NHA CCMA STUDY GUIDE/ NHA CERTIFICATION
STUDY GUIDE FOR CCMA 2022
For more information email:
Chief Complaint Definition CORRECT ANS:- The reason why the patient came to see the
physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation CORRECT ANS:- CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation CORRECT ANS:- HPI
History of Present Illness Definition CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- PFSH
Past Medical History Definition CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 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 ANS:- Includes marital status, occupation,
educational attainment, hobbies, use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation CORRECT ANS:- ROS
Review of Systems Definition CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- Body Temperature, Respiration,
Heart Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: CORRECT ANS:- Temperature, Pulse, Respiration,
Blood Pressure
Define Body Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is a balance between heart production and
heart loss in conjunction with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
,Thermometers CORRECT ANS:- Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit
and Centigrade or Celsius scale.
Temperature Sites CORRECT ANS:- Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the
axilla (underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal CORRECT ANS:- 98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral CORRECT ANS:- 97.6F to 99.6F
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary CORRECT ANS:- 96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane CORRECT ANS:- 98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile CORRECT ANS:- Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile CORRECT ANS:- Absence of Fever
Define Fever CORRECT ANS:- Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever CORRECT ANS:- Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline
then rises again.
Remittent Fever CORRECT ANS:- Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not
return to baseline temperature.
Continuous Fever CORRECT ANS:- A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it
does not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: CORRECT ANS:- -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 ANS:- 30 minutes
When taking an oral temperature how long do you leave the thermometer in the patient's
mouth? CORRECT ANS:- 3-5 minutes
Rectal Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: CORRECT ANS:- -patient's with
heart disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 5-10 minutes
Tympanic Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is useful for children and confused patients
because of the speed of operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what patients: CORRECT ANS:- -patients with
an ear disorder or ear drainage
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 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
ANS:- 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 ANS:- Apical Pulse
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: CORRECT ANS:- Irregular heart rate and
for infants and small children.
, Respiratory Characteristics CORRECT ANS:- Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
Respiratory Rate CORRECT ANS:- Is the number of respirations per minute.
Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate CORRECT ANS:- 12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: CORRECT ANS:- One inspiration (inhale) and One
Expiration (exhale).
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: CORRECT ANS:- Count respirations for 30 seconds
then multiplied by two or count for a full minute.
Define Apnea CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 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 ANS:- Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs
during sleep. It may also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm CORRECT ANS:- Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can
vary with age: infants have an irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes CORRECT ANS:- This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing
rate.
Define Orthopnea CORRECT ANS:- This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an
upright position.
Define Respiratory Depth CORRECT ANS:- Refers to the amount of air that is inspired
and expired during each respiration.
Define Hypoventilation CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation CORRECT ANS:- State in which there is an increased amount of
air entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure CORRECT ANS:- 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).
STUDY GUIDE FOR CCMA 2022
For more information email:
Chief Complaint Definition CORRECT ANS:- The reason why the patient came to see the
physician.
Chief Complaint Abbreviation CORRECT ANS:- CC
History of Present Illness Abbreviation CORRECT ANS:- HPI
History of Present Illness Definition CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- PFSH
Past Medical History Definition CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 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 ANS:- Includes marital status, occupation,
educational attainment, hobbies, use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and lifestyles.
Review of Systems Abbreviation CORRECT ANS:- ROS
Review of Systems Definition CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- Body Temperature, Respiration,
Heart Function
4 Vital Signs of Body Function are: CORRECT ANS:- Temperature, Pulse, Respiration,
Blood Pressure
Define Body Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is a balance between heart production and
heart loss in conjunction with each other, maintained and regulated by the hypothalamus.
,Thermometers CORRECT ANS:- Are used to measure temperature using the Fahrenheit
and Centigrade or Celsius scale.
Temperature Sites CORRECT ANS:- Mouth, Rectum, Ear (Tympanic Membrane), and the
axilla (underarm).
Normal Temperature Range for Rectal CORRECT ANS:- 98.6F to 100.6F
37.0C to 38.1C
Normal Temperature Range for Oral CORRECT ANS:- 97.6F to 99.6F
36.5C to 37.5C
Normal Temperature Range for Axillary CORRECT ANS:- 96.6F to 98.6F
35.9C to 37.0C
Normal Temperature Range for Tympanic Membrane CORRECT ANS:- 98.6 F
37 C
Define Febrile CORRECT ANS:- Presence of Fever
Define Afebrile CORRECT ANS:- Absence of Fever
Define Fever CORRECT ANS:- Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Intermittent Fever CORRECT ANS:- Fluctuating fever that returns to or below baseline
then rises again.
Remittent Fever CORRECT ANS:- Fluctuating fever that remains elevated; it does not
return to baseline temperature.
Continuous Fever CORRECT ANS:- A fever that remains constant above the baseline; it
does not fluctuate.
Oral Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is the most common method of measurement.
Oral Temperature is not taken from what patients: CORRECT ANS:- -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 ANS:- 30 minutes
When taking an oral temperature how long do you leave the thermometer in the patient's
mouth? CORRECT ANS:- 3-5 minutes
Rectal Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is taken when oral temperature is not feasible.
Rectal Temperature is not taken from what patients: CORRECT ANS:- -patient's with
heart disease
-patients with rectal disease or disorder or has had rectal surgery
-patients with diarrhea
Axillary Temperature CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 5-10 minutes
Tympanic Temperature CORRECT ANS:- Is useful for children and confused patients
because of the speed of operation.
Tympanic Temperature is not taken from what patients: CORRECT ANS:- -patients with
an ear disorder or ear drainage
When taking a Tympanic Temperature: CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 60 to 100 beats per minute
The site most commonly used for taking a pulse is: CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 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
ANS:- 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 ANS:- Apical Pulse
Taking an apical pulse is used for patients with: CORRECT ANS:- Irregular heart rate and
for infants and small children.
, Respiratory Characteristics CORRECT ANS:- Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
Respiratory Rate CORRECT ANS:- Is the number of respirations per minute.
Normal Adult Range of Respiratory Rate CORRECT ANS:- 12 to 20 per minute
What counts as one respirations: CORRECT ANS:- One inspiration (inhale) and One
Expiration (exhale).
How is a Respiratory Rate calculated: CORRECT ANS:- Count respirations for 30 seconds
then multiplied by two or count for a full minute.
Define Apnea CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- 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 ANS:- Decrease in numbers of respirations. This occurs
during sleep. It may also be due to certain diseases.
Define Respiratory Rhythm CORRECT ANS:- Refers to the pattern of breathing. It can
vary with age: infants have an irregular rhythm while adults have regular.
Define Cheyne-Stokes CORRECT ANS:- This is a regular pattern of irregular breathing
rate.
Define Orthopnea CORRECT ANS:- This is difficulty or inability to breath unless in an
upright position.
Define Respiratory Depth CORRECT ANS:- Refers to the amount of air that is inspired
and expired during each respiration.
Define Hypoventilation CORRECT ANS:- 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 ANS:- Abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing.
Define Hyperventilation CORRECT ANS:- State in which there is an increased amount of
air entering the lungs.
Define Blood Pressure CORRECT ANS:- 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).
