NHA PCT EXAM ACTUAL EXAM 2026
Practice Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) – Updated
Version
SECTION 1: PATIENT CARE (44%)
Question 1
A PCT is caring for a patient who is 4 hours postoperative and is at the greatest risk for a
fall. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
A) Apply wrist restraints
B) Keep all four side rails up at all times
C) Place the bed in the lowest position and keep three side rails up
D) Allow the patient to ambulate without assistance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Older adult patients are at an increased risk for falls, especially postoperative
patients who may be weak or unsteady. The bed should be in the lowest position with
three side rails up to prevent falls while allowing for safe positioning . Four side rails up
is considered a restraint and should only be used when indicated and ordered .
Restraints should never be applied without an order. The patient should be assisted with
ambulation .
,Question 2
A PCT is applying antiembolism stockings (TED hose) to a postoperative patient. Which
of the following is the correct technique?
A) Apply the stockings while the patient is sitting upright
B) Apply the stockings before the patient gets out of bed in the morning
C) Turn the stockings inside out before applying
D) Apply the stockings after the patient has been ambulating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antiembolism stockings should be applied by turning the stocking inside out
down to the heel, then placing it over the foot and rolling it up the leg . This technique
ensures smooth application without twisting or constriction. Stockings should be
applied before the patient gets out of bed to prevent venous pooling .
Question 3
A PCT is measuring a patient's blood pressure and obtains a reading of 88/54 mmHg.
Which of the following actions should the technician take first?
A) Document the reading and inform the nurse at the next scheduled check
B) Recheck the blood pressure in the other arm and report to the nurse immediately
C) Elevate the patient's legs and administer oral fluids
D) Have the patient stand and recheck the reading
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg is critically low and falls below the normal
range, indicating possible hypotension. The technician should verify the reading by
rechecking in the other arm and immediately notify the nurse . Administering fluids or
,repositioning the patient without a provider order is outside the technician's scope of
practice .
Question 4
A PCT is measuring a patient's respiratory rate and counts 24 breaths per minute. Which
of the following is the correct interpretation?
A) Bradypnea
B) Normal respiratory rate
C) Tachypnea
D) Apnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal adult respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 24
breaths per minute exceeds the upper limit and is classified as tachypnea . Bradypnea
refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate. This finding should be reported to the
nurse as it may indicate respiratory compromise or other systemic conditions .
Question 5
A PCT is preparing to perform ostomy care for a patient. Which of the following actions
should the technician take?
A) Cleanse the skin around the stoma with alcohol
B) Cleanse the skin around the stoma with warm water
C) Apply a new pouch over irritated skin
D) Cleanse the stoma using a circular motion from the outside in
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: The skin around the stoma should be cleansed with warm water and dried
thoroughly before applying a new pouch . Alcohol should not be used as it can dry and
irritate the skin. The skin should be cleansed gently from the stoma outward to prevent
contamination .
Question 6
A PCT is measuring a patient's blood pressure. Which of the following situations can
result in an inaccurate reading?
A) The patient's arm is at the level of the heart
B) The patient's arm is above the level of the heart
C) The patient is seated with feet flat on the floor
D) The patient has rested for 5 minutes before measurement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressure measurements are inaccurate when the arm is positioned
above the level of the heart . The arm should be supported at heart level with the
patient seated, feet flat on the floor, and back supported. The patient should rest for 5
minutes before measurement .
Question 7
A PCT is caring for a patient who has an indwelling urinary catheter. How often should
the technician empty the drainage receptacle?
A) Every 4 hours
B) Every 8 hours
C) Every 12 hours
D) Every 24 hours
Practice Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) – Updated
Version
SECTION 1: PATIENT CARE (44%)
Question 1
A PCT is caring for a patient who is 4 hours postoperative and is at the greatest risk for a
fall. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
A) Apply wrist restraints
B) Keep all four side rails up at all times
C) Place the bed in the lowest position and keep three side rails up
D) Allow the patient to ambulate without assistance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Older adult patients are at an increased risk for falls, especially postoperative
patients who may be weak or unsteady. The bed should be in the lowest position with
three side rails up to prevent falls while allowing for safe positioning . Four side rails up
is considered a restraint and should only be used when indicated and ordered .
Restraints should never be applied without an order. The patient should be assisted with
ambulation .
,Question 2
A PCT is applying antiembolism stockings (TED hose) to a postoperative patient. Which
of the following is the correct technique?
A) Apply the stockings while the patient is sitting upright
B) Apply the stockings before the patient gets out of bed in the morning
C) Turn the stockings inside out before applying
D) Apply the stockings after the patient has been ambulating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antiembolism stockings should be applied by turning the stocking inside out
down to the heel, then placing it over the foot and rolling it up the leg . This technique
ensures smooth application without twisting or constriction. Stockings should be
applied before the patient gets out of bed to prevent venous pooling .
Question 3
A PCT is measuring a patient's blood pressure and obtains a reading of 88/54 mmHg.
Which of the following actions should the technician take first?
A) Document the reading and inform the nurse at the next scheduled check
B) Recheck the blood pressure in the other arm and report to the nurse immediately
C) Elevate the patient's legs and administer oral fluids
D) Have the patient stand and recheck the reading
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg is critically low and falls below the normal
range, indicating possible hypotension. The technician should verify the reading by
rechecking in the other arm and immediately notify the nurse . Administering fluids or
,repositioning the patient without a provider order is outside the technician's scope of
practice .
Question 4
A PCT is measuring a patient's respiratory rate and counts 24 breaths per minute. Which
of the following is the correct interpretation?
A) Bradypnea
B) Normal respiratory rate
C) Tachypnea
D) Apnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal adult respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 24
breaths per minute exceeds the upper limit and is classified as tachypnea . Bradypnea
refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate. This finding should be reported to the
nurse as it may indicate respiratory compromise or other systemic conditions .
Question 5
A PCT is preparing to perform ostomy care for a patient. Which of the following actions
should the technician take?
A) Cleanse the skin around the stoma with alcohol
B) Cleanse the skin around the stoma with warm water
C) Apply a new pouch over irritated skin
D) Cleanse the stoma using a circular motion from the outside in
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: The skin around the stoma should be cleansed with warm water and dried
thoroughly before applying a new pouch . Alcohol should not be used as it can dry and
irritate the skin. The skin should be cleansed gently from the stoma outward to prevent
contamination .
Question 6
A PCT is measuring a patient's blood pressure. Which of the following situations can
result in an inaccurate reading?
A) The patient's arm is at the level of the heart
B) The patient's arm is above the level of the heart
C) The patient is seated with feet flat on the floor
D) The patient has rested for 5 minutes before measurement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressure measurements are inaccurate when the arm is positioned
above the level of the heart . The arm should be supported at heart level with the
patient seated, feet flat on the floor, and back supported. The patient should rest for 5
minutes before measurement .
Question 7
A PCT is caring for a patient who has an indwelling urinary catheter. How often should
the technician empty the drainage receptacle?
A) Every 4 hours
B) Every 8 hours
C) Every 12 hours
D) Every 24 hours
