2026-2027 | 544 Verified Q&A |
Vital Signs, Phlebotomy, EKG, Infection Control & More |
Medical Assistant Certification Review.
Chief Complaint Definition The reason why the patient came to see the physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation HPI
History of Present Illness Definition 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 PFSH
Past Medical History Definition Includes all health problems, major illnesses, surgeries the patient has
had, current medications complete with reasons for taking them, and
allergies.
Family History Definition 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 Includes marital status, occupation, educational attainment, hobbies,
use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation ROS
Review of Systems Definition 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: Body Temperature, Respiration, Heart Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood Pressure
Define Body Temperature Is a balance between heart production and heart loss in conjunction
with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
1/40
,6/13/26, 11:49 NHA CCMA Study Guide
AM
Thermometers Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit and Centigrade
or Celsius scale.
Temperature Sites Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the axilla (underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal 98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral 97.6F to 99.6F
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary 96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane 98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile Absence of Fever
Define Fever Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline then rises again.
Remittent Fever Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not return to baseline
temperature.
Continuous Fever A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it does not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: -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 30 minutes
do you wait to take an oral temperature?
2/40
,6/13/26, 11:49 NHA CCMA Study Guide
AM
When taking an oral temperature how long do 3-5 minutes
you leave the thermometer in the patient's
mouth?
Rectal Temperature Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: -patient's with heart disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature Is the least accurate and is taken only when no other temperature site can
be used.
When taking an axillary temperature how long 5-10 minutes
should the thermometer be held in place?
Tympanic Temperature Is useful for children and confused patients because of the speed of
operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what -patients with an ear disorder or ear drainage
patients:
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: 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: 60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: 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 First two or three fingers (never with the thumb) and usually taken for
with the: 30 seconds multiplied by two to get the rate per minute.
(Taking a pulse at the radial artery) If the rate is Count it for 60 seconds
unusually fast or slow then:
The is a more accurate measurement Apical Pulse
of the heart rate and it is taken over the apex of
the heart by auscultation using the stethoscope.
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: Irregular heart rate and for infants and small children.
Respiratory Characteristics Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
3/40
, 6/13/26, 11:49 NHA CCMA Study Guide
AM
Respiratory Rate Is the number of respirations per minute.
Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate 12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: One inspiration (inhale) and One Expiration (exhale).
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: Count respirations for 30 seconds then multiplied by two or count for a
full minute.
Define Apnea 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 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 Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs during sleep. It may
also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can vary with age: infants have an
irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing rate.
Define Orthopnea This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an upright position.
Define Respiratory Depth Refers to the amount of air that is inspired and expired during each
respiration.
Define Hypoventilation 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 Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation State in which there is an increased amount of air entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure 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).
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