Certified Medication Aide (CMA) — All Questions

The order is 500 mg. The tablets on hand are 250 mg each. How many tablets should the aide give? (tablets = ordered ÷ available)

• a.3 tablets
• b.2 tablets✓
• c.1/2 tablet
• d.1 tablet

Using tablets = ordered dose ÷ available strength = 500 mg ÷ 250 mg = 2 tablets. Always confirm the calculated amount is a reasonable, safe number of tablets.

The order is 0.5 g of a medication. The tablets available are 500 mg each. How many tablets are needed? (First convert 0.5 g to mg.)

• a.1/2 tablet
• b.1 tablet✓
• c.5 tablets
• d.2 tablets

Convert grams to milligrams: 0.5 g × 1000 = 500 mg, then tablets = 500 mg ÷ 500 mg = 1 tablet. Converting to the same unit before dividing prevents serious dosing errors.

The order is 750 mg. Tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets should be given?

• a.4 tablets
• b.2 tablets
• c.3 tablets✓
• d.1 tablet

tablets = 750 mg ÷ 250 mg = 3 tablets. The result is a whole number of scored or unscored tablets, which the aide double-checks against the order.

A liquid medication is ordered as 250 mg. The bottle is labeled 125 mg per 5 mL. How many mL should the aide give? (mL = ordered ÷ available strength × volume)

• a.10 mL✓
• b.5 mL
• c.15 mL
• d.2.5 mL

Set up the ratio: 250 mg ÷ 125 mg = 2, then 2 × 5 mL = 10 mL. Liquid calculations use the concentration (mg per mL) provided on the label.

An order calls for 1 teaspoon of a liquid. How many mL is this equal to?

• a.1 mL
• b.5 mL✓
• c.3 mL
• d.2 mL

One teaspoon (tsp) equals 5 mL, a standard household-to-metric conversion. Using an accurate measuring device rather than a kitchen spoon ensures the correct volume.

A resident is ordered 15 mL of a liquid. How many teaspoons is that?

• a.5 teaspoons
• b.3 teaspoons✓
• c.15 teaspoons
• d.1 teaspoon

Since 1 tsp = 5 mL, then 15 mL ÷ 5 mL = 3 teaspoons (also equal to 1 tablespoon). Converting correctly avoids under- or overdosing when household measures are used.

The order is 1000 mg. How many grams is that?

• a.100 g
• b.0.1 g
• c.1 g✓
• d.10 g

Because 1 g = 1000 mg, then 1000 mg = 1 g. Moving between grams and milligrams requires multiplying or dividing by 1000.

The order is 125 mg and tablets are 250 mg (scored). How many tablets should be given?

• a.1/2 tablet✓
• b.1/4 tablet
• c.2 tablets
• d.1 tablet

tablets = 125 mg ÷ 250 mg = 0.5, or one-half tablet, which is possible only if the tablet is scored. If a tablet is not scored or should not be split, the aide checks with the nurse or pharmacy.

A medication label reads 100 mg per tablet, and the order is for 300 mg twice a day. How many tablets are given PER DOSE?

• a.6 tablets
• b.2 tablets
• c.3 tablets✓
• d.1 tablet

Per dose: 300 mg ÷ 100 mg = 3 tablets, given twice daily (6 tablets total per day). The aide calculates the amount for a single dose, not the daily total, at each administration.

Convert 2 g to milligrams.

• a.200 mg
• b.20 mg
• c.0.002 mg
• d.2000 mg✓

Multiply grams by 1000: 2 g × 1000 = 2000 mg. Keeping units consistent is critical before performing any dosage division.

The order is 20 mg of a liquid concentrated at 10 mg/mL. How many mL should the aide draw up?

• a.20 mL
• b.2 mL✓
• c.0.5 mL
• d.1 mL

Using the concentration: 20 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL = 2 mL. Dimensional analysis cancels the mg units and leaves the correct volume in mL.

An order reads 'give 5 mL.' Using a household conversion, this equals approximately:

• a.1 teaspoon✓
• b.1 tablespoon
• c.2 teaspoons
• d.1/2 teaspoon

5 mL equals 1 teaspoon. A calibrated oral syringe or medicine cup should be used because kitchen spoons vary in size.

The order is 0.25 mg and the tablets available are 0.125 mg each. How many tablets should be given?

• a.4 tablets
• b.1/2 tablet
• c.1 tablet
• d.2 tablets✓

tablets = 0.25 mg ÷ 0.125 mg = 2 tablets. Careful handling of decimals prevents ten-fold dosing errors, which are a common cause of harm.

A resident needs 30 mL of a liquid. How many tablespoons is this (1 tbsp = 15 mL)?

• a.1 tablespoon
• b.6 tablespoons
• c.2 tablespoons✓
• d.3 tablespoons

Since 1 tablespoon = 15 mL, then 30 mL ÷ 15 mL = 2 tablespoons. Confirming the household equivalent helps when a metric device is unavailable, though a calibrated device is preferred.

Ratio and proportion: if 250 mg is contained in 5 mL, how many mL contain 100 mg? (Set 250/5 = 100/x)

• a.4 mL
• b.5 mL
• c.2 mL✓
• d.1 mL

Cross-multiplying: 250x = 5 × 100 = 500, so x = 2 mL. Ratio and proportion is a reliable method for liquid dosage problems when units match.

An order is written for 1.5 g. The available tablets are 500 mg each. How many tablets are needed?

• a.5 tablets
• b.1 tablet
• c.2 tablets
• d.3 tablets✓

Convert 1.5 g to 1500 mg, then tablets = 1500 mg ÷ 500 mg = 3 tablets. Converting to a common unit before dividing gives the correct whole-tablet answer.

A dose is scheduled at 21:45. What is that in 12-hour time?

• a.9:45 a.m.
• b.11:45 p.m.
• c.7:45 p.m.
• d.9:45 p.m.✓

For 24-hour times above 12:59, subtract 12 to get the p.m. time: 21 − 12 = 9, so 21:45 is 9:45 p.m.

How is 12:30 a.m. written on a 24-hour clock?

• a.24:30
• b.00:30✓
• c.12:30
• d.13:30

The 12 a.m. hour becomes 00, so 12:30 a.m. is 00:30. 12:30 on a 24-hour clock is half past noon.

The order is 75 mg. The tablets on hand are 50 mg each and are not scored. What should the medication aide do?

• a.Stop and ask the nurse, since 1½ unscored tablets would be needed✓
• b.Break one tablet in half by hand and give 1½ tablets
• c.Give 1 tablet now and note the shortfall for the nurse
• d.Give 2 tablets, since that is the closest whole number

75 ÷ 50 = 1½ tablets. A result that is a fraction of an unscored tablet is a reason to stop and ask the nurse. Rounding, splitting by hand or charting an amount not given are all errors.

A resident on a fluid restriction drinks 1 cup of water with her medications. How many milliliters should be counted?

• a.180 mL
• b.120 mL
• c.300 mL
• d.240 mL✓

Using the standard household equivalents in 21 CFR 101.9, 1 cup = 240 mL. Water given with medications is counted toward a fluid limit as the care plan directs.21 CFR 101.9

A medication is scheduled at 07:00 and 19:00. What are those times in 12-hour form?

• a.7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• b.9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• c.7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• d.7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.✓

07:00 is 7:00 a.m. For 19:00, subtract 12: 19 − 12 = 7, so it is 7:00 p.m.

A calculation for one dose comes out to 8 tablets. What is the best action?

• a.Give 4 tablets now and ask the nurse about the other 4 later
• b.Give 2 tablets and record the dose as given in full on the MAR
• c.Stop and check with the nurse, since a result of more than two or three tablets usually signals an error✓
• d.Give the 8 tablets, because the arithmetic was checked carefully twice and both answers came out exactly the same

If a result is more than two or three tablets, a fraction of an unscored tablet, or an odd volume, stop and ask. A surprising answer almost always means a misread unit, a misplaced decimal or a wrong order.

How is 4:15 p.m. written on a 24-hour clock?

• a.04:15
• b.15:15
• c.14:15
• d.16:15✓

From 1:00 to 11:59 p.m., add 12 to the hour: 4 + 12 = 16, so 4:15 p.m. is 16:15. 04:15 would be 4:15 a.m.

Convert 3 mg to micrograms.

• a.30,000 mcg
• b.300 mcg
• c.3,000 mcg✓
• d.30 mcg

Going from mg to mcg, the number gets bigger: 3 × 1,000 = 3,000 mcg.

How many milligrams of drug are in 1 teaspoon of a suspension labeled 125 mg per 5 mL?

• a.62.5 mg
• b.25 mg
• c.125 mg✓
• d.250 mg

1 teaspoon = 5 mL, and the label says 5 mL contains 125 mg. The liquid is still measured with a device marked in mL, not a kitchen spoon.

During a survey, 40 opportunities for error are observed and 2 errors are found. What is the medication error rate, and does it meet the federal requirement?

• a.2%, which comfortably meets the less-than-5% requirement
• b.5%, which does not meet the less-than-5% requirement✓
• c.5%, which meets the requirement because 5% is allowed
• d.20%, which is far above the less-than-5% federal limit

The rate is errors ÷ opportunities × 100: 2 ÷ 40 × 100 = 5%. Federal rules require a rate of less than 5 percent, so 5% does not meet it.42 CFR 483.45(f)

A resident weighs 50 kg. About how many pounds is that?

• a.110 lb✓
• b.100 lb
• c.52 lb
• d.22.7 lb

1 kg is about 2.2 lb, so multiply kilograms by 2.2: 50 × 2.2 = 110 lb.

How is 12:15 p.m. written on a 24-hour clock?

• a.13:15
• b.00:15
• c.12:15✓
• d.24:15

The 12 p.m. hour stays as it is, so 12:15 p.m. is 12:15. Only 1:00 to 11:59 p.m. add 12 to the hour.

Convert 500 mcg to milligrams.

• a.5 mg
• b.50 mg
• c.0.05 mg
• d.0.5 mg✓

Going from a smaller unit to a larger one, divide by 1,000: 500 ÷ 1,000 = 0.5 mg. Written with a leading zero, never as .5 mg.

Converting from grams to milligrams, which way does the number change?

• a.It gets 1,000 times bigger✓
• b.It gets 1,000 times smaller
• c.It gets 100 times bigger
• d.It stays the same

1 g = 1,000 mg, so a larger unit converted to a smaller one is multiplied by 1,000. For example, 0.5 g = 500 mg.

How many teaspoons are in 1 tablespoon?

• a.2
• b.3✓
• c.4
• d.5

1 teaspoon = 5 mL and 1 tablespoon = 15 mL, so 3 teaspoons make 1 tablespoon.

How many milliliters are in 2 fluid ounces?

• a.30 mL
• b.15 mL
• c.120 mL
• d.60 mL✓

1 fluid ounce = 30 mL, so 2 fluid ounces = 60 mL.

Convert 0.25 mg to micrograms.

• a.250 mcg✓
• b.2,500 mcg
• c.2.5 mcg
• d.25 mcg

1 mg = 1,000 mcg. Going from a larger unit to a smaller one, multiply by 1,000: 0.25 × 1,000 = 250 mcg.

The order is 40 mg of a liquid. The label reads 20 mg per 5 mL. Which volume matches the order?

• a.2 mL
• b.0.5 mL
• c.10 mL✓
• d.20 mL

(40 ÷ 20) × 5 mL = 10 mL. Because the amount differs from the label's 5 mL, it is confirmed with the nurse and state rules before giving.

A resident's daily fluid limit is 1.5 L. How many milliliters is that?

• a.1,500 mL✓
• b.150 mL
• c.15 mL
• d.15,000 mL

1 L = 1,000 mL, so 1.5 L × 1,000 = 1,500 mL.

The order is 0.1 mg. The tablets on hand are labeled 50 mcg each. Which amount matches the order?

• a.1 tablet
• b.20 tablets
• c.2 tablets✓
• d.1/2 tablet

Convert first: 0.1 mg = 100 mcg. Then 100 ÷ 50 = 2 tablets. Because the order and the label strength differ, this is checked with the nurse before giving.

Which device is best for measuring 2.5 mL of an oral liquid medication?

• a.An oral syringe marked in mL✓
• b.A dropper from a different product
• c.A teaspoon from the dining room
• d.A cup marked only in tablespoons

Oral syringes are used for small or exact amounts. The FDA tells consumers not to use a kitchen spoon or a dosing device from a different product.

A resident weighs 132 pounds. About how many kilograms is that?

• a.60 kg✓
• b.132 kg
• c.290 kg
• d.66 kg

1 kg is about 2.2 lb, so divide pounds by 2.2: 132 ÷ 2.2 = 60 kg. Dividing by 2 gives 66, and multiplying by 2.2 goes the wrong way.

The order is 125 mg of a liquid. The label reads 250 mg per 5 mL. Which volume matches the order?

• a.5 mL
• b.2.5 mL✓
• c.0.25 mL
• d.10 mL

(125 ÷ 250) × 5 mL = 0.5 × 5 mL = 2.5 mL, measured in an oral syringe marked in mL.

The order is 300 mg of a liquid. The label reads 100 mg per 5 mL. Which volume matches the order?

• a.1.5 mL
• b.30 mL
• c.5 mL
• d.15 mL✓

(300 ÷ 100) × 5 mL = 3 × 5 mL = 15 mL. An amount this different from the label is confirmed with the nurse first.