PCT: Patient Care Technician
Certification Exam Review
100 Practice Questions with Correct Answers and Rationales
2026/2027 Edition
National ealthcareer Association (NHA)
Professional Certification Preparation
, NHA PCT Certification Exam Review | 2026/2027
Domain 1: Patient Care Fundamentals and Activities of Daily Living
(Questions 1–27)
Question 1
A PCT is preparing to assist a patient with a partial bed bath. Which action should the PCT take
first?
A) Gather all supplies before entering the room
B) Check the patient's identity using two identifiers
C) Adjust the room temperature to a comfortable level
D) Close the door and pull the curtains for privacy
Correct Answer: D) Close the door and pull the curtains for privacy
Rationale: Closing the door and pulling curtains ensures patient privacy and dignity before
beginning any personal care activity. While gathering supplies and checking identity are
essential steps, privacy must be established first upon entering the room to maintain the
patient's sense of modesty and respect.
Question 2
When measuring an oral temperature on an adult patient, the PCT should place the thermometer in
which location?
A) Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket
B) On the surface of the tongue near the tip
C) Under the tongue to the left or right side only
D) Between the cheek and the lower gum line
Correct Answer: A) Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket
Rationale: The posterior sublingual pocket, located at the base of the tongue, provides the
most accurate reflection of core body temperature because the sublingual arteries are close to
the surface. Placement at the tongue tip or lateral positions yields less reliable readings due to
exposure to room-temperature air.
Question 3
A PCT counts a patient's respiratory rate as 22 breaths per minute. Which documentation is most
appropriate?
A) "Patient breathing fast at 22 breaths per minute"
B) "Respiratory rate 22 per minute; breathing appears regular and unlabored"
C) "Respirations elevated; patient may be in respiratory distress"
D) "RR 22, patient anxious"
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, NHA PCT Certification Exam Review | 2026/2027
Correct Answer: B) "Respiratory rate 22 per minute; breathing appears regular and
unlabored"
Rationale: Documenting objective observations (rate, regularity, effort) without subjective
interpretation is the professional standard. Stating the patient 'may be in distress' or 'is anxious'
constitutes subjective judgment beyond PCT scope. The PCT should report concerns to the RN
for clinical assessment rather than documenting diagnoses.
Question 4
When assisting a patient from the bed to a wheelchair using a stand-pivot transfer, the PCT should
position the wheelchair at what angle to the bed?
A) 90 degrees perpendicular to the bed
B) 45 degrees to the patient's unaffected side
C) Parallel alongside the bed
D) 30 degrees facing away from the bed
Correct Answer: B) 45 degrees to the patient's unaffected side
Rationale: A 45-degree angle on the unaffected or stronger side allows the patient to pivot
safely with minimal strain on both the patient and the PCT. This positioning enables a natural
rotational movement during the transfer, reducing fall risk and maintaining proper body
mechanics for the caregiver.
Question 5
A patient has a Braden Scale score of 14. What does this score primarily indicate to the PCT?
A) The patient is at no risk for pressure injuries
B) The patient is at moderate risk for pressure injury development
C) The patient requires immediate surgical wound consultation
D) The patient has adequate nutritional intake
Correct Answer: B) The patient is at moderate risk for pressure injury development
Rationale: A Braden Scale score of 14 falls within the 13-14 range indicating moderate risk
for pressure injury development. The PCT should implement increased repositioning
frequency (every 2 hours), skin assessments, and report the score to the RN for further risk-
reduction interventions.
Question 6
Which action by the PCT demonstrates correct gait belt application before assisting a patient to
ambulate?
A) Placing the belt snugly over the patient's clothing at waist level with the buckle in front
B) Securing the belt over bare skin at the umbilicus for maximum grip
C) Applying the belt around the patient's chest just below the axillae
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, NHA PCT Certification Exam Review | 2026/2027
D) Placing the belt loosely around the hips to allow freedom of movement
Correct Answer: A) Placing the belt snugly over the patient's clothing at waist level with the
buckle in front
Rationale: The gait belt should be placed snugly over clothing at the waist level with the
buckle in front, allowing the PCT to maintain a firm grip during ambulation. Placement over
bare skin can cause skin irritation or injury, chest placement risks respiratory compromise, and
a loose belt provides inadequate support during transfers.
Question 7
A PCT is measuring blood pressure and obtains a reading of 180/110 mmHg. What is the most
appropriate action?
A) Document the reading and continue with routine care
B) Re-measure after the patient rests for 5 minutes and report to the RN immediately
C) Wait until the next vital sign check to see if it normalizes
D) Advise the patient to reduce sodium intake and exercise more
Correct Answer: B) Re-measure after the patient rests for 5 minutes and report to the RN
immediately
Rationale: A reading of 180/110 mmHg indicates severely elevated blood pressure
(hypertensive urgency/crisis range). The PCT should re-measure after a brief rest to confirm
accuracy and immediately report to the RN for clinical assessment. The PCT must not provide
medical advice about diet or exercise, as this exceeds scope of practice.
Question 8
When feeding a patient who had a right-sided stroke (left hemiparesis), the PCT should place food
on which side of the patient's mouth?
A) Right side, the unaffected side
B) Left side, the affected side
C) Both sides equally
D) It does not matter which side
Correct Answer: A) Right side, the unaffected side
Rationale: Placing food on the unaffected (right) side maximizes the patient's ability to chew
and swallow safely, reducing aspiration risk. After a stroke causing left hemiparesis, the
patient has diminished sensation and motor function on the left side, making placement on that
side unsafe for feeding.
Question 9
A PCT is assisting with intake and output monitoring. Which action is correct when recording
output from an indwelling Foley catheter?
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Certification Exam Review
100 Practice Questions with Correct Answers and Rationales
2026/2027 Edition
National ealthcareer Association (NHA)
Professional Certification Preparation
, NHA PCT Certification Exam Review | 2026/2027
Domain 1: Patient Care Fundamentals and Activities of Daily Living
(Questions 1–27)
Question 1
A PCT is preparing to assist a patient with a partial bed bath. Which action should the PCT take
first?
A) Gather all supplies before entering the room
B) Check the patient's identity using two identifiers
C) Adjust the room temperature to a comfortable level
D) Close the door and pull the curtains for privacy
Correct Answer: D) Close the door and pull the curtains for privacy
Rationale: Closing the door and pulling curtains ensures patient privacy and dignity before
beginning any personal care activity. While gathering supplies and checking identity are
essential steps, privacy must be established first upon entering the room to maintain the
patient's sense of modesty and respect.
Question 2
When measuring an oral temperature on an adult patient, the PCT should place the thermometer in
which location?
A) Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket
B) On the surface of the tongue near the tip
C) Under the tongue to the left or right side only
D) Between the cheek and the lower gum line
Correct Answer: A) Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket
Rationale: The posterior sublingual pocket, located at the base of the tongue, provides the
most accurate reflection of core body temperature because the sublingual arteries are close to
the surface. Placement at the tongue tip or lateral positions yields less reliable readings due to
exposure to room-temperature air.
Question 3
A PCT counts a patient's respiratory rate as 22 breaths per minute. Which documentation is most
appropriate?
A) "Patient breathing fast at 22 breaths per minute"
B) "Respiratory rate 22 per minute; breathing appears regular and unlabored"
C) "Respirations elevated; patient may be in respiratory distress"
D) "RR 22, patient anxious"
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, NHA PCT Certification Exam Review | 2026/2027
Correct Answer: B) "Respiratory rate 22 per minute; breathing appears regular and
unlabored"
Rationale: Documenting objective observations (rate, regularity, effort) without subjective
interpretation is the professional standard. Stating the patient 'may be in distress' or 'is anxious'
constitutes subjective judgment beyond PCT scope. The PCT should report concerns to the RN
for clinical assessment rather than documenting diagnoses.
Question 4
When assisting a patient from the bed to a wheelchair using a stand-pivot transfer, the PCT should
position the wheelchair at what angle to the bed?
A) 90 degrees perpendicular to the bed
B) 45 degrees to the patient's unaffected side
C) Parallel alongside the bed
D) 30 degrees facing away from the bed
Correct Answer: B) 45 degrees to the patient's unaffected side
Rationale: A 45-degree angle on the unaffected or stronger side allows the patient to pivot
safely with minimal strain on both the patient and the PCT. This positioning enables a natural
rotational movement during the transfer, reducing fall risk and maintaining proper body
mechanics for the caregiver.
Question 5
A patient has a Braden Scale score of 14. What does this score primarily indicate to the PCT?
A) The patient is at no risk for pressure injuries
B) The patient is at moderate risk for pressure injury development
C) The patient requires immediate surgical wound consultation
D) The patient has adequate nutritional intake
Correct Answer: B) The patient is at moderate risk for pressure injury development
Rationale: A Braden Scale score of 14 falls within the 13-14 range indicating moderate risk
for pressure injury development. The PCT should implement increased repositioning
frequency (every 2 hours), skin assessments, and report the score to the RN for further risk-
reduction interventions.
Question 6
Which action by the PCT demonstrates correct gait belt application before assisting a patient to
ambulate?
A) Placing the belt snugly over the patient's clothing at waist level with the buckle in front
B) Securing the belt over bare skin at the umbilicus for maximum grip
C) Applying the belt around the patient's chest just below the axillae
2
, NHA PCT Certification Exam Review | 2026/2027
D) Placing the belt loosely around the hips to allow freedom of movement
Correct Answer: A) Placing the belt snugly over the patient's clothing at waist level with the
buckle in front
Rationale: The gait belt should be placed snugly over clothing at the waist level with the
buckle in front, allowing the PCT to maintain a firm grip during ambulation. Placement over
bare skin can cause skin irritation or injury, chest placement risks respiratory compromise, and
a loose belt provides inadequate support during transfers.
Question 7
A PCT is measuring blood pressure and obtains a reading of 180/110 mmHg. What is the most
appropriate action?
A) Document the reading and continue with routine care
B) Re-measure after the patient rests for 5 minutes and report to the RN immediately
C) Wait until the next vital sign check to see if it normalizes
D) Advise the patient to reduce sodium intake and exercise more
Correct Answer: B) Re-measure after the patient rests for 5 minutes and report to the RN
immediately
Rationale: A reading of 180/110 mmHg indicates severely elevated blood pressure
(hypertensive urgency/crisis range). The PCT should re-measure after a brief rest to confirm
accuracy and immediately report to the RN for clinical assessment. The PCT must not provide
medical advice about diet or exercise, as this exceeds scope of practice.
Question 8
When feeding a patient who had a right-sided stroke (left hemiparesis), the PCT should place food
on which side of the patient's mouth?
A) Right side, the unaffected side
B) Left side, the affected side
C) Both sides equally
D) It does not matter which side
Correct Answer: A) Right side, the unaffected side
Rationale: Placing food on the unaffected (right) side maximizes the patient's ability to chew
and swallow safely, reducing aspiration risk. After a stroke causing left hemiparesis, the
patient has diminished sensation and motor function on the left side, making placement on that
side unsafe for feeding.
Question 9
A PCT is assisting with intake and output monitoring. Which action is correct when recording
output from an indwelling Foley catheter?
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