Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant
(CPCT/A) Mock Examination
1. A CPCT is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with Tuberculosis. Which of the
following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when entering the patient’s room?
A. Surgical mask and gloves.
B. Gown and face shield.
C. N95 respirator.
D. Double gloves and goggles.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions because the bacteria are carried
on very small droplets that remain suspended in the air. An N95 respirator is specifically
designed to filter out these microscopic particles, whereas a standard surgical mask does
not provide adequate filtration. Ensuring staff use the correct level of respiratory
protection is vital to preventing the nosocomial spread of infectious respiratory diseases.
2. While assisting a patient with ambulation, the patient suddenly becomes dizzy and begins
to fall. Which action should the CPCT take first?
A. Step behind the patient and use a gait belt to guide them to the floor.
B. Grab the patient by the arms to pull them upright.
C. Leave the patient to find a nurse or call for help.
,D. Attempt to carry the patient back to the bed immediately.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When a patient begins to fall, the technician’s priority is to minimize the
impact and prevent injury to both the patient and themselves. By widening their stance and
using the gait belt, the CPCT can slide the patient down their own leg to the floor in a
controlled manner. Attempting to catch or lift a falling patient can lead to serious
musculoskeletal injuries for the staff member and a more traumatic fall for the patient.
3. A CPCT is measuring a patient’s blood pressure and notices the cuff is too small for the
patient’s arm. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be falsely high.
C. The reading will be accurate regardless of size.
D. The systolic will be low but the diastolic will be high.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small requires more pressure to
occlude the artery, resulting in a measurement that is higher than the patient’s actual blood
pressure. Proper cuff sizing is essential for clinical accuracy, as incorrect readings can lead
to unnecessary medication changes or missed diagnoses of hypertension. The technician
must ensure the bladder of the cuff encircles 80% of the arm to obtain a valid result.
, 4. Which of the following is the correct procedure for providing oral care to an unconscious
patient?
A. Place the patient in a supine position with the head of the bed flat.
B. Use a large amount of water to rinse the mouth thoroughly.
C. Brush the teeth once every 24 hours only.
D. Position the patient in a side-lying (lateral) position.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: An unconscious patient is at high risk for aspiration because they cannot
protect their own airway. Placing the patient in a lateral position allows fluids to drain out
of the mouth rather than down the throat. This safety measure is a fundamental aspect of
hygiene for vulnerable patients to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
5. A CPCT is instructed to collect a 24-hour urine specimen. Which of the following
instructions should be given to the patient?
A. Discard the first void and then collect all subsequent urine for 24 hours.
B. Include the first void of the morning in the collection container.
C. Keep the specimen at room temperature on the bedside table.
D. Only collect urine when it appears dark or concentrated.
Correct Answer: A
(CPCT/A) Mock Examination
1. A CPCT is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with Tuberculosis. Which of the
following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when entering the patient’s room?
A. Surgical mask and gloves.
B. Gown and face shield.
C. N95 respirator.
D. Double gloves and goggles.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions because the bacteria are carried
on very small droplets that remain suspended in the air. An N95 respirator is specifically
designed to filter out these microscopic particles, whereas a standard surgical mask does
not provide adequate filtration. Ensuring staff use the correct level of respiratory
protection is vital to preventing the nosocomial spread of infectious respiratory diseases.
2. While assisting a patient with ambulation, the patient suddenly becomes dizzy and begins
to fall. Which action should the CPCT take first?
A. Step behind the patient and use a gait belt to guide them to the floor.
B. Grab the patient by the arms to pull them upright.
C. Leave the patient to find a nurse or call for help.
,D. Attempt to carry the patient back to the bed immediately.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When a patient begins to fall, the technician’s priority is to minimize the
impact and prevent injury to both the patient and themselves. By widening their stance and
using the gait belt, the CPCT can slide the patient down their own leg to the floor in a
controlled manner. Attempting to catch or lift a falling patient can lead to serious
musculoskeletal injuries for the staff member and a more traumatic fall for the patient.
3. A CPCT is measuring a patient’s blood pressure and notices the cuff is too small for the
patient’s arm. What effect will this have on the reading?
A. The reading will be falsely low.
B. The reading will be falsely high.
C. The reading will be accurate regardless of size.
D. The systolic will be low but the diastolic will be high.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small requires more pressure to
occlude the artery, resulting in a measurement that is higher than the patient’s actual blood
pressure. Proper cuff sizing is essential for clinical accuracy, as incorrect readings can lead
to unnecessary medication changes or missed diagnoses of hypertension. The technician
must ensure the bladder of the cuff encircles 80% of the arm to obtain a valid result.
, 4. Which of the following is the correct procedure for providing oral care to an unconscious
patient?
A. Place the patient in a supine position with the head of the bed flat.
B. Use a large amount of water to rinse the mouth thoroughly.
C. Brush the teeth once every 24 hours only.
D. Position the patient in a side-lying (lateral) position.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: An unconscious patient is at high risk for aspiration because they cannot
protect their own airway. Placing the patient in a lateral position allows fluids to drain out
of the mouth rather than down the throat. This safety measure is a fundamental aspect of
hygiene for vulnerable patients to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
5. A CPCT is instructed to collect a 24-hour urine specimen. Which of the following
instructions should be given to the patient?
A. Discard the first void and then collect all subsequent urine for 24 hours.
B. Include the first void of the morning in the collection container.
C. Keep the specimen at room temperature on the bedside table.
D. Only collect urine when it appears dark or concentrated.
Correct Answer: A
