PCT Certification Exam Questions and Answers 2024/2025, Exams of Nursing

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PCT: PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN

CERTIFICATION EXAM 2024/

UPDATE!!!(ALREADY GRADED A

QUESTIONS ANDVERIFIED ANSWERS)

1. A PCT is to collect a 2 hr postprandial glucose by dermal puncture. Upon entering the room, she sees the patient pushing away the overbed table with the lunch tray still on it. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: ask the patient if they've eaten in the last 2 hrs
2. How frequently should a PCT disinfect the EKG machine ✓ Answer: after every use
3. A PCT is preparing to place electrodes for an EKG on a patient who has large breasts. In which of the following locations should the technician place electrodes V4 and V5? ✓ Answer: in the closest position possible to normal, underneath the breast
4. A PCT is assisting an nurse to bathe a patient who has a colostomy. Which of the following cleansing agents should the technician use to clean the skin around the stoma? ✓ Answer: warm water
5. A PCT is caring for a patient who is receiving an enteral feeding via an NG tube. In which of the following positions should the technician place the patient?

Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: ✓ Answer: Semi Fowler's

6. A PCT is transporting a blood specimen in aluminum foil. The technician should identify that the specimen is wrapped in aluminum foil for which of the following reasons? ✓ protect specimen from light
7. A PCT should identify that a health care facilities infection and control program is required by which of the following institutions? ✓ Joint Commission
8. A PCT is caring for a patient who is receiving hospice care. The patient states that she wants to stay alive long enough to see her first grandchild, who is due to be born in q few months. Which of the following stages of grief does this statement reflect? ✓ Bargaining
9. A PCT is performing a venipuncture for a patient and observes a hematoma developing at the needle insertion site. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Apply pressure for at least 5 min
10. A PCT should identify that which of the following terms is used when referring to infections that can be spread to patients? ✓ Health care-associated infection
11. For which of the following procedures should a PCT use sterile technique?

Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: ✓ Answer: Inserting straight catheter

12. A PCT is preparing to perform a venipuncture for a patient. Which of the following patient identifiers should the technician use to verify the patient's identity? ✓ name and date of birth
13. A PCT is preparing to label a patients specimen tube following blood collection. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Face the patient while labeling the tube
14. a PCT is removing soiled gloves. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Grab the outside of one cuff with the other gloved hand
15. A PCT in a hospital is preparing to sterilize equipment that was soiled with blood. Which of the following methods should the technician use? ✓ Autoclave
16. Which of the following terms refers to the complete destruction of all forms of micro- organisms when providing patient care? ✓ Sterilization

17. If a patient has influenza, is coughing, a PCT should understand that the cough is which of the following: links in the chain of infection? ✓ Answer: Mode of transmission
18. A PCT is using a new disinfectant to clean a soiled mattress. The technician notes a skull and cross bones symbol on the label of the disinfectant. Which of the following hazards does the symbol indicate? ✓ Answer: Acute toxicity
19. A PCT is providing oral care to a patient who wears upper and lower dentures. Which of the following actions should the technician take when reinserting the dentures? ✓ Answer: Replace the upper denture before the lower denture.
20. Which of the following actions should a PCT take to verify the quality of venipuncture supplies before beginning a blood draw? ✓ Answer: Inspect the integrity of the needle's seal
21. A PCT is caring for a group of 4 patients. The technician should immediately notify a nurse for which of the following patients? ✓ Answer: A patient who reports chest pain
22. A PCT should identify that which of the following laboratory tests requires chain of custody protocol? ✓ Answer: Blood Alcohol Level

23. A PCT is assisting a weight bearing patient from a wheelchair to the toilet in a patient's bathroom. Which of the following actions should the technician take to keep the patient safe during transfer? ✓ Answer: Lock the wheels on the wheelchair
24. A PCT is responding to an adult patient who is experiencing ventricular tachycardia and has become unresponsive. The technician should palpate the patient's pulse using which of the following sites? ✓ Answer: Carotid
25. A PCT is applying anti-embolism stockings to a patient. The technician should identify that the provider has prescribed these stockings for which of the following reasons? ✓ Answer: To reduce risk of deep vein thrombosis
26. When should a PCT compare the code on glucose cuvettes to the code on the glucometer? ✓ Answer: when a patient is tested
27. A PCT is preparing to bathe a patient who has diarrhea and has soiled the bed. Which of the following actions should the technician take to control the spread of infection? ✓ Answer: wear gloves

Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer:

28. A PCT should identify that which of the following procedures is most commonly used to obtain a routine urinalysis specimen from an adult pateint? ✓ clean-catch midstream collection
29. A PCT should identify that which of the following situation would likely cause somatic interference during EKG testing? ✓ a patient who is experiencing a seizure
30. A PCT is performing a 12-lead EKG for a patient. In which of the following locations should a technician place the V4-lead? ✓ fifth intercostal at the midclavicular line
31. A PCT is performing a 12-lead EKG for a patient. The technician should identify that which of the following heart rates indicates bradycardia? ✓ 50/min
32. APCT is assisting a patient with bowel elimination. Which of the following actions should the technician take to promote relaxation and emotional support? ✓ play soft music at patient's bedside
33. A PCT is assisting a patient who recently had a stroke and has left-sided weakness. Which of the following instructions should the technician provide when assisting the patient to learn how to use a cane? ✓ hold the cane on the strongest side of the body (right)

34. A PCT is assisting with the care of a 3 year old child who has several bruises on the arm in several stages of healing. The child's guardian states that the child falls down a lot. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: report the signs of injury to a supervisor
35. A PCT is caring for a patient who has a large wound on the upper thigh that is draining purulent fluid. The technician should identify that this wound will most likely heal by which of the following processes? ✓ Answer: Granulation tissue will fill the wound and a large scar will form.
36. Which of the following actions should a PCT take to help prevent healthcare-associated infections? ✓ Answer: follow standard precautions when caring for patients who have surgical incisions.
37. A PCT is caring for a 5 year old child who reports pain. Which of the following pain scales should the technician use to measure the child's pain? ✓ Answer: wong-baker FACES
38. A PCT is applying a sequential compression device to a patient. The technician should plan to remove the SCD at which of the following times? ✓ Answer: Every 8 hours

Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer:

39. A PCT is preparing to apply restraints to a patient. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ apply the restraints over the patient's clothing
40. A PCT is caring for a patient whose roommate asks about her diagnosis. The technician should identify that disclosing this information would violate which of the following? ✓ Patient Bill of Rights
41. To PCT is obtaining vital signs for a patient and notices the patient's temperature is higher than normal. Which of the following actions should a technician take? ✓ notify the nurse
42. A PCT is performing post mortem care for a patient who is scheduled for an autopsy. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ collect and document the patient's valuables
43. A PCT is collecting a urine specimen from a patient. The technician should identify that which of the following urine characteristics is unexpected? ✓ red-tinged urine
44. A PCT is preparing to collect a stool specimen from a patient. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ prevent contaminating specimen with urine

45. A PCT is caring for several adult patients. Which of the following findings should the technician report to the nurse first? ✓ Answer: apical pulse of 108/minute
46. A PCT should identify that patients benefit from the use of electronic health record systems in which of the following ways? ✓ Answer: Patient receives improved coordination of care
47. A PCT should identify that which of the following represents the first link in chain of infection? ✓ Answer: Infectious agent
48. A PCT is assisting in the care of a patient who has a wound left to heal by way of granulation. How often should this wound be redressed? ✓ Answer: Every 24 hrs
49. A PCT is manually transferring a patient who has a right-sided weakness from the bed to the wheelchair. Which of the following methods should the technician use to promote proper body mechanics? ✓ Answer: Grasp the back of the transfer belt and have the patient stand using the stronger side while lifting with his legs an keeping back straight

50. A PCT is changing a patient's bedding and receives a needle stick. Which of the following actions should the technician take first? ✓ Answer: Wash infected area with antimicrobial soap
51. A PCT is caring for a patient who is in the acceptance stage of the grieving process. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: Stay with the patient and allow them to talk or remain silent
52. A PCT must invert anticoagulant tubes to prevent which of the following? ✓ Answer: clotting
53. A PCT is caring for a patient who is 8 hr postoperative following a repair of a fractured femur. Which of the following vital sign values should the technician report to the nurse? ✓ Answer: Blood Pressure 180/101 mm Hg
54. A PCT is caring for a patient who is at risk for pressure ulcers. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: Reposition every 2 hrs
55. A PCT has orders to collect blood cultures, CBC, PTT, and an iron panel. He forgets to draw for the PTT. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: Keep the specimens collected and draw for PTT

56. A provider requests that a PCT collect blood specimen from a patient for blood cultures, hematology, and coagulation studies. Which of the following should the technician fill first when performing the venipuncture? ✓ Answer: blood cultures
57. A PCT is assisting a nurse with the care of a patient who has recently given birth vaginally. Which of the following bathing techniques should the technician use? ✓ Answer: sitz bath
58. A PCT should identify that which of the following provides residents in long-term care facilities with the right to be free of physical or psychological abuse? ✓ Answer: omnibus budget reconciliation act
59. A PCT is measuring intake for a patient who has consumed 2 ounces of iced tea, 6 ounces of chicken broth, and 4 ounces of flavored gelatin. Which of the following amounts is the patient's total intake? ✓ Answer: 360 mL
60. A PCT is obtaining a blood specimen from a patient. The technician should identify that which of the following errors could cause specimen hemolysis? ✓ Answer: transporting the tubes horizontally
61. A PCT is documenting in a patient's EHR. Which of the following abbreviations should the technician avoid using?

✓ Answer: U

62. A PCT is reviewing quality improvement tools. Which of the following tools attempts to improve patient safety and the quality of healthcare by eliminating unnecessary processes and redirecting resources to patient needs? ✓ Answer: lean methodology
63. A PCT is changing the linen for a patient who is prescribed contact precautions for C. diff. The technician finds the disposable underpad is heavily soiled with blood and feces. The technician should dispose of the pad in which of the following containers? ✓ Answer: bio-hazard waste container
64. A PCT is preparing to perform passive range of motion exercises for a patient. Which of the following motions should the technician perform on the patient's elbow? ✓ Answer: flexion
65. A PCT is transferring a weight bearing patient from a wheelchair to the bed. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the technician use? ✓ Answer: a gait belt
66. A PCT is caring for a patient who has died. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: position a pillow under patient's head

67. A PCT is caring for a patient who is at risk for falls. At which of the following times should the technician check and document on this patient? ✓ Answer: Every 1 hr
68. Which of the following actions is outside the scope of practice for a PCT? ✓ Answer: Receiving a medication prescription
69. A patient tells a PCT, "I don't like the overnight staff bc nobody ever comes to help me use the bathroom when I use the call light. Please don't tell anyone bc I don't want them to ignore me more." Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: inform the patient that this concern will be reported to the charge nurse
70. A PCT is preparing to perform an antecubital venipuncture and has cleansed the site. The technician palpates the vein again with a gloved finger. Which of the following actions should the technician take next? ✓ Answer: Cleanse site
71. A PCT can be instrumental in preventing sentinel events by taking which of the following actions? ✓ Answer: Ensuring proper application of all safety reminder devices
72. A PCT informs a nurse about swelling at a patient peripheral IV site. The technician should recognize that which of the following is the most likely cause of this finding?

✓ Answer: Catheter infiltration

73. A PCT is emptying a patient's bedside commode and accidentally splashes urine in his eyes. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Answer: Wash eyes out for 10 min
74. A PCT is assisting a patient who is recovering from abdominal surgery with deep- breathing and coughing exercises. Which of the following findings should the technician expect to observe in the patient? ✓ Answer: Cleared airway blockage of fluid and mucus
75. A PCT is preparing to weigh a patient who is at risk for falls. Which of the following actions should the technician take when using a mechanical scale to weigh the patient? ✓ Answer: Place a walker over the scale for the patient to use as support
76. The PCT is caring for a patient who is to begin wearing a Holtar monitor. Which of the following statements by a patient indicates understanding of the device? ✓ Answer: " I will keep a complete activity diary during monitoring"
77. A PCT is performing a venipuncture to collect a blood specimen for a patient. Which of the following actions should the technician take to reduce risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens? ✓ Answer: Dispose of needles in sharps container.

78. A PCT is performing an EKG for a patient. The technician should recognize that the vertical projections in the image below are a result of which of the following. ✓ Answer: pamaker spikes
79. A PCT is caring for a group of 4 patients. The technician should immediately notify a nurse for which of the following patients? ✓ Answer: A patient who reports chest pain
80. A patient care technician is assisting a nurse to change a dressing on a surgical wound. The wound should not have contact with air or oxygen. Which of the following types of dressing should the technician expect the nurse to use? ✓ Answer: Occlusive
81. A patient care technician is caring for a patient who has significant hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the technician take to communicate with the patient? ✓ Answer: Use a picture board to provide instructions
82. A patient care technician is taking a patient's oximetry reading. The technician cannot get the reading to appear on the monitor. Which of the following could be the cause? ✓ Answer: The patient has a blood pressure of 84/62 mm Hg with cold finger and hands
83. A patient care technician is caring for a patient whose daughter is visiting. The daughter asks about the health of the patient's roommate. which of the following statements by the technician is an appropriate response?

✓ Answer: "You can ask the patient about his condition"

84. A patient care technician is providing instructions to a new;y hired technician about transporting and handling blood specimens. Which of the following instructions should the technician include? ✓ Answer: Ensure the blood specimen transport bag has a liquid-tight closure
85. A patient care technician is monitoring a patient who has severe hypertension. Which of the following findings related to the patient's condition should the technician report to the nurse immediately? ✓ Answer: The patient's lower limbs show pitting edema
86. A patient care technician is caring for a patient who suddenly becomes unresponsive. Which of the following actions should the technician take first? ✓ Answer: Tap the patient's shoulders and ask "are you ok?"
87. A patient care technician should identify that which of the following structures of the heart is immediately affected if a sinoatrial (SA) node fails? ✓ Answer: Atrioventricular (AV) node
88. A PCT is caring for a patient who has a stage II pressure ulcer. Which of the following findings should the technician expect? ✓ Answer: Blister-like appearance

Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer:

89. A PCT us assisting with the physical examination of an older adult patient. Which of the following statements by the patient indicated a risk of elder abuse? ✓ "I live alone and I don't get many visitors"
90. A PCT is preparing to transport a patient via a stretcher. Which of the following actions should the technician take when transferring the patient from a bed to the stretcher? ✓ Raise the patient's bed to the same height as the stretcher
91. A PCT should identify that which of the following is the most commonly used paper speeds for an EKG machine? ✓ 25 mm/sec
92. A PCT is caring for a patient who has an ostomy. Which of the following actions should the technician take when providing ostomy care? ✓ Use toilet paper to wipe around the stoma
93. A PCT is caring for a patient who requires oral suctioning. Which of the following actions should the technician take? ✓ Limit suctioning to nor more than 15 sec at a time
94. A PCT enters the room of a patient who is receiving oxygen and finds the nasal cannula on the floor. Which of the following actions should the technician take?

✓ Answer: Obtain a new cannula, connect it, and place it on the patient

95. A PCT is preparing to determine the pulse rate of a patient who has atrial fibrillation. Which of the following methods should the technician use? ✓ Answer: Manually, using the apical area
96. Which of the following assistive devices should a patient care technician use to improve vertebral alignment in a patient who is immobile? ✓ Answer: bed board
97. A PCT is assisting during mealtime with a patient who is at risk of dysphagia. The technician should identify that which of the following foods should be calculated as intake for the intake and output record? ✓ Answer: chocolate pudding
98. A PCT is reinforcing teaching about using an incentive spirometer with a patient. Which of the following instructions should the technician include? ✓ Answer: "The goal is to get the ball to rise in the chamber of the incentive spirometer"
99. A PCT is preparing to assist a patient to ambulate using a gait belt. Which of the following statements should the technician make? ✓ Answer: "You can support yourself by holding onto my arms"

100. A PCT has conflict with another technician. Which of the following actions should the technician take first? ✓ Answer: Discuss these concerns with the other technician in private
101. A nurse instructs a PCT to perform a procedure. The technician then considers whether the procedure is within their scope of practice. Which of the following five rights of delegation is the technician following? ✓ Answer: The right task