AMCA CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT
CERTIFICATION (CMAC) PRACTICE
EXAM
1. Which of the following refers to the legal principle where an employer is held liable for the
actions of an employee performed within the course of their employment?
A. Quid pro quo
B. Res ipsa loquitur
C. Respondeat superior
D. Subpoena duces tecum
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Respondeat superior is a Latin phrase meaning ‘let the master
answer,’ establishing that employers are responsible for the actions of their staff.
2. When performing a capillary puncture on an infant, which site is the most appropriate to
prevent injury to the bone?
A. The tip of the index finger
B. The central arch of the foot
,C. The lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel
D. The posterior curve of the heel
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: To avoid calcaneus (heel bone) injury, the puncture should be
made on the medial or lateral borders of the plantar surface of the heel.
3. A medical assistant is preparing a patient for an EKG. Where should the lead V4 be placed?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D. Fifth intercostal space, left midaxillary line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lead V4 is placed in the fifth intercostal space at the junction of
the left midclavicular line.
4. Which additive is found in a lavender-top blood collection tube used for a Complete Blood
Count (CBC)?
A. Sodium Heparin
B. EDTA
C. Potassium Oxalate
, D. Sodium Citrate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is the anticoagulant
used in lavender tubes to preserve cell morphology for hematology tests.
5. In the chain of infection, a person with a compromised immune system who is at risk for
developing an infection is known as the:
A. Vector
B. Reservoir
C. Portal of entry
D. Susceptible host
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The susceptible host is the final link in the chain of infection,
representing the individual who can get the disease.
6. Which of the following medical terms describes the surgical removal of the gallbladder?
A. Cholecystitis
B. Cholecystectomy
C. Choledocholithiasis
D. Colostomy
CERTIFICATION (CMAC) PRACTICE
EXAM
1. Which of the following refers to the legal principle where an employer is held liable for the
actions of an employee performed within the course of their employment?
A. Quid pro quo
B. Res ipsa loquitur
C. Respondeat superior
D. Subpoena duces tecum
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Respondeat superior is a Latin phrase meaning ‘let the master
answer,’ establishing that employers are responsible for the actions of their staff.
2. When performing a capillary puncture on an infant, which site is the most appropriate to
prevent injury to the bone?
A. The tip of the index finger
B. The central arch of the foot
,C. The lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel
D. The posterior curve of the heel
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: To avoid calcaneus (heel bone) injury, the puncture should be
made on the medial or lateral borders of the plantar surface of the heel.
3. A medical assistant is preparing a patient for an EKG. Where should the lead V4 be placed?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D. Fifth intercostal space, left midaxillary line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lead V4 is placed in the fifth intercostal space at the junction of
the left midclavicular line.
4. Which additive is found in a lavender-top blood collection tube used for a Complete Blood
Count (CBC)?
A. Sodium Heparin
B. EDTA
C. Potassium Oxalate
, D. Sodium Citrate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is the anticoagulant
used in lavender tubes to preserve cell morphology for hematology tests.
5. In the chain of infection, a person with a compromised immune system who is at risk for
developing an infection is known as the:
A. Vector
B. Reservoir
C. Portal of entry
D. Susceptible host
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The susceptible host is the final link in the chain of infection,
representing the individual who can get the disease.
6. Which of the following medical terms describes the surgical removal of the gallbladder?
A. Cholecystitis
B. Cholecystectomy
C. Choledocholithiasis
D. Colostomy
