CPCT/A Final Practice Examination
1. A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is preparing to transfer a patient who has left-sided
weakness from the bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following actions should the PCT take?
A. Place the wheelchair on the patient’s left side.
B. Have the patient put their arms around the PCT’s neck.
C. Place the wheelchair on the patient’s right side.
D. Transfer the patient using a manual lift by yourself.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: When transferring a patient with unilateral weakness, the wheelchair should
be placed on their stronger side to allow them to assist in the pivot. This technique
promotes patient independence and significantly reduces the risk of falls during the
transition. Placing the chair on the weak side or allowing the patient to grasp the neck are
common safety errors that lead to injuries.
2. While measuring a patient’s vital signs, the PCT notes a blood pressure of 180/102 mmHg.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A. Wait 30 minutes and remeasure the blood pressure.
B. Report the finding to the nurse immediately.
C. Document the reading and continue with the morning care.
D. Ask the patient if they have a history of hypertension.
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A blood pressure of 180/102 mmHg is considered a hypertensive crisis level
and requires immediate clinical intervention. The PCT’s role is to recognize abnormal
findings and escalate them to the licensed nurse to ensure patient safety. Delays in
reporting or attempting to diagnose the patient independently are outside the PCT’s scope
of practice and can endanger the patient.
3. A PCT is assigned to care for a patient who is under airborne precautions. Which of the
following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required before entering the room?
A. Surgical mask
B. Goggles and gown
C. N95 respirator
D. Double gloves
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Airborne precautions are used for diseases like tuberculosis or varicella,
which are transmitted via small droplets that remain suspended in the air. An N95
respirator is specifically designed to filter these particles, whereas a standard surgical
mask is only sufficient for droplet precautions. Failing to use the correct respiratory
protection is a major infection control pitfall.
, 4. When performing perineal care for a female patient, which of the following techniques
should the PCT use to prevent infection?
A. Clean from the rectum toward the pubic area.
B. Clean from the labia majora toward the thighs.
C. Clean from the pubic area toward the rectum.
D. Use the same section of the washcloth for the entire area.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Perineal care for females must be performed from the cleanest area to the
dirtiest area (front to back) to prevent the introduction of E. coli from the rectum into the
urinary tract. This practice is essential for preventing Healthcare-Associated Urinary Tract
Infections (HAUTIs). Using a back-to-front motion is a common clinical error that leads to
cross-contamination.
5. A PCT is performing an EKG on a patient. In which of the following locations should the PCT
place the V1 lead?
A. Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line.
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border.
C. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border.
D. Fourth intercostal space, midaxillary line.
Correct Answer: C
1. A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is preparing to transfer a patient who has left-sided
weakness from the bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following actions should the PCT take?
A. Place the wheelchair on the patient’s left side.
B. Have the patient put their arms around the PCT’s neck.
C. Place the wheelchair on the patient’s right side.
D. Transfer the patient using a manual lift by yourself.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: When transferring a patient with unilateral weakness, the wheelchair should
be placed on their stronger side to allow them to assist in the pivot. This technique
promotes patient independence and significantly reduces the risk of falls during the
transition. Placing the chair on the weak side or allowing the patient to grasp the neck are
common safety errors that lead to injuries.
2. While measuring a patient’s vital signs, the PCT notes a blood pressure of 180/102 mmHg.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A. Wait 30 minutes and remeasure the blood pressure.
B. Report the finding to the nurse immediately.
C. Document the reading and continue with the morning care.
D. Ask the patient if they have a history of hypertension.
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A blood pressure of 180/102 mmHg is considered a hypertensive crisis level
and requires immediate clinical intervention. The PCT’s role is to recognize abnormal
findings and escalate them to the licensed nurse to ensure patient safety. Delays in
reporting or attempting to diagnose the patient independently are outside the PCT’s scope
of practice and can endanger the patient.
3. A PCT is assigned to care for a patient who is under airborne precautions. Which of the
following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required before entering the room?
A. Surgical mask
B. Goggles and gown
C. N95 respirator
D. Double gloves
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Airborne precautions are used for diseases like tuberculosis or varicella,
which are transmitted via small droplets that remain suspended in the air. An N95
respirator is specifically designed to filter these particles, whereas a standard surgical
mask is only sufficient for droplet precautions. Failing to use the correct respiratory
protection is a major infection control pitfall.
, 4. When performing perineal care for a female patient, which of the following techniques
should the PCT use to prevent infection?
A. Clean from the rectum toward the pubic area.
B. Clean from the labia majora toward the thighs.
C. Clean from the pubic area toward the rectum.
D. Use the same section of the washcloth for the entire area.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Perineal care for females must be performed from the cleanest area to the
dirtiest area (front to back) to prevent the introduction of E. coli from the rectum into the
urinary tract. This practice is essential for preventing Healthcare-Associated Urinary Tract
Infections (HAUTIs). Using a back-to-front motion is a common clinical error that leads to
cross-contamination.
5. A PCT is performing an EKG on a patient. In which of the following locations should the PCT
place the V1 lead?
A. Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line.
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border.
C. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border.
D. Fourth intercostal space, midaxillary line.
Correct Answer: C
