CNA / PCT Common Patient Conditions Exam Study
Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Assistants and Patient
Care Technicians | Hypertension, Diabetes,
Respiratory Disorders, Cardiovascular Conditions,
Pain Management, Infection Control, and Patient
Monitoring | Comprehensive Exam Preparation to
Strengthen Clinical Knowledge, Critical Thinking,
and Certification Readiness
,Question 1
A patient presents with shortness of breath and wheezing. Which condition is most
likely?
A) Acute Bronchitis
B) Asthma
C) Pneumonia
D) Pulmonary Edema
Correct Option: B) Asthma
Rationale:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of
bronchoconstriction, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Typically triggered by allergens or irritants, asthma presents with sudden onset of
symptoms, which differentiates it from other respiratory conditions like bronchitis and
pneumonia, where the onset is usually more gradual.
Question 2
Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with congestive heart
failure (CHF)?
A) Nausea
B) Edema
C) Increased appetite
D) Fever
Correct Option: B) Edema
Rationale:
Congestive heart failure often leads to fluid buildup in the body, resulting in peripheral
edema, particularly in the lower extremities. This occurs because the heart is unable to
pump efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the veins. This symptom can also lead to
complications such as swelling in the abdomen, indicating worsening heart function.
Question 3
What is a common indicator of hyperglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A) Increased thirst
B) Frequent urination
C) Blurred vision
D) Dizziness
Correct Option: A) Increased thirst
, Rationale:
Increased thirst (polydipsia) is a primary symptom of hyperglycemia, as high blood
glucose levels cause the blood to become more concentrated. This triggers an osmotic
effect that leads to dehydration, promoting a strong thirst response. Frequent urination
(polyuria) is also a symptom; however, increased thirst is the more direct indicator of
the body’s reaction to elevated glucose levels.
Question 4
A patient reports feeling extremely fatigued, has pale skin, and shortness of breath.
What condition should you suspect?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Anemia
C) Arrhythmia
D) Hypertension
Correct Option: B) Anemia
Rationale:
Anemia is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to
insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues. Symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and dyspnea
(shortness of breath) during exertion are classic indicators of anemia. The body is
unable to meet its oxygen demands, causing feelings of tiredness and weakness as well
as other systemic effects.
Question 5
Which of the following is a critical sign of a stroke?
A) Sudden headache
B) Facial drooping
C) Slurred speech
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale:
All listed options are critical signs of a stroke and are included in the acronym FAST
(Face, Arms, Speech, Time). Facial drooping, sudden headache, and slurred speech
indicate the sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain. Recognizing these symptoms
promptly can ensure immediate medical intervention to minimize brain damage and
improve outcomes.
Question 6
What is the primary cause of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients?
Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing Assistants and Patient
Care Technicians | Hypertension, Diabetes,
Respiratory Disorders, Cardiovascular Conditions,
Pain Management, Infection Control, and Patient
Monitoring | Comprehensive Exam Preparation to
Strengthen Clinical Knowledge, Critical Thinking,
and Certification Readiness
,Question 1
A patient presents with shortness of breath and wheezing. Which condition is most
likely?
A) Acute Bronchitis
B) Asthma
C) Pneumonia
D) Pulmonary Edema
Correct Option: B) Asthma
Rationale:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of
bronchoconstriction, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Typically triggered by allergens or irritants, asthma presents with sudden onset of
symptoms, which differentiates it from other respiratory conditions like bronchitis and
pneumonia, where the onset is usually more gradual.
Question 2
Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with congestive heart
failure (CHF)?
A) Nausea
B) Edema
C) Increased appetite
D) Fever
Correct Option: B) Edema
Rationale:
Congestive heart failure often leads to fluid buildup in the body, resulting in peripheral
edema, particularly in the lower extremities. This occurs because the heart is unable to
pump efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the veins. This symptom can also lead to
complications such as swelling in the abdomen, indicating worsening heart function.
Question 3
What is a common indicator of hyperglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A) Increased thirst
B) Frequent urination
C) Blurred vision
D) Dizziness
Correct Option: A) Increased thirst
, Rationale:
Increased thirst (polydipsia) is a primary symptom of hyperglycemia, as high blood
glucose levels cause the blood to become more concentrated. This triggers an osmotic
effect that leads to dehydration, promoting a strong thirst response. Frequent urination
(polyuria) is also a symptom; however, increased thirst is the more direct indicator of
the body’s reaction to elevated glucose levels.
Question 4
A patient reports feeling extremely fatigued, has pale skin, and shortness of breath.
What condition should you suspect?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Anemia
C) Arrhythmia
D) Hypertension
Correct Option: B) Anemia
Rationale:
Anemia is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to
insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues. Symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and dyspnea
(shortness of breath) during exertion are classic indicators of anemia. The body is
unable to meet its oxygen demands, causing feelings of tiredness and weakness as well
as other systemic effects.
Question 5
Which of the following is a critical sign of a stroke?
A) Sudden headache
B) Facial drooping
C) Slurred speech
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale:
All listed options are critical signs of a stroke and are included in the acronym FAST
(Face, Arms, Speech, Time). Facial drooping, sudden headache, and slurred speech
indicate the sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain. Recognizing these symptoms
promptly can ensure immediate medical intervention to minimize brain damage and
improve outcomes.
Question 6
What is the primary cause of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients?
