NHA CCMA Exam Practice Questions (Q&A with
Rationales) Updated 2026
1. What is the primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
A. Increase hospital revenue
B. Protect patient health information
C. Regulate medical equipment
D. Train medical assistants
Answer: B
Rationale:
HIPAA ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and security of patient health
information. It regulates how healthcare providers handle protected health
information (PHI).
2. What is the normal adult heart rate range?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–140 bpm
D. 120–160 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale:
A normal resting adult heart rate is typically 60–100 beats per minute.
,3. Which site is commonly used for intramuscular (IM) injections in adults?
A. Abdomen
B. Deltoid muscle
C. Inner wrist
D. Scalp
Answer: B
Rationale:
The deltoid muscle is a common IM injection site due to accessibility and
adequate muscle mass.
4. What is the correct order of handwashing steps?
A. Rinse → Soap → Scrub → Dry
B. Wet → Soap → Scrub → Rinse → Dry
C. Soap → Wet → Rinse → Dry → Scrub
D. Scrub → Soap → Rinse → Wet → Dry
Answer: B
Rationale:
Proper hand hygiene starts by wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing for at
least 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying.
5. Which vital sign is most affected by pain?
A. Temperature
B. Pulse
C. Respiratory rate
,D. Oxygen saturation
Answer: B
Rationale:
Pain stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, often increasing pulse rate.
6. What does “NPO” mean in medical instructions?
A. Nothing per oral
B. No physical observation
C. Normal patient order
D. No prior operation
Answer: A
Rationale:
NPO means the patient should not take anything by mouth.
7. Which blood pressure reading is considered normal?
A. 90/60 mmHg
B. 120/80 mmHg
C. 140/90 mmHg
D. 160/100 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale:
120/80 mmHg is considered a standard normal blood pressure reading.
8. What is the function of hemoglobin?
A. Fight infection
, B. Clot blood
C. Carry oxygen
D. Digest food
Answer: C
Rationale:
Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.
9. Which specimen is required for a fasting blood glucose test?
A. Random urine
B. Blood after eating
C. Blood after fasting 8–12 hours
D. Saliva sample
Answer: C
Rationale:
Fasting blood glucose requires no caloric intake for 8–12 hours for accurate
measurement.
10. What is the first step before performing any clinical procedure?
A. Wear gloves
B. Check vital signs
C. Verify patient identity
D. Clean equipment
Answer: C
Rationale:
Rationales) Updated 2026
1. What is the primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
A. Increase hospital revenue
B. Protect patient health information
C. Regulate medical equipment
D. Train medical assistants
Answer: B
Rationale:
HIPAA ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and security of patient health
information. It regulates how healthcare providers handle protected health
information (PHI).
2. What is the normal adult heart rate range?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–140 bpm
D. 120–160 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale:
A normal resting adult heart rate is typically 60–100 beats per minute.
,3. Which site is commonly used for intramuscular (IM) injections in adults?
A. Abdomen
B. Deltoid muscle
C. Inner wrist
D. Scalp
Answer: B
Rationale:
The deltoid muscle is a common IM injection site due to accessibility and
adequate muscle mass.
4. What is the correct order of handwashing steps?
A. Rinse → Soap → Scrub → Dry
B. Wet → Soap → Scrub → Rinse → Dry
C. Soap → Wet → Rinse → Dry → Scrub
D. Scrub → Soap → Rinse → Wet → Dry
Answer: B
Rationale:
Proper hand hygiene starts by wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing for at
least 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying.
5. Which vital sign is most affected by pain?
A. Temperature
B. Pulse
C. Respiratory rate
,D. Oxygen saturation
Answer: B
Rationale:
Pain stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, often increasing pulse rate.
6. What does “NPO” mean in medical instructions?
A. Nothing per oral
B. No physical observation
C. Normal patient order
D. No prior operation
Answer: A
Rationale:
NPO means the patient should not take anything by mouth.
7. Which blood pressure reading is considered normal?
A. 90/60 mmHg
B. 120/80 mmHg
C. 140/90 mmHg
D. 160/100 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale:
120/80 mmHg is considered a standard normal blood pressure reading.
8. What is the function of hemoglobin?
A. Fight infection
, B. Clot blood
C. Carry oxygen
D. Digest food
Answer: C
Rationale:
Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.
9. Which specimen is required for a fasting blood glucose test?
A. Random urine
B. Blood after eating
C. Blood after fasting 8–12 hours
D. Saliva sample
Answer: C
Rationale:
Fasting blood glucose requires no caloric intake for 8–12 hours for accurate
measurement.
10. What is the first step before performing any clinical procedure?
A. Wear gloves
B. Check vital signs
C. Verify patient identity
D. Clean equipment
Answer: C
Rationale:
