CCMA Practice Test – Clinical Patient Care, Medical
Procedures, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Medical
Terminology
1. A patient presents with a prescription for a medication to be taken ‘pc’. At which of the
following times should the patient take this medication?
A. Before meals
B. As needed
C. After meals
D. By mouth
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The medical abbreviation ‘pc’ stands for the Latin phrase ‘post cibum’, which
translates to ‘after meals’. This is a common pharmacological instruction used to ensure
medications are absorbed correctly or to prevent gastric irritation. Misinterpreting this
abbreviation can lead to decreased medication efficacy or increased side effects for the
patient.
2. Which of the following leads is considered the ground lead in a standard 12-lead EKG?
A. Right arm (RA)
B. Left arm (LA)
C. Left leg (LL)
,D. Right leg (RL)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In a standard 12-lead EKG, the right leg (RL) electrode serves as the electrical
ground to reduce interference and stabilize the tracing. While the other limb leads are used
to record the frontal plane of the heart, the RL does not contribute to a specific lead view.
Failing to attach the RL lead properly will result in significant artifact or a complete loss of
signal on the EKG machine.
3. A medical assistant is preparing to perform a capillary puncture on a 10-month-old infant.
Which of the following sites should the assistant use?
A. The tip of the index finger
B. The thumb
C. The lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel
D. The antecubital fossa
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For infants under one year of age, the preferred site for capillary blood
collection is the medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel to avoid bone injury. Using the
finger can lead to osteomyelitis due to the proximity of the bone to the skin surface in small
children. The assistant must ensure the depth of the lancet does not exceed 2.0 mm to
maintain safety and compliance with clinical standards.
, 4. Which of the following anatomical structures is located in the Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
of the abdomen?
A. Spleen
B. Appendix
C. Sigmoid colon
D. Liver
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The liver is the primary organ located in the Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ),
along with the gallbladder and a portion of the colon. Understanding abdominal quadrants
is essential for a medical assistant to accurately document patient complaints of pain. The
spleen is located in the LUQ, the appendix in the RLQ, and the sigmoid colon in the LLQ.
5. A patient is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which of the following organs is being
surgically removed?
A. Urinary bladder
B. Appendix
C. Gallbladder
D. Colon
Correct Answer: C
Procedures, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Medical
Terminology
1. A patient presents with a prescription for a medication to be taken ‘pc’. At which of the
following times should the patient take this medication?
A. Before meals
B. As needed
C. After meals
D. By mouth
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The medical abbreviation ‘pc’ stands for the Latin phrase ‘post cibum’, which
translates to ‘after meals’. This is a common pharmacological instruction used to ensure
medications are absorbed correctly or to prevent gastric irritation. Misinterpreting this
abbreviation can lead to decreased medication efficacy or increased side effects for the
patient.
2. Which of the following leads is considered the ground lead in a standard 12-lead EKG?
A. Right arm (RA)
B. Left arm (LA)
C. Left leg (LL)
,D. Right leg (RL)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In a standard 12-lead EKG, the right leg (RL) electrode serves as the electrical
ground to reduce interference and stabilize the tracing. While the other limb leads are used
to record the frontal plane of the heart, the RL does not contribute to a specific lead view.
Failing to attach the RL lead properly will result in significant artifact or a complete loss of
signal on the EKG machine.
3. A medical assistant is preparing to perform a capillary puncture on a 10-month-old infant.
Which of the following sites should the assistant use?
A. The tip of the index finger
B. The thumb
C. The lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel
D. The antecubital fossa
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For infants under one year of age, the preferred site for capillary blood
collection is the medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel to avoid bone injury. Using the
finger can lead to osteomyelitis due to the proximity of the bone to the skin surface in small
children. The assistant must ensure the depth of the lancet does not exceed 2.0 mm to
maintain safety and compliance with clinical standards.
, 4. Which of the following anatomical structures is located in the Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
of the abdomen?
A. Spleen
B. Appendix
C. Sigmoid colon
D. Liver
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The liver is the primary organ located in the Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ),
along with the gallbladder and a portion of the colon. Understanding abdominal quadrants
is essential for a medical assistant to accurately document patient complaints of pain. The
spleen is located in the LUQ, the appendix in the RLQ, and the sigmoid colon in the LLQ.
5. A patient is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which of the following organs is being
surgically removed?
A. Urinary bladder
B. Appendix
C. Gallbladder
D. Colon
Correct Answer: C
