NHA PCT
Final Exam
2026/2027 Certification Cycle
Comprehensive 100-Question Practice Examination with Correct Solutions
for the National Healthcareer Association Patient Care Technician Certification
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Patient Care Technician Certification Examination
Table of Contents
Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety
Domain 2: Infection Control
Domain 3: Phlebotomy & Specimen Collection
Domain 4: EKG & Cardiac Monitoring
Domain 5: Basic Nursing Care (ADLs, Vital Signs)
Domain 6: Communication & Professionalism
Domain 7: Legal/Ethical Responsibilities
Domain 8: Emergency Procedures
Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety
1. When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair using a pivot transfer, what
is the MOST important safety consideration?
1. A) Moving as quickly as possible to minimize patient discomfort
2. B) Ensuring the wheelchair is locked and positioned at a 45-degree angle to
the bed
3. C) Having the patient hold their breath during the transfer
4. D) Using a gait belt only if the patient is obese
, Correct Answer: B) Ensuring the wheelchair is locked and positioned at a
45-degree angle to the bed
The wheelchair must be locked to prevent movement, and the 45-degree angle
positioning allows for optimal body mechanics and patient safety during the
pivot transfer.
2. A patient is on fall precautions. Which intervention should the PCT implement
FIRST?
1. A) Place the call light within the patient's reach
2. B) Apply wrist restraints
3. C) Administer sedating medication
4. D) Request a sitter for 24-hour observation
Correct Answer: A) Place the call light within the patient's reach
Placing the call light within reach is the first and least restrictive intervention,
empowering the patient to call for assistance before attempting to get up
independently.
3. When performing range of motion (ROM) exercises on a patient's shoulder, the
PCT should:
1. A) Move the joint beyond its normal range to increase flexibility
2. B) Perform the exercises rapidly to improve circulation
3. C) Support the joint above and below while moving it through its full range
4. D) Only perform active ROM, never passive ROM
Correct Answer: C) Support the joint above and below while moving it through
its full range
Supporting the joint above and below prevents injury and ensures proper
technique during ROM exercises. Never force a joint beyond its normal range.
4. Which action demonstrates proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy object?
, 1. A) Bending at the waist to reach the object
2. B) Keeping feet close together for balance
3. C) Bending at the knees and keeping the back straight
4. D) Twisting at the waist while lifting
Correct Answer: C) Bending at the knees and keeping the back straight
Bending at the knees (squatting) while keeping the back straight uses the strong
leg muscles rather than the back, preventing injury.
5. A patient has a prescription for bed rest with bathroom privileges. This means the
patient may:
1. A) Ambulate freely throughout the unit
2. B) Get up only to use the bathroom
3. C) Sit in a chair for meals only
4. D) Leave the room with nursing staff only
Correct Answer: B) Get up only to use the bathroom
Bathroom privileges (BRP) specifically allow the patient to get out of bed only to
use the bathroom, not for other activities.
6. When making an occupied bed, the PCT should:
1. A) Raise the bed to waist level and lower the side rails on both sides
2. B) Keep the head of the bed flat to prevent dizziness
3. C) Remove all linens at once for efficiency
4. D) Have the patient stand beside the bed during the procedure
Correct Answer: A) Raise the bed to waist level and lower the side rails on both
sides
Raising the bed to waist level promotes proper body mechanics, and lowering
side rails on the working side allows access while maintaining patient safety.
Final Exam
2026/2027 Certification Cycle
Comprehensive 100-Question Practice Examination with Correct Solutions
for the National Healthcareer Association Patient Care Technician Certification
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Patient Care Technician Certification Examination
Table of Contents
Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety
Domain 2: Infection Control
Domain 3: Phlebotomy & Specimen Collection
Domain 4: EKG & Cardiac Monitoring
Domain 5: Basic Nursing Care (ADLs, Vital Signs)
Domain 6: Communication & Professionalism
Domain 7: Legal/Ethical Responsibilities
Domain 8: Emergency Procedures
Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety
1. When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair using a pivot transfer, what
is the MOST important safety consideration?
1. A) Moving as quickly as possible to minimize patient discomfort
2. B) Ensuring the wheelchair is locked and positioned at a 45-degree angle to
the bed
3. C) Having the patient hold their breath during the transfer
4. D) Using a gait belt only if the patient is obese
, Correct Answer: B) Ensuring the wheelchair is locked and positioned at a
45-degree angle to the bed
The wheelchair must be locked to prevent movement, and the 45-degree angle
positioning allows for optimal body mechanics and patient safety during the
pivot transfer.
2. A patient is on fall precautions. Which intervention should the PCT implement
FIRST?
1. A) Place the call light within the patient's reach
2. B) Apply wrist restraints
3. C) Administer sedating medication
4. D) Request a sitter for 24-hour observation
Correct Answer: A) Place the call light within the patient's reach
Placing the call light within reach is the first and least restrictive intervention,
empowering the patient to call for assistance before attempting to get up
independently.
3. When performing range of motion (ROM) exercises on a patient's shoulder, the
PCT should:
1. A) Move the joint beyond its normal range to increase flexibility
2. B) Perform the exercises rapidly to improve circulation
3. C) Support the joint above and below while moving it through its full range
4. D) Only perform active ROM, never passive ROM
Correct Answer: C) Support the joint above and below while moving it through
its full range
Supporting the joint above and below prevents injury and ensures proper
technique during ROM exercises. Never force a joint beyond its normal range.
4. Which action demonstrates proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy object?
, 1. A) Bending at the waist to reach the object
2. B) Keeping feet close together for balance
3. C) Bending at the knees and keeping the back straight
4. D) Twisting at the waist while lifting
Correct Answer: C) Bending at the knees and keeping the back straight
Bending at the knees (squatting) while keeping the back straight uses the strong
leg muscles rather than the back, preventing injury.
5. A patient has a prescription for bed rest with bathroom privileges. This means the
patient may:
1. A) Ambulate freely throughout the unit
2. B) Get up only to use the bathroom
3. C) Sit in a chair for meals only
4. D) Leave the room with nursing staff only
Correct Answer: B) Get up only to use the bathroom
Bathroom privileges (BRP) specifically allow the patient to get out of bed only to
use the bathroom, not for other activities.
6. When making an occupied bed, the PCT should:
1. A) Raise the bed to waist level and lower the side rails on both sides
2. B) Keep the head of the bed flat to prevent dizziness
3. C) Remove all linens at once for efficiency
4. D) Have the patient stand beside the bed during the procedure
Correct Answer: A) Raise the bed to waist level and lower the side rails on both
sides
Raising the bed to waist level promotes proper body mechanics, and lowering
side rails on the working side allows access while maintaining patient safety.
