Patient Care Technician National
Certification Preparation Practice Exam
2025-2026 Questions with Answers
and Rationales EXAM REVIEWS WITH
COMPLETE ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS/
ALREADY GRADED A+ (MOST RECENT!!)
1. Which pulse site is most commonly used during adult CPR?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Pedal
Answer: C. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid artery is the recommended pulse site for
checking circulation in an unconscious adult because it is a central
artery that is easier to palpate.
2. Normal adult oral body temperature is approximately:
A. 35°C (95°F)
B. 37°C (98.6°F)
C. 39°C (102.2°F)
D. 40°C (104°F)
Answer: B. 37°C (98.6°F)
,Rationale: The average normal oral temperature is approximately
37°C (98.6°F), although slight variations are normal.
3. Which action helps prevent healthcare-associated infections?
A. Wearing perfume
B. Reusing gloves
C. Performing proper hand hygiene
D. Sharing equipment without cleaning
Answer: C. Performing proper hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method of
preventing the spread of infection.
4. A patient's blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg. This finding indicates:
A. Hypertension
B. Normal blood pressure
C. Hypotension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C. Hypotension
Rationale: Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is generally considered
hypotension.
5. Which abbreviation means "nothing by mouth"?
A. PRN
B. BID
C. STAT
D. NPO
Answer: D. NPO
,Rationale: NPO comes from the Latin "nil per os," meaning nothing
by mouth.
6. Before transferring a patient, the PCT should first:
A. Lift immediately
B. Ask another patient for help
C. Explain the procedure to the patient
D. Remove the patient's identification band
Answer: C. Explain the procedure to the patient
Rationale: Explaining the procedure reduces anxiety and promotes
patient cooperation.
7. Which PPE should be worn when blood splashes are anticipated?
A. Gloves only
B. Shoe covers only
C. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
D. Hair cover only
Answer: C. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Rationale: Full PPE protects healthcare workers from exposure to
blood and body fluids.
8. Which pulse site is used for infants?
A. Carotid
B. Radial
C. Brachial
D. Femoral
Answer: C. Brachial
, Rationale: The brachial pulse is recommended for infants younger
than one year.
9. A patient has difficulty breathing while lying flat. The best
position is:
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Sims'
D. High Fowler's
Answer: D. High Fowler's
Rationale: High Fowler's position maximizes lung expansion and
eases breathing.
10. Which of the following is a normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 6–10 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12–20 breaths per
minute.
11. What is the first step in handwashing?
A. Dry hands
B. Apply soap
C. Wet hands with water
D. Turn off faucet
Certification Preparation Practice Exam
2025-2026 Questions with Answers
and Rationales EXAM REVIEWS WITH
COMPLETE ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS/
ALREADY GRADED A+ (MOST RECENT!!)
1. Which pulse site is most commonly used during adult CPR?
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Pedal
Answer: C. Carotid
Rationale: The carotid artery is the recommended pulse site for
checking circulation in an unconscious adult because it is a central
artery that is easier to palpate.
2. Normal adult oral body temperature is approximately:
A. 35°C (95°F)
B. 37°C (98.6°F)
C. 39°C (102.2°F)
D. 40°C (104°F)
Answer: B. 37°C (98.6°F)
,Rationale: The average normal oral temperature is approximately
37°C (98.6°F), although slight variations are normal.
3. Which action helps prevent healthcare-associated infections?
A. Wearing perfume
B. Reusing gloves
C. Performing proper hand hygiene
D. Sharing equipment without cleaning
Answer: C. Performing proper hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method of
preventing the spread of infection.
4. A patient's blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg. This finding indicates:
A. Hypertension
B. Normal blood pressure
C. Hypotension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C. Hypotension
Rationale: Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is generally considered
hypotension.
5. Which abbreviation means "nothing by mouth"?
A. PRN
B. BID
C. STAT
D. NPO
Answer: D. NPO
,Rationale: NPO comes from the Latin "nil per os," meaning nothing
by mouth.
6. Before transferring a patient, the PCT should first:
A. Lift immediately
B. Ask another patient for help
C. Explain the procedure to the patient
D. Remove the patient's identification band
Answer: C. Explain the procedure to the patient
Rationale: Explaining the procedure reduces anxiety and promotes
patient cooperation.
7. Which PPE should be worn when blood splashes are anticipated?
A. Gloves only
B. Shoe covers only
C. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
D. Hair cover only
Answer: C. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Rationale: Full PPE protects healthcare workers from exposure to
blood and body fluids.
8. Which pulse site is used for infants?
A. Carotid
B. Radial
C. Brachial
D. Femoral
Answer: C. Brachial
, Rationale: The brachial pulse is recommended for infants younger
than one year.
9. A patient has difficulty breathing while lying flat. The best
position is:
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Sims'
D. High Fowler's
Answer: D. High Fowler's
Rationale: High Fowler's position maximizes lung expansion and
eases breathing.
10. Which of the following is a normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 6–10 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12–20 breaths per
minute.
11. What is the first step in handwashing?
A. Dry hands
B. Apply soap
C. Wet hands with water
D. Turn off faucet
