(CMA) certification EXAM | ULTIMATE
EXAM WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES FOR CERTIFICATION
SUCCESS
**1. What is the primary role of a medical assistant in
a clinical setting?**
A) Diagnose diseases
B) Prescribe medications
C) Assist the physician and provide patient care
support
D) Perform surgery
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Medical assistants support physicians and
provide both administrative and clinical patient care;
they do not diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery .
**2. Which organization offers the CMA (AAMA)
certification?**
A) American Medical Association (AMA)
B) American Nurses Association (ANA)
,C) American Association of Medical Assistants
(AAMA)
D) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The CMA credential is awarded by the
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) .
**3. Which vital sign measures the force of blood
against artery walls?**
A) Pulse
B) Respiration
C) Temperature
D) Blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Blood pressure indicates the pressure of
blood in the arteries, reflecting the force of blood
against vessel walls .
**4. The normal adult oral temperature is
approximately:**
A) 35.5°C (95.9°F)
B) 36.0°C (96.8°F)
C) 37°C (98.6°F)
,D) 38.5°C (101.3°F)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Normal adult oral temperature averages
37°C or 98.6°F, with normal variation throughout the
day .
**5. A normal adult respiratory rate is:**
A) 6–10 breaths/min
B) 10–14 breaths/min
C) 12–20 breaths/min
D) 25–30 breaths/min
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Normal adult respirations range from 12 to
20 breaths per minute at rest .
**6. Which position is used to examine the vaginal
canal?**
A) Fowler’s
B) Sims'
C) Knee-chest
D) Lithotomy
Correct answer: D
, Rationale: The lithotomy position (on back with feet in
stirrups) is used for pelvic and vaginal examinations .
**7. Which of the following is a medical assistant's
responsibility regarding informed consent?**
A) Explain surgical risks to the patient
B) Obtain legal signatures from the patient
C) Witness the patient's signature on the consent
form
D) Perform the procedure described in the consent
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Medical assistants may witness patient
signatures on consent forms but do not provide legal
explanations of procedures .
**8. Which symbol indicates biohazardous
material?**
A) Skull and crossbones
B) Flame
C) Radiation symbol
D) Three interlocking circles on an orange
background
Correct answer: D