General patient care is 28 of the 150 scored items on the NHA CCMA. Answer 10 exam style questions on immunizations and specialty procedures and see exactly which concepts would cost you points on test day.
Start the 10 questions →Before giving any vaccine, which step is essential besides giving the Vaccine Information Statement?
These questions cover immunizations, obstetrics, orthopedics, therapeutic modalities and diagnostic imaging. Each one shows the correct answer and why every other option is wrong, so a miss tells you exactly what to review before the CCMA.
Prefer to read first? Every question from the practice set above, with the correct answer and why each wrong option is wrong.
Answer: A. Screening for contraindications and precautions, such as prior severe reactions, allergies, pregnancy, or immune problems, is done before every vaccine.
Why not B: Weight alone is not screening.
Why not C: Vaccines must not be heated.
Why not D: Shaking is not a screening step; mix each vaccine exactly as its package insert directs.
Exam tactic: Screen before every shot.
Answer: A. Naegele's rule: add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period, subtract 3 months, and add 1 year. March 10 + 7 days = March 17; minus 3 months = December 17.
Why not B: This subtracts only 2 months.
Why not C: This subtracts 4 months.
Why not D: This forgets to add 7 days.
Exam tactic: LMP + 7 days − 3 months + 1 year.
Answer: B. The crutch top should be about 1.5 to 2 inches (2 to 3 finger widths) below the axilla, with elbows slightly bent (about 30 degrees) at the hand grips.
Why not A: 12 inches is far too low.
Why not C: The waist is far too low.
Why not D: Pressure in the axilla can damage nerves.
Exam tactic: Two to three fingers below the armpit.
Answer: D. Cold constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and pain in the acute phase. Heat is typically used later to improve circulation and relax muscles, as ordered.
Why not A: Deep massage may worsen acute injury.
Why not B: Heat can increase swelling in the acute phase.
Why not C: Rest is recommended initially.
Exam tactic: Acute = cold; later = heat.
Answer: C. MRI uses a strong magnet. Pacemakers, some implants, metal fragments, and other devices must be identified before the scan.
Why not A: Shoe size is irrelevant.
Why not B: Diet is usually less critical.
Why not D: Glasses are removed but are not the key screening question.
Exam tactic: MRI = magnet: screen for metal.
Answer: D. Patients usually follow a clear liquid diet and take a prescribed bowel preparation so the colon is clean for viewing. Instructions come from the ordering provider or facility.
Why not A: Fatty meals leave residue.
Why not B: Hydration is important during prep.
Why not C: Fiber leaves residue in the colon.
Exam tactic: Clear liquids + prep.
Answer: B. Antihistamines block the skin reaction and can cause false-negative results. The provider tells the patient which medications to stop and for how long.
Why not A: Vitamins do not typically interfere.
Why not C: Antacids do not typically interfere.
Why not D: Eye drops do not typically interfere.
Exam tactic: Antihistamines hide skin reactions.
Answer: C. The percussion hammer taps tendons, such as the patellar tendon, to assess reflexes.
Why not A: The otoscope examines the ear.
Why not B: A speculum opens a body cavity for viewing.
Why not D: A tuning fork tests hearing and vibration.
Exam tactic: Reflexes = hammer.
Answer: A. A pediatric urine collection bag adheres to the cleaned genital area. It is checked often and removed as soon as the specimen is obtained. Catheter collection, when needed for culture, is done by qualified staff per order.
Why not B: A jug is for toilet-trained patients collecting over 24 hours.
Why not C: A throat swab collects throat specimens.
Why not D: A capillary tube collects blood.
Exam tactic: Infant urine = collection bag.
Answer: D. Influenza vaccination is recommended annually for most people 6 months and older, because flu viruses change and protection wanes.
Why not A: One dose does not give lifelong protection.
Why not B: Every 5 years is not the schedule.
Why not C: Every 10 years is the tetanus schedule.
Exam tactic: Flu shot: every season.
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