Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Medical Assistant Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• The medical assistant’s primary responsibility in administering a

medication is to:

• Diagnose the patient
• Verify the medication and dose
• Decide the patient’s treatment plan
• Prescribe alternative medication

Answer: B. Verify the medication and dose

Rationale: Medical assistants cannot diagnose or prescribe. Their role is to

ensure the correct medication, dose, route, and patient identity are verified before administration. 1 / 4

• Which of the following is the correct position for a patient undergoing

an abdominal examination?

• Supine
• Lithotomy
• Prone
• Sims

Answer: A. Supine

Rationale: The supine position, lying flat on the back, allows easy access to

the abdomen for palpation and auscultation.

• Which of the following is an example of a subjective symptom?
• Fever of 101°F
• Rash
• Pain rating of 7/10
• Swelling

Answer: C. Pain rating of 7/10

Rationale: Subjective symptoms are reported by the patient, such as pain,

nausea, or fatigue, rather than observed by the provider.

• What is the normal adult heart rate range?
• 30–50 bpm
• 50–70 bpm
• 60–100 bpm
• 100–120 bpm 2 / 4

Answer: C. 60–100 bpm

Rationale: A normal resting adult heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute.

• Which organization is responsible for establishing clinical laboratory

standards in the United States?

A. FDA

B. CLIA

C. CDC

D. OSHA

Answer: B. CLIA

Rationale: The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) set

federal standards for all laboratory testing performed on humans.

• The medical assistant should use which of the following when collecting

a blood specimen to prevent hemolysis?

• Pulling the tube rapidly
• Mixing gently
• Shaking vigorously
• Using a small gauge needle only

Answer: B. Mixing gently

Rationale: Gentle inversion of tubes ensures proper mixing with

anticoagulants without damaging red blood cells.

• Which of the following is considered a vital sign?
• Height 3 / 4

• Weight
• Respiration rate
• Blood sugar

Answer: C. Respiration rate

Rationale: Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood

pressure.

• Which of the following describes standard precautions?
• Washing hands only when visibly soiled
• Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) only for sick patients
• Wearing gloves only when drawing blood

Answer: B. Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious

Rationale: Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of

transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings.

• Which immunization is required for healthcare personnel who have

direct patient contact?

• Hepatitis B

B. MMR

• Polio
• Tetanus only
• / 4