CPCT REVIEW FOR EXAM 2026/2027 | 100% Correct Answers
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Domain 1: Patient Care (45 Questions)
Q1: A patient with right-sided hemiplegia requires assistance with dressing. The PCT
should:
A. Dress the affected side first
B. Dress the unaffected side first
C. Have the patient dress independently without assistance
D. Dress both sides simultaneously
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assisting a patient with hemiplegia (paralysis on one side), always
dress the affected (weak) side first and undress it last. This technique allows the
stronger side to manipulate clothing over the weaker limb, promotes patient
independence, and prevents injury. Dressing the unaffected side first (B) would make it
difficult to maneuver clothing over the affected limb. Option C is unsafe as the patient
requires assistance. Option D is not a recognized technique for hemiplegic dressing.
High-yield concept: "Affected first when dressing, unaffected first when undressing."
Q2: A patient is ordered to have intake and output (I&O) measured. Which fluid source
should NOT be included in intake calculations?
A. Ice chips
B. Intravenous fluids
C. Oral medications with water
D. Water used for oral care and expectorated
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: Intake measurements include all fluids entering the body: oral fluids, IV fluids,
ice chips (counted as half their volume), and water taken with medications. Water used
for oral care that is expectorated (spit out) does not enter the body and should NOT be
counted as intake. This is a common documentation error on the CPCT exam. Ice chips
(A) are calculated at 50% of their volume (100 mL ice = 50 mL fluid). IV fluids (B) and
medication water (C) are always included in intake.
Q3: When measuring a patient's oral temperature, the PCT should place the
thermometer probe:
A. Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket
B. Under the tongue in the anterior sublingual pocket near the teeth
C. Between the cheek and gum (buccal area)
D. Under the tongue with the mouth slightly open
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The posterior sublingual pocket (under the tongue near the frenulum)
contains the sublingual artery and provides the most accurate core temperature
reading. Placing the probe too anteriorly (B) or in the buccal area (C) yields inaccurate
lower readings. The mouth must be closed with lips sealed around the probe (D is
incorrect) to prevent air currents from affecting the reading. Wait 15-30 minutes after
smoking, eating, or drinking hot/cold beverages before taking oral temperatures.
Q4: A patient with congestive heart failure has 2+ pitting edema in bilateral lower
extremities. When performing skin care, the PCT should:
A. Massage the edematous areas vigorously to promote circulation
B. Use firm pressure when washing and avoid moisturizing
C. Wash gently, pat dry thoroughly, and apply moisturizer
D. Apply hot compresses to reduce swelling
Rationale: Edematous tissue is fragile with compromised circulation. Gentle washing,
thorough drying (especially between toes), and moisturizing prevents skin breakdown
,and infection. Vigorous massage (A) can damage fragile tissues and dislodge clots.
Firm pressure (B) causes trauma, and hot compresses (D) increase blood flow and may
worsen edema. High-yield: Edema = risk for impaired skin integrity; meticulous skin care
is essential.
Q5: A patient is on contact precautions for MRSA. Which PPE is required for the PCT
when entering the room to take vital signs?
A. N95 respirator only
B. Gown and gloves
C. Gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection
D. Surgical mask only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact precautions require a gown and gloves for room entry. MRSA
spreads by direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. N95 respirators
(A) are for airborne precautions (TB, measles, varicella). Full PPE with eye protection (C)
is for droplet or splash precautions. Surgical masks alone (D) are insufficient. Critical
safety rule: Don PPE before entering; remove gown and gloves, perform hand hygiene
after leaving.
Q6: When transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair using a pivot transfer, the PCT
should position the wheelchair:
A. Parallel to the bed on the patient's strong side
B. At a 45-degree angle on the patient's strong side
C. Parallel to the bed on the patient's weak side
D. At a 45-degree angle on the patient's weak side
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle on the patient's strong side to
facilitate safe pivoting and sitting. This positioning allows the patient to use their
, stronger extremities for support during the transfer. Parallel positioning (A, C) creates
awkward angles, and placing it on the weak side (C, D) compromises stability and
safety. Always lock wheelchair brakes and remove footrests before transfers.
Q7: A patient has an indwelling urinary catheter. The PCT notes the drainage bag is
positioned on the bed frame above bladder level. The appropriate action is:
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Lower the drainage bag below bladder level immediately
C. Empty the bag and return it to the current position
D. Clamp the tubing and notify the nurse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Drainage bags must always remain below bladder level to prevent retrograde
urine flow and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Positioning above
bladder level (A) creates a reservoir for bacterial growth. Emptying (C) doesn't address
the positioning error. Clamping (D) is unnecessary and contraindicated without specific
orders. Infection control priority: Maintain closed drainage systems with dependent
loops in tubing.
Q8: When performing range-of-motion (ROM) exercises on a patient's shoulder, the PCT
should:
A. Move the joint quickly through its full range to assess mobility
B. Support the joint above and below while moving slowly and smoothly
C. Force the joint beyond its current range to increase flexibility
D. Perform exercises only on the affected side to prevent fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Support joints proximal and distal to the moving joint, perform movements
slowly and smoothly to prevent injury, pain, and muscle spasm. Quick movements (A)
risk injury; forcing beyond range (C) causes damage; both sides need exercise (D) to
with High-Yield Review | NHA Certified Patient Care
Technician | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Domain 1: Patient Care (45 Questions)
Q1: A patient with right-sided hemiplegia requires assistance with dressing. The PCT
should:
A. Dress the affected side first
B. Dress the unaffected side first
C. Have the patient dress independently without assistance
D. Dress both sides simultaneously
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assisting a patient with hemiplegia (paralysis on one side), always
dress the affected (weak) side first and undress it last. This technique allows the
stronger side to manipulate clothing over the weaker limb, promotes patient
independence, and prevents injury. Dressing the unaffected side first (B) would make it
difficult to maneuver clothing over the affected limb. Option C is unsafe as the patient
requires assistance. Option D is not a recognized technique for hemiplegic dressing.
High-yield concept: "Affected first when dressing, unaffected first when undressing."
Q2: A patient is ordered to have intake and output (I&O) measured. Which fluid source
should NOT be included in intake calculations?
A. Ice chips
B. Intravenous fluids
C. Oral medications with water
D. Water used for oral care and expectorated
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: Intake measurements include all fluids entering the body: oral fluids, IV fluids,
ice chips (counted as half their volume), and water taken with medications. Water used
for oral care that is expectorated (spit out) does not enter the body and should NOT be
counted as intake. This is a common documentation error on the CPCT exam. Ice chips
(A) are calculated at 50% of their volume (100 mL ice = 50 mL fluid). IV fluids (B) and
medication water (C) are always included in intake.
Q3: When measuring a patient's oral temperature, the PCT should place the
thermometer probe:
A. Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket
B. Under the tongue in the anterior sublingual pocket near the teeth
C. Between the cheek and gum (buccal area)
D. Under the tongue with the mouth slightly open
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The posterior sublingual pocket (under the tongue near the frenulum)
contains the sublingual artery and provides the most accurate core temperature
reading. Placing the probe too anteriorly (B) or in the buccal area (C) yields inaccurate
lower readings. The mouth must be closed with lips sealed around the probe (D is
incorrect) to prevent air currents from affecting the reading. Wait 15-30 minutes after
smoking, eating, or drinking hot/cold beverages before taking oral temperatures.
Q4: A patient with congestive heart failure has 2+ pitting edema in bilateral lower
extremities. When performing skin care, the PCT should:
A. Massage the edematous areas vigorously to promote circulation
B. Use firm pressure when washing and avoid moisturizing
C. Wash gently, pat dry thoroughly, and apply moisturizer
D. Apply hot compresses to reduce swelling
Rationale: Edematous tissue is fragile with compromised circulation. Gentle washing,
thorough drying (especially between toes), and moisturizing prevents skin breakdown
,and infection. Vigorous massage (A) can damage fragile tissues and dislodge clots.
Firm pressure (B) causes trauma, and hot compresses (D) increase blood flow and may
worsen edema. High-yield: Edema = risk for impaired skin integrity; meticulous skin care
is essential.
Q5: A patient is on contact precautions for MRSA. Which PPE is required for the PCT
when entering the room to take vital signs?
A. N95 respirator only
B. Gown and gloves
C. Gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection
D. Surgical mask only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact precautions require a gown and gloves for room entry. MRSA
spreads by direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. N95 respirators
(A) are for airborne precautions (TB, measles, varicella). Full PPE with eye protection (C)
is for droplet or splash precautions. Surgical masks alone (D) are insufficient. Critical
safety rule: Don PPE before entering; remove gown and gloves, perform hand hygiene
after leaving.
Q6: When transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair using a pivot transfer, the PCT
should position the wheelchair:
A. Parallel to the bed on the patient's strong side
B. At a 45-degree angle on the patient's strong side
C. Parallel to the bed on the patient's weak side
D. At a 45-degree angle on the patient's weak side
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle on the patient's strong side to
facilitate safe pivoting and sitting. This positioning allows the patient to use their
, stronger extremities for support during the transfer. Parallel positioning (A, C) creates
awkward angles, and placing it on the weak side (C, D) compromises stability and
safety. Always lock wheelchair brakes and remove footrests before transfers.
Q7: A patient has an indwelling urinary catheter. The PCT notes the drainage bag is
positioned on the bed frame above bladder level. The appropriate action is:
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Lower the drainage bag below bladder level immediately
C. Empty the bag and return it to the current position
D. Clamp the tubing and notify the nurse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Drainage bags must always remain below bladder level to prevent retrograde
urine flow and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Positioning above
bladder level (A) creates a reservoir for bacterial growth. Emptying (C) doesn't address
the positioning error. Clamping (D) is unnecessary and contraindicated without specific
orders. Infection control priority: Maintain closed drainage systems with dependent
loops in tubing.
Q8: When performing range-of-motion (ROM) exercises on a patient's shoulder, the PCT
should:
A. Move the joint quickly through its full range to assess mobility
B. Support the joint above and below while moving slowly and smoothly
C. Force the joint beyond its current range to increase flexibility
D. Perform exercises only on the affected side to prevent fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Support joints proximal and distal to the moving joint, perform movements
slowly and smoothly to prevent injury, pain, and muscle spasm. Quick movements (A)
risk injury; forcing beyond range (C) causes damage; both sides need exercise (D) to
