Ace Your NHA CMA Exam: 2026 Practice
Test with Detailed Answers
Description:
Preparing for your National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
certification? Our targeted 2026 practice exam is precisely what you need to confidently pass on
your first attempt. This resource is meticulously crafted with the keywords and scenarios you'll
encounter, including phlebotomy order of draw, EKG lead placement, medical
terminology, CPT coding, and patient safety protocols.
We provide more than just questions; each answer includes a clear and concise explanation to
solidify your understanding of critical concepts, from CLIA-waived tests and injection
techniques to ethical guidelines and specimen handling.
Stop searching for scattered study materials and start mastering the exam efficiently.
Download your free, top-rated practice test now and launch your healthcare career with
confidence!
, NHA Practice Exam 2026: Free CMA Practice Test & Answers
1. The primary structure of a CPT code is composed of how many numerical digits?
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6
Answer: c. 5
Explanation: Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which are used to report medical,
surgical, and diagnostic procedures, are primarily five-digit numeric codes.
2. Which of the following sequences represents the correct order of draw for vacuum tube
collection?
a. Sterile Tubes (Blood Cultures), Sodium Citrate (Light Blue), Serum Tubes (Red/Gold),
Heparin (Green), EDTA (Lavender), Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
b. EDTA (Lavender), Heparin (Green), Sodium Citrate (Light Blue), Serum Tubes (Red/Gold)
c. Serum Tubes (Red/Gold), Heparin (Green), EDTA (Lavender), Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
Answer: a. Sterile Tubes (Blood Cultures), Sodium Citrate (Light Blue), Serum Tubes
(Red/Gold), Heparin (Green), EDTA (Lavender), Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
Explanation: This order is established by the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute)
to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes, which could compromise test results.
3. Which anticoagulant additive is required for an accurate Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
a. Heparin
b. Sodium Citrate
c. EDTA
d. Potassium Oxalate
Answer: c. EDTA
Explanation: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is the preferred anticoagulant for
hematological testing because it preserves cell morphology and prevents clotting by binding
calcium.
, 4. A clinic scheduling model where patients arrive without appointments and are seen in the order
they arrive is known as:
a. Wave Scheduling
b. Open Hours Scheduling
c. Cluster Scheduling
d. Stream Scheduling
Answer: b. Open Hours Scheduling
Explanation: Open hours scheduling operates on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing
patients to seek care at their convenience during designated hours.
5. An MA receives a critical lab result showing a patient's hemoglobin is 7.0 g/dL. What is the most
appropriate first action?
a. Schedule a follow-up appointment for the patient.
b. Document the result in the patient's chart and file it.
c. Immediately notify the ordering provider.
d. Call the patient to inform them of the result.
Answer: c. Immediately notify the ordering provider.
Explanation: A hemoglobin level of 7.0 g/dL is critically low and constitutes a potential
medical emergency. The provider must be notified immediately to determine the necessary
interventions for the patient.
6. When using the palpatory method to measure blood pressure, to what level should the cuff be
inflated?
a. 10 mm Hg above the point the brachial pulse disappears.
b. 30 mm Hg above the point the radial pulse disappears.
c. Until the manometer reads 180 mm Hg.
d. 20 mm Hg after the first Korotkoff sound is heard.
Answer: b. 30 mm Hg above the point the radial pulse disappears.
Explanation: Inflating the cuff 30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse can no longer
be felt ensures the cuff pressure is sufficiently above the systolic pressure before auscultation
begins, providing an accurate starting point.
Test with Detailed Answers
Description:
Preparing for your National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
certification? Our targeted 2026 practice exam is precisely what you need to confidently pass on
your first attempt. This resource is meticulously crafted with the keywords and scenarios you'll
encounter, including phlebotomy order of draw, EKG lead placement, medical
terminology, CPT coding, and patient safety protocols.
We provide more than just questions; each answer includes a clear and concise explanation to
solidify your understanding of critical concepts, from CLIA-waived tests and injection
techniques to ethical guidelines and specimen handling.
Stop searching for scattered study materials and start mastering the exam efficiently.
Download your free, top-rated practice test now and launch your healthcare career with
confidence!
, NHA Practice Exam 2026: Free CMA Practice Test & Answers
1. The primary structure of a CPT code is composed of how many numerical digits?
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6
Answer: c. 5
Explanation: Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which are used to report medical,
surgical, and diagnostic procedures, are primarily five-digit numeric codes.
2. Which of the following sequences represents the correct order of draw for vacuum tube
collection?
a. Sterile Tubes (Blood Cultures), Sodium Citrate (Light Blue), Serum Tubes (Red/Gold),
Heparin (Green), EDTA (Lavender), Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
b. EDTA (Lavender), Heparin (Green), Sodium Citrate (Light Blue), Serum Tubes (Red/Gold)
c. Serum Tubes (Red/Gold), Heparin (Green), EDTA (Lavender), Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
Answer: a. Sterile Tubes (Blood Cultures), Sodium Citrate (Light Blue), Serum Tubes
(Red/Gold), Heparin (Green), EDTA (Lavender), Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
Explanation: This order is established by the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute)
to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes, which could compromise test results.
3. Which anticoagulant additive is required for an accurate Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
a. Heparin
b. Sodium Citrate
c. EDTA
d. Potassium Oxalate
Answer: c. EDTA
Explanation: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is the preferred anticoagulant for
hematological testing because it preserves cell morphology and prevents clotting by binding
calcium.
, 4. A clinic scheduling model where patients arrive without appointments and are seen in the order
they arrive is known as:
a. Wave Scheduling
b. Open Hours Scheduling
c. Cluster Scheduling
d. Stream Scheduling
Answer: b. Open Hours Scheduling
Explanation: Open hours scheduling operates on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing
patients to seek care at their convenience during designated hours.
5. An MA receives a critical lab result showing a patient's hemoglobin is 7.0 g/dL. What is the most
appropriate first action?
a. Schedule a follow-up appointment for the patient.
b. Document the result in the patient's chart and file it.
c. Immediately notify the ordering provider.
d. Call the patient to inform them of the result.
Answer: c. Immediately notify the ordering provider.
Explanation: A hemoglobin level of 7.0 g/dL is critically low and constitutes a potential
medical emergency. The provider must be notified immediately to determine the necessary
interventions for the patient.
6. When using the palpatory method to measure blood pressure, to what level should the cuff be
inflated?
a. 10 mm Hg above the point the brachial pulse disappears.
b. 30 mm Hg above the point the radial pulse disappears.
c. Until the manometer reads 180 mm Hg.
d. 20 mm Hg after the first Korotkoff sound is heard.
Answer: b. 30 mm Hg above the point the radial pulse disappears.
Explanation: Inflating the cuff 30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse can no longer
be felt ensures the cuff pressure is sufficiently above the systolic pressure before auscultation
begins, providing an accurate starting point.
