CERTIFIED MEDICATION AIDE PRACTICE EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR JUST RELEASED
Question 1
When administering medications to a resident, you realize you accidentally gave two aspirin
tablets instead of the one tablet that was ordered. The resident has already swallowed the
medication. What is your immediate priority?
A) Wait until the next shift to see if the resident has a reaction
B) Document it in the chart and tell no one
C) Immediately notify your supervising nurse or supervisor
D) Give the resident a glass of milk to settle their stomach
E) Ask the resident not to tell anyone about the mistake
Correct Answer: C) Immediately notify your supervising nurse or supervisor
Rationale: Medication errors must be reported immediately to ensure resident safety. The
supervisor needs to assess the resident for potential adverse effects and follow facility
protocol for documentation and physician notification. Timely reporting is a legal and
ethical requirement for a CMA.
Question 2
You are scheduled to work a shift from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Tuesday. You wake up at 10:00
AM that morning feeling ill and unable to perform your duties. When is the most appropriate
time to call your supervisor?
A) 2:30 PM, right before the shift starts
B) 10:00 AM, as soon as you realize you are sick
C) 4:00 PM, after you have rested a bit
D) Wednesday morning
E) Only if you still feel sick by 3:00 PM
Correct Answer: B) 10:00 AM, as soon as you realize you are sick
Rationale: Providing as much notice as possible allows the facility to find a replacement and
ensure that resident care and medication administration are not interrupted.
Professionalism requires prompt communication regarding attendance.
Question 3
Which of the following ranges is generally considered a normal systolic blood pressure for an
adult?
A) 80-100
B) 110-140
C) 150-180
D) 60-90
E) 180-200
Correct Answer: B) 110-140
Rationale: While individual "normals" may vary, a systolic range of 110-140 mmHg is
, 2
standard for most adults in a clinical setting. Readings consistently above or below this
range should be reported to the nurse for further evaluation.
Question 4
A medication order reads: "Isopto Carpine 2 gtt od TID." How should the CMA administer this
medication?
A) 2 drops in the left eye twice a day
B) 2 drops in the right eye three times a day
C) 2 tablets by mouth every morning
D) 2 drops in both eyes every three hours
E) 2 grams topically to the right ear
Correct Answer: B) 2 drops in the right eye three times a day
Rationale: In medical terminology, "gtt" stands for drops, "od" (oculus dexter) stands for
the right eye, and "TID" (ter in die) means three times a day. Knowing these abbreviations
is critical for preventing administration errors.
Question 5
An order for "Delcort Ung BID TOP to rash" indicates the medication should be applied:
A) As a liquid three times a day
B) As an ointment twice a day topically to the rash
C) By mouth before meals
D) As a spray once a day to the entire body
E) Under the tongue as needed
Correct Answer: B) As an ointment twice a day topically to the rash
Rationale: "Ung" is the abbreviation for unguentum (ointment), "BID" means twice a day,
and "TOP" indicates topical application. Applying the correct form of medication to the
correct site is one of the "rights" of medication administration.
Question 6
A resident is prescribed Lipitor, which is classified as an "antihyperlipidemic." What is the
primary purpose of this medication?
A) To lower high blood pressure
B) To work against high fat (lipids) in the blood
C) To treat a bacterial infection
D) To increase the resident’s heart rate
E) To manage symptoms of depression
Correct Answer: B) To work against high fat (lipids) in the blood
Rationale: Antihyperlipidemics are drugs used to treat high levels of fats, such as cholesterol
and triglycerides, in the blood. Lowering these levels helps prevent cardiovascular diseases
like heart attacks and strokes.
, 3
Question 7
When taking a resident's blood pressure, you hear heartbeats immediately upon releasing the
thumb screw of the cuff. What should your next action be?
A) Record the first number you saw as the systolic pressure
B) Use the other arm immediately and record those results
C) Wait three minutes with the cuff off, then repeat the measurement pumping 30 mmHg higher
than the first attempt
D) Tell the resident their blood pressure is too high to measure
E) Skip the measurement and try again the next day
Correct Answer: C) Wait three minutes with the cuff off, then repeat the measurement
pumping 30 mmHg higher than the first attempt
Rationale: If you hear sounds immediately, you likely did not pump the cuff high enough to
exceed the systolic pressure. Waiting allows the blood flow to return to normal, and
pumping 30 mmHg higher ensures you reach a point of silence to accurately identify the
first beat (systolic).
Question 8
The nursing supervisor asks you to monitor a resident for "fluid retention." Which of the
following signs should you look for and report?
A) Weight loss and increased thirst
B) Weight gain and edema (swelling)
C) Pale skin and low pulse
D) Increased urination and dry skin
E) Hyperactivity and insomnia
Correct Answer: B) Weight gain and edema (swelling)
Rationale: Fluid retention (fluid volume overload) causes the body to hold onto excess water,
leading to rapid weight gain and visible swelling (edema), typically in the feet, ankles, and
legs. This is common in heart and kidney failure.
Question 9
A resident starting a new heart medication complains of feeling dizzy, especially when standing
up suddenly. This is a common sign of:
A) Increased blood pressure
B) Decreased blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension)
C) A stomach ulcer
D) Hearing loss
E) Excessive vitamin intake
Correct Answer: B) Decreased blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension)
Rationale: Many cardiovascular medications can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure
, 4
when a person changes position. This is called orthostatic hypotension and increases the
resident's risk for falls.
Question 10
A resident complains of seeing "halos" or rings of light around objects. The CMA knows this is a
classic sign of toxicity for which medication?
A) Aspirin
B) Digoxin (Lanoxin)
C) Lipitor
D) Nitroglycerin
E) Tylenol
Correct Answer: B) Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or seeing yellow-green halos around
lights, are specific signs that Digoxin levels in the blood have reached a toxic range. This
must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 11
A resident has "antihyperlipidemic" medication ordered. This indicates that the resident has high
levels of:
A) Sugar and insulin
B) White blood cells
C) Cholesterol and triglycerides
D) Potassium and sodium
E) Oxygen and carbon dioxide
Correct Answer: C) Cholesterol and triglycerides
Rationale: Lipids in the blood primarily consist of cholesterol and triglycerides. Medications
that treat these high levels are known as antihyperlipidemics.
Question 12
When a resident is taking an "anticoagulant," the CMA must be especially alert for signs of:
A) Constipation
B) Bleeding
C) Increased appetite
D) Skin rashes
E) Improved memory
Correct Answer: B) Bleeding
Rationale: Anticoagulants (blood thinners) slow down the blood's ability to clot. While this
prevents strokes and clots, it also makes the resident prone to excessive bleeding from
minor injuries, nosebleeds, or internal bleeding.
DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR JUST RELEASED
Question 1
When administering medications to a resident, you realize you accidentally gave two aspirin
tablets instead of the one tablet that was ordered. The resident has already swallowed the
medication. What is your immediate priority?
A) Wait until the next shift to see if the resident has a reaction
B) Document it in the chart and tell no one
C) Immediately notify your supervising nurse or supervisor
D) Give the resident a glass of milk to settle their stomach
E) Ask the resident not to tell anyone about the mistake
Correct Answer: C) Immediately notify your supervising nurse or supervisor
Rationale: Medication errors must be reported immediately to ensure resident safety. The
supervisor needs to assess the resident for potential adverse effects and follow facility
protocol for documentation and physician notification. Timely reporting is a legal and
ethical requirement for a CMA.
Question 2
You are scheduled to work a shift from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Tuesday. You wake up at 10:00
AM that morning feeling ill and unable to perform your duties. When is the most appropriate
time to call your supervisor?
A) 2:30 PM, right before the shift starts
B) 10:00 AM, as soon as you realize you are sick
C) 4:00 PM, after you have rested a bit
D) Wednesday morning
E) Only if you still feel sick by 3:00 PM
Correct Answer: B) 10:00 AM, as soon as you realize you are sick
Rationale: Providing as much notice as possible allows the facility to find a replacement and
ensure that resident care and medication administration are not interrupted.
Professionalism requires prompt communication regarding attendance.
Question 3
Which of the following ranges is generally considered a normal systolic blood pressure for an
adult?
A) 80-100
B) 110-140
C) 150-180
D) 60-90
E) 180-200
Correct Answer: B) 110-140
Rationale: While individual "normals" may vary, a systolic range of 110-140 mmHg is
, 2
standard for most adults in a clinical setting. Readings consistently above or below this
range should be reported to the nurse for further evaluation.
Question 4
A medication order reads: "Isopto Carpine 2 gtt od TID." How should the CMA administer this
medication?
A) 2 drops in the left eye twice a day
B) 2 drops in the right eye three times a day
C) 2 tablets by mouth every morning
D) 2 drops in both eyes every three hours
E) 2 grams topically to the right ear
Correct Answer: B) 2 drops in the right eye three times a day
Rationale: In medical terminology, "gtt" stands for drops, "od" (oculus dexter) stands for
the right eye, and "TID" (ter in die) means three times a day. Knowing these abbreviations
is critical for preventing administration errors.
Question 5
An order for "Delcort Ung BID TOP to rash" indicates the medication should be applied:
A) As a liquid three times a day
B) As an ointment twice a day topically to the rash
C) By mouth before meals
D) As a spray once a day to the entire body
E) Under the tongue as needed
Correct Answer: B) As an ointment twice a day topically to the rash
Rationale: "Ung" is the abbreviation for unguentum (ointment), "BID" means twice a day,
and "TOP" indicates topical application. Applying the correct form of medication to the
correct site is one of the "rights" of medication administration.
Question 6
A resident is prescribed Lipitor, which is classified as an "antihyperlipidemic." What is the
primary purpose of this medication?
A) To lower high blood pressure
B) To work against high fat (lipids) in the blood
C) To treat a bacterial infection
D) To increase the resident’s heart rate
E) To manage symptoms of depression
Correct Answer: B) To work against high fat (lipids) in the blood
Rationale: Antihyperlipidemics are drugs used to treat high levels of fats, such as cholesterol
and triglycerides, in the blood. Lowering these levels helps prevent cardiovascular diseases
like heart attacks and strokes.
, 3
Question 7
When taking a resident's blood pressure, you hear heartbeats immediately upon releasing the
thumb screw of the cuff. What should your next action be?
A) Record the first number you saw as the systolic pressure
B) Use the other arm immediately and record those results
C) Wait three minutes with the cuff off, then repeat the measurement pumping 30 mmHg higher
than the first attempt
D) Tell the resident their blood pressure is too high to measure
E) Skip the measurement and try again the next day
Correct Answer: C) Wait three minutes with the cuff off, then repeat the measurement
pumping 30 mmHg higher than the first attempt
Rationale: If you hear sounds immediately, you likely did not pump the cuff high enough to
exceed the systolic pressure. Waiting allows the blood flow to return to normal, and
pumping 30 mmHg higher ensures you reach a point of silence to accurately identify the
first beat (systolic).
Question 8
The nursing supervisor asks you to monitor a resident for "fluid retention." Which of the
following signs should you look for and report?
A) Weight loss and increased thirst
B) Weight gain and edema (swelling)
C) Pale skin and low pulse
D) Increased urination and dry skin
E) Hyperactivity and insomnia
Correct Answer: B) Weight gain and edema (swelling)
Rationale: Fluid retention (fluid volume overload) causes the body to hold onto excess water,
leading to rapid weight gain and visible swelling (edema), typically in the feet, ankles, and
legs. This is common in heart and kidney failure.
Question 9
A resident starting a new heart medication complains of feeling dizzy, especially when standing
up suddenly. This is a common sign of:
A) Increased blood pressure
B) Decreased blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension)
C) A stomach ulcer
D) Hearing loss
E) Excessive vitamin intake
Correct Answer: B) Decreased blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension)
Rationale: Many cardiovascular medications can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure
, 4
when a person changes position. This is called orthostatic hypotension and increases the
resident's risk for falls.
Question 10
A resident complains of seeing "halos" or rings of light around objects. The CMA knows this is a
classic sign of toxicity for which medication?
A) Aspirin
B) Digoxin (Lanoxin)
C) Lipitor
D) Nitroglycerin
E) Tylenol
Correct Answer: B) Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or seeing yellow-green halos around
lights, are specific signs that Digoxin levels in the blood have reached a toxic range. This
must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 11
A resident has "antihyperlipidemic" medication ordered. This indicates that the resident has high
levels of:
A) Sugar and insulin
B) White blood cells
C) Cholesterol and triglycerides
D) Potassium and sodium
E) Oxygen and carbon dioxide
Correct Answer: C) Cholesterol and triglycerides
Rationale: Lipids in the blood primarily consist of cholesterol and triglycerides. Medications
that treat these high levels are known as antihyperlipidemics.
Question 12
When a resident is taking an "anticoagulant," the CMA must be especially alert for signs of:
A) Constipation
B) Bleeding
C) Increased appetite
D) Skin rashes
E) Improved memory
Correct Answer: B) Bleeding
Rationale: Anticoagulants (blood thinners) slow down the blood's ability to clot. While this
prevents strokes and clots, it also makes the resident prone to excessive bleeding from
minor injuries, nosebleeds, or internal bleeding.
