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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.
NHA CCMA
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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
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
NHA CCMA
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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.
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
NHA CCMA
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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).
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.
NHA CCMA
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.
NHA CCMA
,2|Page
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
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
NHA CCMA
,3|Page
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.
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
NHA CCMA
, 4|Page
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).
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.
NHA CCMA
