NHA CCMA Exam study guide with Questions and 100% Correct answers (2025 Version)
Chief Complaint Definition - correct answer The reason why the patient came to see the
physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation - correct answer CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation - correct answer HPI
History of Present Illness Definition - correct answer This is an explanation of the CC to
determine the onset of the illness; associated symptoms; what the patient has done to treat
the condition, etc.
Past, Family and Social History Abbreviation - correct answer PFSH
Past Medical History Definition - correct answer Includes all health problems, major illnesses,
surgeries the patient has had, current medications complete with reasons for taking them, and
allergies.
Family History Definition - correct answer Summary of health problems of siblings, parents, and
other blood relatives that could alert the physician to hereditary and/or familial disease.
Social History Definition - correct answer Includes marital status, occupation, educational
attainment, hobbies, use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation - correct answer ROS
Review of Systems Definition - correct answer This is an orderly and systematic check of each
organ and system of the body by questions. Both positive and pertinent negative findings are
documented.
3 Body Processes Necessary for life are: - correct answer Body Temperature, Respiration, Heart
Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: - correct answer Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood
Pressure
Define Body Temperature - correct answer Is a balance between heart production and heart
loss in conjunction with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
Thermometers - correct answer Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit and
Centigrade or Celsius scale.
Temperature Sites - correct answer Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the axilla
(underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal - correct answer 98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral - correct answer 97.6F to 99.6F
,NHA CCMA Exam study guide with Questions and 100% Correct answers (2025 Version)
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary - correct answer 96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane - correct answer 98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile - correct answer Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile - correct answer Absence of Fever
Define Fever - correct answer Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever - correct answer Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline then
rises again.
Remittent Fever - correct answer Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not return to
baseline temperature.
Continuous Fever - correct answer A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it does
not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature - correct answer Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: - correct answer -infants and children less
than six years old
-patients who has had surgery or facial, neck, nose, or mouth injury
-those receiving oxygen
-those with nasogastric tubes
-patients with convulsive seizure
-hemiplegic patients
-patients with altered mental status
How long after a patient eats, smokes or drinks do you wait to take an oral temperature? -
correct answer 30 minutes
When taking an oral temperature how long do you leave the thermometer in the patient's
mouth? - correct answer 3-5 minutes
Rectal Temperature - correct answer Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
,NHA CCMA Exam study guide with Questions and 100% Correct answers (2025 Version)
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: - correct answer -patient's with heart
disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature - correct answer Is the least accurate and is taken only when no other
temperature site can be used.
When taking an axillary temperature how long should the thermometer be held in place? -
correct answer 5-10 minutes
Tympanic Temperature - correct answer Is useful for children and confused patients because of
the speed of operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what patients: - correct answer -patients with an ear
disorder or ear drainage
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: - correct answer A covered probe is gently inserted into
the ear canal and temperature is measured with seconds (1-3 seconds).
What is the normal range for an adult pulse: - correct answer 60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: - correct answer The radial artery (found in
the wrist on the same side as the thumb).
When taking a pulse at the radial artery it is felt with the: - correct answer First two or three
fingers (never with the thumb) and usually taken for 30 seconds multiplied by two to get the
rate per minute.
(Taking a pulse at the radial artery) If the rate is unusually fast or slow then: - correct answer
Count it for 60 seconds
The _____ _____ is a more accurate measurement of the heart rate and it is taken over the
apex of the heart by auscultation using the stethoscope. - correct answer Apical Pulse
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: - correct answer Irregular heart rate and for
infants and small children.
Respiratory Characteristics - correct answer Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
Respiratory Rate - correct answer Is the number of respirations per minute.
Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate - correct answer 12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: - correct answer One inspiration (inhale) and One Expiration
(exhale).
, NHA CCMA Exam study guide with Questions and 100% Correct answers (2025 Version)
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: - correct answer Count respirations for 30 seconds then
multiplied by two or count for a full minute.
Define Apnea - correct answer This is a temporary complete absence of breathing which may
by result of a reduction in the stimuli to the respiratory centers of the brain.
Define Tachypnea - correct answer This is a respiration rate of greater than 40/min. It is
transient in the newborn and maybe caused by the hysteria in the adult.
Define Bradypnea - correct answer Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs during
sleep. It may also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm - correct answer Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can vary with
age: infants have an irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes - correct answer This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing rate.
Define Orthopnea - correct answer This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an upright
position.
Define Respiratory Depth - correct answer Refers to the amount of air that is inspired and
expired during each respiration.
Define Hypoventilation - correct answer State in which reduced amount of air enters the lungs
resulting in decreased oxygen level and increased carbon dioxide level in blood. It can be due to
breathing that is too shallow, or too slow, or to diminished lung function.
Define Hyperpnea - correct answer Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation - correct answer State in which there is an increased amount of air
entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure - correct answer This is the measurement of the amount of force exerted
by the blood on the peripheral arterial walls and is expressed in millimeters (mm) of mercury
(Hg).
Blood Pressure Abbreviation - correct answer BP
BP consist of two components: - correct answer The Highest (systole) and lowest (diastole)
amount of pressure exerted during the cardiac cycle.
Common errors in blood pressure measurements: - correct answer -Improper Cuff Size
-The arm is not at heart level
-Cuff is not completely deflated before use
-Deflation of the cuff is faster than 2-3mmHG per second
Chief Complaint Definition - correct answer The reason why the patient came to see the
physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation - correct answer CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation - correct answer HPI
History of Present Illness Definition - correct answer This is an explanation of the CC to
determine the onset of the illness; associated symptoms; what the patient has done to treat
the condition, etc.
Past, Family and Social History Abbreviation - correct answer PFSH
Past Medical History Definition - correct answer Includes all health problems, major illnesses,
surgeries the patient has had, current medications complete with reasons for taking them, and
allergies.
Family History Definition - correct answer Summary of health problems of siblings, parents, and
other blood relatives that could alert the physician to hereditary and/or familial disease.
Social History Definition - correct answer Includes marital status, occupation, educational
attainment, hobbies, use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation - correct answer ROS
Review of Systems Definition - correct answer This is an orderly and systematic check of each
organ and system of the body by questions. Both positive and pertinent negative findings are
documented.
3 Body Processes Necessary for life are: - correct answer Body Temperature, Respiration, Heart
Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: - correct answer Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood
Pressure
Define Body Temperature - correct answer Is a balance between heart production and heart
loss in conjunction with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
Thermometers - correct answer Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit and
Centigrade or Celsius scale.
Temperature Sites - correct answer Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the axilla
(underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal - correct answer 98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral - correct answer 97.6F to 99.6F
,NHA CCMA Exam study guide with Questions and 100% Correct answers (2025 Version)
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary - correct answer 96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane - correct answer 98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile - correct answer Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile - correct answer Absence of Fever
Define Fever - correct answer Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever - correct answer Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline then
rises again.
Remittent Fever - correct answer Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not return to
baseline temperature.
Continuous Fever - correct answer A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it does
not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature - correct answer Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: - correct answer -infants and children less
than six years old
-patients who has had surgery or facial, neck, nose, or mouth injury
-those receiving oxygen
-those with nasogastric tubes
-patients with convulsive seizure
-hemiplegic patients
-patients with altered mental status
How long after a patient eats, smokes or drinks do you wait to take an oral temperature? -
correct answer 30 minutes
When taking an oral temperature how long do you leave the thermometer in the patient's
mouth? - correct answer 3-5 minutes
Rectal Temperature - correct answer Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
,NHA CCMA Exam study guide with Questions and 100% Correct answers (2025 Version)
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: - correct answer -patient's with heart
disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature - correct answer Is the least accurate and is taken only when no other
temperature site can be used.
When taking an axillary temperature how long should the thermometer be held in place? -
correct answer 5-10 minutes
Tympanic Temperature - correct answer Is useful for children and confused patients because of
the speed of operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what patients: - correct answer -patients with an ear
disorder or ear drainage
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: - correct answer A covered probe is gently inserted into
the ear canal and temperature is measured with seconds (1-3 seconds).
What is the normal range for an adult pulse: - correct answer 60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: - correct answer The radial artery (found in
the wrist on the same side as the thumb).
When taking a pulse at the radial artery it is felt with the: - correct answer First two or three
fingers (never with the thumb) and usually taken for 30 seconds multiplied by two to get the
rate per minute.
(Taking a pulse at the radial artery) If the rate is unusually fast or slow then: - correct answer
Count it for 60 seconds
The _____ _____ is a more accurate measurement of the heart rate and it is taken over the
apex of the heart by auscultation using the stethoscope. - correct answer Apical Pulse
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: - correct answer Irregular heart rate and for
infants and small children.
Respiratory Characteristics - correct answer Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
Respiratory Rate - correct answer Is the number of respirations per minute.
Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate - correct answer 12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: - correct answer One inspiration (inhale) and One Expiration
(exhale).
, NHA CCMA Exam study guide with Questions and 100% Correct answers (2025 Version)
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: - correct answer Count respirations for 30 seconds then
multiplied by two or count for a full minute.
Define Apnea - correct answer This is a temporary complete absence of breathing which may
by result of a reduction in the stimuli to the respiratory centers of the brain.
Define Tachypnea - correct answer This is a respiration rate of greater than 40/min. It is
transient in the newborn and maybe caused by the hysteria in the adult.
Define Bradypnea - correct answer Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs during
sleep. It may also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm - correct answer Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can vary with
age: infants have an irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes - correct answer This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing rate.
Define Orthopnea - correct answer This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an upright
position.
Define Respiratory Depth - correct answer Refers to the amount of air that is inspired and
expired during each respiration.
Define Hypoventilation - correct answer State in which reduced amount of air enters the lungs
resulting in decreased oxygen level and increased carbon dioxide level in blood. It can be due to
breathing that is too shallow, or too slow, or to diminished lung function.
Define Hyperpnea - correct answer Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation - correct answer State in which there is an increased amount of air
entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure - correct answer This is the measurement of the amount of force exerted
by the blood on the peripheral arterial walls and is expressed in millimeters (mm) of mercury
(Hg).
Blood Pressure Abbreviation - correct answer BP
BP consist of two components: - correct answer The Highest (systole) and lowest (diastole)
amount of pressure exerted during the cardiac cycle.
Common errors in blood pressure measurements: - correct answer -Improper Cuff Size
-The arm is not at heart level
-Cuff is not completely deflated before use
-Deflation of the cuff is faster than 2-3mmHG per second
