AMCA CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT
CERTIFICATION (CMAC) PRACTICE
EXAM
1. A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture. According to the CLSI order of draw,
which of the following tubes should be filled first if a provider orders a PT/INR and a CBC?
A. Lavender top
B. Green top
C. Red top
D. Light blue top
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to the CLSI order of draw, the light blue tube
(containing sodium citrate for coagulation studies like PT/INR) must be filled before the
lavender tube (containing EDTA for CBC).
2. Which of the following EKG leads is placed at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular
line?
A. V2
B. V4
,C. V3
D. V5
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lead V4 is anatomically positioned at the fifth intercostal space
at the midclavicular line.
3. A patient presents with orthostatic hypotension. Which of the following describes the
correct procedure for measuring this?
A. Measuring blood pressure only while the patient is sitting
B. Measuring blood pressure in both the left and right arms simultaneously
C. Measuring pulse after the patient exercises for five minutes
D. Measuring blood pressure while the patient is supine, sitting, and standing
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic (postural) vital signs require measurements in three
positions—supine, sitting, and standing—to detect significant drops in blood pressure.
4. Which of the following describes the legal doctrine ‘Respondeat Superior’?
A. The thing speaks for itself
B. A provider is responsible for the actions of their employees
C. The patient must give informed consent
, D. A contract between a doctor and a patient
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Respondeat Superior is a legal doctrine where the employer
(provider) is held liable for the actions of the employee (medical assistant) performed
within the scope of employment.
5. When performing an intradermal injection, such as a PPD test, at what angle should the
needle be inserted?
A. 10 to 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 30 degrees
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Intradermal injections are administered at a shallow angle of 10
to 15 degrees to ensure the medication stays within the dermis layer.
6. Which of the following artifacts on an EKG is caused by a patient’s Parkinson’s disease
tremors?
A. Wandering baseline
B. AC interference
C. Somatic tremor
CERTIFICATION (CMAC) PRACTICE
EXAM
1. A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture. According to the CLSI order of draw,
which of the following tubes should be filled first if a provider orders a PT/INR and a CBC?
A. Lavender top
B. Green top
C. Red top
D. Light blue top
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to the CLSI order of draw, the light blue tube
(containing sodium citrate for coagulation studies like PT/INR) must be filled before the
lavender tube (containing EDTA for CBC).
2. Which of the following EKG leads is placed at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular
line?
A. V2
B. V4
,C. V3
D. V5
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lead V4 is anatomically positioned at the fifth intercostal space
at the midclavicular line.
3. A patient presents with orthostatic hypotension. Which of the following describes the
correct procedure for measuring this?
A. Measuring blood pressure only while the patient is sitting
B. Measuring blood pressure in both the left and right arms simultaneously
C. Measuring pulse after the patient exercises for five minutes
D. Measuring blood pressure while the patient is supine, sitting, and standing
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Orthostatic (postural) vital signs require measurements in three
positions—supine, sitting, and standing—to detect significant drops in blood pressure.
4. Which of the following describes the legal doctrine ‘Respondeat Superior’?
A. The thing speaks for itself
B. A provider is responsible for the actions of their employees
C. The patient must give informed consent
, D. A contract between a doctor and a patient
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Respondeat Superior is a legal doctrine where the employer
(provider) is held liable for the actions of the employee (medical assistant) performed
within the scope of employment.
5. When performing an intradermal injection, such as a PPD test, at what angle should the
needle be inserted?
A. 10 to 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 30 degrees
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Intradermal injections are administered at a shallow angle of 10
to 15 degrees to ensure the medication stays within the dermis layer.
6. Which of the following artifacts on an EKG is caused by a patient’s Parkinson’s disease
tremors?
A. Wandering baseline
B. AC interference
C. Somatic tremor
