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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

MA quiz: Test your Medical Assistant knowledge

Quick, free medical assistant practice quiz with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Gary LevertonUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of MA exam kit with stethoscope syringe exam cards and question marks on golden yellow background

This MA practice test helps you gauge your medical assistant knowledge across patient care, terminology, and office tasks. Answer realistic items and get instant results to spot strengths and gaps before exam day. For extra practice, work through our medical assistant practice questions and take an NHA CCMA practice test to focus on certification-style content.

What does the medical abbreviation "BP" stand for?
Blood plasma
Blood pressure
Basal presumptive
Bronchial pulse
"BP" is the standard abbreviation for blood pressure, a vital sign that measures the force of blood against arterial walls. Monitoring blood pressure is critical for diagnosing hypertension and cardiovascular risk. This abbreviation is universally used in medical records and patient charts.
What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?
120 - 140 beats per minute
60 - 100 beats per minute
40 - 60 beats per minute
100 - 120 beats per minute
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Rates below or above this range may indicate bradycardia or tachycardia, respectively. Assessing resting heart rate is a routine part of vital signs measurement.
In venipuncture, which tube is drawn first according to the standard order of draw?
EDTA tube (lavender)
Blood culture bottle
Serum tube (red)
Heparin tube (green)
The blood culture bottle is drawn first to minimize contamination and false-positive results. Following CLSI guidelines, subsequent tubes (e.g., coagulation, serum) are drawn in a specific order to prevent additive carryover. Correct order ensures accurate laboratory testing.
Which term describes the standard anatomical position?
Sitting upright with head turned to the side
Lying on the back, palms down
Kneeling with arms raised
Standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward
The standard anatomical position is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. This position provides a consistent frame of reference for anatomical descriptions. All directional terms in anatomy are based on this posture.
What does the prefix "brady-" mean in medical terminology?
Slow
Large
Pain
Fast
The prefix "brady-" denotes slowness, commonly used in terms like bradycardia (slow heart rate). It contrasts with "tachy-," meaning fast. Recognizing prefixes helps in understanding complex medical terms.
In the SOAP note format, what does the "O" stand for?
Outcome
Observation
Objective
Opinion
In SOAP notes, "O" stands for Objective, which includes measurable data like vital signs, lab results, and physical exam findings. It complements the Subjective section, which contains the patient's reported symptoms. SOAP format standardizes clinical documentation.
Which personal protective equipment is required for standard precaution during phlebotomy?
Gloves
Hearing protection
Shoe covers
Gown only
Gloves are the primary PPE for phlebotomy under standard precautions to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Gowns and masks may be added for splash risk, but gloves are mandatory for all venipuncture. Proper PPE protects both the patient and the healthcare worker.
A tympanic thermometer measures temperature in which part of the body?
Underarm
Forehead
Ear canal
Mouth
Tympanic thermometers measure infrared heat from the tympanic membrane in the ear canal. They provide quick readings and correlate closely with core body temperature. Proper placement is essential for accuracy.
Which formula is used to calculate body mass index (BMI)?
Weight (lb) ÷ height (in)
Height (cm) ÷ weight² (kg²)
Height (m) × weight (kg)
Weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)
BMI is calculated by dividing an individual's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. This index helps categorize underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. It's a widely used screening tool in clinical practice.
A physician orders 500 mg of medication. Tablets are available in 250 mg strengths. How many tablets should be given?
1 tablet
4 tablets
2 tablets
3 tablets
To provide 500 mg when each tablet is 250 mg, divide 500 by 250 to get 2 tablets. Accurate dosage calculation ensures therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. Always double-check orders and available strengths.
What is the difference between a generic drug name and a brand name?
Generic names refer to the chemical name, brand names are trademarks
Generic names are given by the manufacturer, brand names by the FDA
Brand names refer to the active ingredient
Generic drugs are always more expensive than brand drugs
Generic names describe the active chemical ingredient and are universally recognized. Brand names are proprietary trademarks under which a drug is marketed by a specific company. Generics are typically more cost-effective but equivalent in efficacy.
In a 12-lead ECG, lead II primarily measures the potential difference between which electrodes?
Right arm and left leg
Right leg and left leg
Left arm and left leg
Right arm and left arm
Lead II records the electrical potential difference between the right arm (negative) and left leg (positive) electrodes. It provides a clear view of the heart's rhythm and is often used for rhythm monitoring. Understanding lead placement is crucial for ECG interpretation.
How do you convert a dosage of 1/4 teaspoon to milliliters, given that 1 teaspoon equals 5 mL?
2.5 mL
1.25 mL
5 mL
0.25 mL
One teaspoon equals 5 mL, so one quarter teaspoon is 5 ÷ 4, which equals 1.25 mL. Accurate conversion between household measures and metric units is essential for safe dosing. Always use standardized measuring devices.
In ICD-10 coding, how many characters does a code require at minimum?
Two characters
Four characters
Three characters
Five characters
ICD-10 codes require a minimum of three characters: a letter followed by two digits. Additional characters provide more specificity and can extend to seven characters. Using the correct code length is vital for accurate billing and reporting.
Which site is preferred for subcutaneous insulin injection?
Deltoid
Dorsogluteal
Abdomen
Vastus lateralis
The abdomen is preferred for subcutaneous insulin because it provides consistent absorption and is easily accessible. Sites at least two inches from the umbilicus and rotated reduce lipodystrophy risk. Site selection is important for patient comfort and dosing accuracy.
What is the normal range for fasting blood glucose in adults (mg/dL)?
100 - 125 mg/dL
126 - 150 mg/dL
40 - 60 mg/dL
70 - 99 mg/dL
A normal fasting blood glucose level in adults is 70 - 99 mg/dL. Levels above this range may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Fasting glucose is measured after at least eight hours without caloric intake.
What does a CLIA-waived test mean?
It is simple with minimal risk of error
It is not regulated by the government
It must be run in a hospital lab only
It requires specialized personnel
A CLIA-waived test is simple to perform and carries minimal risk of an incorrect result. These tests can be conducted in point-of-care settings by non-laboratory personnel. CLIA regulation ensures test accuracy and reliability.
What is the normal pH range of arterial blood?
7.45 - 7.55
7.35 - 7.45
7.15 - 7.25
7.25 - 7.35
Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, reflecting tight regulation of acid-base balance. Values below indicate acidosis, and values above indicate alkalosis. Monitoring pH is critical in critical care and respiratory therapy.
During phlebotomy, a patient becomes pale, sweaty, and dizzy. What is the first action you should take?
Continue drawing to complete collection
Encourage the patient to stand
Stop the procedure and have the patient lie down
Apply a cold compress
Syncope signs during phlebotomy require immediate cessation of the procedure and placing the patient in a supine position. Lying down helps restore blood flow to the brain and prevents injury. Monitor vital signs and call for assistance if needed.
Which triage category is assigned to a patient with life-threatening injuries but a chance of survival with immediate intervention?
Red (Immediate)
Yellow (Delayed)
Green (Minor)
Black (Expectant)
The red or immediate category is for patients with life-threatening injuries who require urgent treatment to survive. Triage systems prioritize limited resources during mass casualty events. Accurate triage ensures the most critical patients receive rapid care.
Under HIPAA, what is a covered entity required to do with patient information?
Post PHI publicly for research
Share PHI with any employer
Sell PHI to third parties
Protect patient privacy and secure PHI
Under HIPAA, covered entities must protect patient privacy by securing Protected Health Information (PHI) and limiting access. Unauthorized disclosure can lead to significant penalties. HIPAA ensures confidentiality and trust in healthcare.
An ECG strip shows irregularly irregular QRS complexes with no distinct P waves. What rhythm is this?
Atrial flutter
Sinus arrhythmia
Atrial fibrillation
Ventricular tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves due to chaotic atrial activity. It is a common arrhythmia requiring management to prevent stroke. Accurate ECG interpretation guides treatment decisions.
What is the normal duration of the PR interval on an ECG?
0.12 - 0.20 seconds
0.30 - 0.40 seconds
0.06 - 0.10 seconds
0.20 - 0.30 seconds
The PR interval normally ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds, reflecting atrioventricular conduction time. Prolonged or shortened PR intervals can indicate conduction blocks or accessory pathways. ECG measurement precision is key in diagnosing arrhythmias.
What does "epistaxis" refer to?
Throat swelling
Ear infection
Skin rash
Nosebleed
Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed, which can arise from trauma, humidity changes, or coagulopathies. First aid includes leaning forward and applying pressure to the nasal alae. Recognizing terminology aids in effective communication.
In pharmacokinetics, what does the term "half-life" describe?
Total duration of drug action
Time to reach peak concentration
Dose required for half effect
Time for plasma concentration to decrease by half
Half-life is the time required for the drug's plasma concentration to reduce by 50%, reflecting elimination rate. It informs dosing intervals and steady-state achievement. Accurate knowledge prevents toxicity and underdosing.
What are the standard autoclave temperature and pressure parameters for sterilization?
150°C at 20 psi for 5 minutes
121°C at 15 psi for 15 - 20 minutes
100°C at 5 psi for 5 minutes
110°C at 10 psi for 30 minutes
Standard autoclave sterilization uses 121°C at 15 psi for 15 - 20 minutes to ensure destruction of all microorganisms, including spores. Deviations can compromise sterility. Following manufacturer guidelines is critical for safety.
What is the difference between a deductible and a copayment in health insurance?
Deductible is a fixed fee per visit; copay is annual
They are the same thing
Deductible is paid before benefits; copay is a fixed fee per service
Copay must be met before the deductible
A deductible is the amount a patient pays out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. A copayment is a fixed fee paid for each healthcare service after meeting the deductible. Understanding these terms helps patients anticipate costs.
A patient requires an IV infusion of 1,000 mL D5W over 8 hours. At what rate in mL/hour should the IV be set?
150 mL/hour
100 mL/hour
80 mL/hour
125 mL/hour
To infuse 1,000 mL over 8 hours, divide 1,000 by 8 to get 125 mL/hour. Precise rate calculation is essential to maintain fluid balance and medication efficacy. Always verify infusion pumps and orders.
An arterial blood gas shows pH 7.25, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 - 24 mEq/L. What acid-base disturbance is present?
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
An elevated PaCO2 and low pH with normal bicarbonate indicates primary respiratory acidosis. The lungs are retaining CO2, causing pH to drop. Interpretation of ABGs guides respiratory and metabolic management.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand medical terminology -

    Grasp essential prefixes, suffixes, and root words to accurately interpret clinical language and ensure clear communication in a medical setting.

  2. Apply clinical procedures and protocols -

    Demonstrate proper techniques for vital signs, injections, and specimen collection by following standardized MA practice guidelines.

  3. Analyze patient care scenarios -

    Evaluate clinical vignettes to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize patient safety and comfort.

  4. Recall safety and infection control guidelines -

    Memorize best practices for hand hygiene, sterilization, and personal protective equipment to minimize risk of contamination.

  5. Assess strengths and knowledge gaps -

    Use targeted ma exam questions to identify areas of proficiency and topics requiring further study.

  6. Improve test-taking strategies -

    Develop effective time management and question-analysis skills tailored to the ma practice test format for increased confidence on exam day.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master Medical Terminology -

    Break complex terms into roots, prefixes, and suffixes - e.g., hyper- (excess) + glyc- (sugar) + -emia (blood condition) equals hyperglycemia - to strengthen your ma practice test vocabulary. Create flashcards grouping roots by body system (like cardio- or hepato-) to boost recall, as recommended by the American Medical Association.

  2. Perform Accurate Vital Signs Measurement -

    Follow American Heart Association guidelines by placing the blood pressure cuff at heart level and ensuring the patient is seated quietly before reading a normal range of 120/80 mmHg. Practice proper pulse assessment at the radial site and count respirations unobtrusively for 30 seconds, doubling for a minute to refine technique.

  3. Memorize Phlebotomy Order of Draw -

    Use the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's mnemonic "Boys Love Ravishing Girls Like Dieters Love Greek Yogurt" to remember tube colors: Blood culture, Light blue, Red, Gold (SST), Green, Lavender, Grey. Consistent practice with this sequence will minimize sample cross-contamination on your ma practice test and in the lab.

  4. Interpret EKG Waveforms with the PQRST Mnemonic -

    Recall the PQRST sequence - P wave (atrial depolarization), QRS complex (ventricular depolarization), ST segment, and T wave (ventricular repolarization) - to analyze heart rhythms, per American Heart Association standards. Applying this framework helps you spot arrhythmias accurately on an ma exam question.

  5. Use SBAR for Effective Patient Communication -

    Employ the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's SBAR format (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to deliver clear handoffs and document in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Mastering SBAR elevates patient safety and confidence during your practice ma test scenarios.

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