NHA Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant
(CPCT/A) Practice Examination
1. A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is measuring a patient’s blood pressure and finds it to be
150/95 mmHg. Which of the following actions should the PCT take first?
A. Immediately notify the nurse of the high reading.
B. Ask the patient if they have a history of hypertension.
C. Document the result in the electronic health record.
D. Retake the blood pressure on the opposite arm after 2 minutes.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: This question tests the protocol for handling abnormal vital sign readings.
While the result is high, the PCT should first confirm the reading to rule out equipment
error or patient positioning issues before alerting the nurse. Reporting a single high
reading without verification can lead to unnecessary clinical alarm, though patient safety
always dictates that significant abnormalities are reported eventually.
2. While assisting a patient with a history of vertigo to ambulate, the patient begins to fall.
What is the most appropriate action for the PCT to take?
A. Step behind the patient and slide them down the PCT’s leg to the floor.
B. Call out for help while holding the patient’s arm.
C. Try to catch the patient to prevent them from hitting the floor.
,D. Quickly grab a nearby chair to place under the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: This scenario focuses on safe patient handling and injury prevention for both
the staff and the patient. By sliding the patient down their leg, the PCT controls the descent
and protects the patient’s head from a hard impact. Attempting to ‘catch’ a falling patient is
a common pitfall that frequently results in back injuries for the healthcare worker.
3. A PCT is preparing to perform a venipuncture. The patient has an IV infusing in the right
antecubital fossa. Where should the PCT perform the draw?
A. Above the IV site on the right arm.
B. Below the IV site on the right arm.
C. On the left arm.
D. Directly from the IV tubing.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The concept tested is the integrity of blood specimens and patient safety.
Drawing from an arm with an active IV can result in specimen contamination with IV fluids,
leading to inaccurate lab results and potential mismanagement of patient care. Using the
opposite arm is the safest and most reliable standard of practice in phlebotomy.
4. A PCT is caring for a patient who is on contact precautions. Which of the following is the
correct order for removing personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A. Gown, gloves, goggles, mask.
, B. Goggles, mask, gloves, gown.
C. Mask, gown, gloves, goggles.
D. Gloves, goggles, gown, mask.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Infection control requires removing the most contaminated items first to
prevent self-contamination. Gloves are considered the most soiled and should be removed
first, followed by eye protection and the gown. A common pitfall is removing the mask first,
which could lead to respiratory exposure if the technician’s hands are still soiled.
5. Which of the following actions should a PCT take to prevent skin breakdown in a patient
who is bedbound?
A. Massage reddened bony prominences every 4 hours.
B. Apply powder to skin folds to absorb moisture.
C. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
D. Keep the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle at all times.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Repositioning is the gold standard for preventing pressure ulcers by
relieving tissue ischemia. Massaging reddened areas is a dangerous pitfall as it can cause
further deep tissue damage. Maintaining dry, clean skin and frequent turns are the primary
interventions for maintaining skin integrity.
(CPCT/A) Practice Examination
1. A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is measuring a patient’s blood pressure and finds it to be
150/95 mmHg. Which of the following actions should the PCT take first?
A. Immediately notify the nurse of the high reading.
B. Ask the patient if they have a history of hypertension.
C. Document the result in the electronic health record.
D. Retake the blood pressure on the opposite arm after 2 minutes.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: This question tests the protocol for handling abnormal vital sign readings.
While the result is high, the PCT should first confirm the reading to rule out equipment
error or patient positioning issues before alerting the nurse. Reporting a single high
reading without verification can lead to unnecessary clinical alarm, though patient safety
always dictates that significant abnormalities are reported eventually.
2. While assisting a patient with a history of vertigo to ambulate, the patient begins to fall.
What is the most appropriate action for the PCT to take?
A. Step behind the patient and slide them down the PCT’s leg to the floor.
B. Call out for help while holding the patient’s arm.
C. Try to catch the patient to prevent them from hitting the floor.
,D. Quickly grab a nearby chair to place under the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: This scenario focuses on safe patient handling and injury prevention for both
the staff and the patient. By sliding the patient down their leg, the PCT controls the descent
and protects the patient’s head from a hard impact. Attempting to ‘catch’ a falling patient is
a common pitfall that frequently results in back injuries for the healthcare worker.
3. A PCT is preparing to perform a venipuncture. The patient has an IV infusing in the right
antecubital fossa. Where should the PCT perform the draw?
A. Above the IV site on the right arm.
B. Below the IV site on the right arm.
C. On the left arm.
D. Directly from the IV tubing.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The concept tested is the integrity of blood specimens and patient safety.
Drawing from an arm with an active IV can result in specimen contamination with IV fluids,
leading to inaccurate lab results and potential mismanagement of patient care. Using the
opposite arm is the safest and most reliable standard of practice in phlebotomy.
4. A PCT is caring for a patient who is on contact precautions. Which of the following is the
correct order for removing personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A. Gown, gloves, goggles, mask.
, B. Goggles, mask, gloves, gown.
C. Mask, gown, gloves, goggles.
D. Gloves, goggles, gown, mask.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Infection control requires removing the most contaminated items first to
prevent self-contamination. Gloves are considered the most soiled and should be removed
first, followed by eye protection and the gown. A common pitfall is removing the mask first,
which could lead to respiratory exposure if the technician’s hands are still soiled.
5. Which of the following actions should a PCT take to prevent skin breakdown in a patient
who is bedbound?
A. Massage reddened bony prominences every 4 hours.
B. Apply powder to skin folds to absorb moisture.
C. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
D. Keep the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle at all times.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Repositioning is the gold standard for preventing pressure ulcers by
relieving tissue ischemia. Massaging reddened areas is a dangerous pitfall as it can cause
further deep tissue damage. Maintaining dry, clean skin and frequent turns are the primary
interventions for maintaining skin integrity.
