AMCA CMAC PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A medical assistant is performing a capillary puncture on an infant. Which of the following
sites is the most appropriate?
A. The central arch of the foot
B. The fleshy part of the earlobe
C. The tip of the index finger
D. The lateral plantar surface of the heel
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For infants, the lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel is
the recommended site to avoid hitting the calcaneus bone.
2. Which of the following additives is found in a light blue top tube used for coagulation
studies?
A. EDTA
B. Sodium Citrate
C. Sodium Heparin
,D. Potassium Oxalate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sodium Citrate is the additive in light blue tubes; it preserves
coagulation factors by binding calcium.
3. When performing a 12-lead EKG, where should the V4 electrode be placed?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D. Horizontal level of V4 at the left anterior axillary line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
4. A patient is scheduled for a PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). Which of the following
instructions should the medical assistant provide?
A. Eat a heavy meal 1 hour before the procedure
B. Refrain from using bronchodilators for at least 6 hours prior to the test
C. Wear restrictive clothing to ensure upright posture
D. Smoke a cigarette immediately before the test to show lung strain
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Patients should avoid bronchodilators before a PFT to ensure
results reflect their baseline lung function.
5. Which heart rhythm is characterized by a ‘sawtooth’ pattern of P waves?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Atrial Fibrillation
C. Ventricular Tachycardia
D. Premature Ventricular Contraction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial flutter presents with rapid, regular atrial oscillations that
resemble the teeth of a saw.
6. Which of the following describes the ‘Standard of Care’ for a medical assistant?
A. The highest possible level of care achievable
B. The instructions provided by the physician’s malpractice insurance
C. The care that a reasonable, similarly trained person would provide in a similar situation
D. The specific laws passed by the state legislature regarding medical assisting
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Standard of Care refers to the level of care a reasonably prudent
person with similar training would provide.
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A medical assistant is performing a capillary puncture on an infant. Which of the following
sites is the most appropriate?
A. The central arch of the foot
B. The fleshy part of the earlobe
C. The tip of the index finger
D. The lateral plantar surface of the heel
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For infants, the lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel is
the recommended site to avoid hitting the calcaneus bone.
2. Which of the following additives is found in a light blue top tube used for coagulation
studies?
A. EDTA
B. Sodium Citrate
C. Sodium Heparin
,D. Potassium Oxalate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sodium Citrate is the additive in light blue tubes; it preserves
coagulation factors by binding calcium.
3. When performing a 12-lead EKG, where should the V4 electrode be placed?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D. Horizontal level of V4 at the left anterior axillary line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
4. A patient is scheduled for a PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). Which of the following
instructions should the medical assistant provide?
A. Eat a heavy meal 1 hour before the procedure
B. Refrain from using bronchodilators for at least 6 hours prior to the test
C. Wear restrictive clothing to ensure upright posture
D. Smoke a cigarette immediately before the test to show lung strain
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Patients should avoid bronchodilators before a PFT to ensure
results reflect their baseline lung function.
5. Which heart rhythm is characterized by a ‘sawtooth’ pattern of P waves?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Atrial Fibrillation
C. Ventricular Tachycardia
D. Premature Ventricular Contraction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial flutter presents with rapid, regular atrial oscillations that
resemble the teeth of a saw.
6. Which of the following describes the ‘Standard of Care’ for a medical assistant?
A. The highest possible level of care achievable
B. The instructions provided by the physician’s malpractice insurance
C. The care that a reasonable, similarly trained person would provide in a similar situation
D. The specific laws passed by the state legislature regarding medical assisting
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Standard of Care refers to the level of care a reasonably prudent
person with similar training would provide.
