PCM REVIEW EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Objects that may be a potential host site for the survival of pathogens in a restroom? -
ANS Bathroom sink rim and basin, paper towel dispenser, soap dispenser, faucet handles,
etc... (Slide presentation Unit 2)
What is the recommended architecture for a patient's room with airborne transmission
precautions? - ANS Private isolation room with closed door (Pierson p. 31)
Microorganism move from place to place by various means in a cyclical manner. What is the
cycle of infection? - ANS Reservoir, exit, transmission, infection, susception (Pierson p. 26)
What is the most important activity that caregivers should perform before and after contact to
control infection? - ANS Hand-washing (also practicals)
What are the most common modes of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms? -
ANS Contact, Droplet, Airborne (Pierson p. 31)
What is the recommended length of time for hand washing with ordinary soap and water? -
ANS 15-30 seconds (Pierson p. 32)
When should gloves be worn? - ANS General rule: If there is a risk of coming into contact
with bodily fluid or other contaminant, wear gloves.
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, (Pierson p. 37: Routinely in situations where it is necessary to control bleeding, perform a
venipuncture, perform oral or nasal suctioning, perform endotracheal intubation, change a
contaminated dressing, handle or clean contaminated instruments or equipment)
When is protective eyewear most important? - ANS Pierson p. 38: Protective eyewear...
should be worn to prevent fluids from entering the eyes. It is especially important... when blood
splashes or spurts are likely to occur and when other body fluids are likely to be sprayed or
splashed in the face
Is it necessary to wear gloves while measuring blood pressure or temperature? - ANS Not
unless other reasons (body fluid contact, eg. open wound) are present (Pierson p. 37)
A pulse oximetry reading of less than ______ is a signal of hypoxemia and the patient should be
rested or put on supplemental oxygen. - ANS O2 sat 90%
Which of the following vital signs is not WNL? (All patients are at rest)
a) BPM 85 for 50 year old Male
b) RR 23 for 22 year old Female
c) BP of 110/85 for 35 year old Male
d) 145 BPM for a newborn female - ANS B) and D) are not WNL. Normal RR for adults is
between 12-18 breaths per minute.(Pierson p. 62) Normal BPM for a newborn is between 80-
120 BPM (Pierson p. 52)
What factors might affect a pulse oximeter reading? - ANS Fingernail polish, artificial nails,
Raynaud's syndrome, poor circulation, cold hands (Assessment of Vital Signs, Slides Unit 3)
To determine how much to inflate the blood pressure cuff, find the occlusion point, then add
how many mm/Hg? - ANS 20mmHg (Assessment of Vital signs, slides Unit 3)
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AND ANSWERS
Objects that may be a potential host site for the survival of pathogens in a restroom? -
ANS Bathroom sink rim and basin, paper towel dispenser, soap dispenser, faucet handles,
etc... (Slide presentation Unit 2)
What is the recommended architecture for a patient's room with airborne transmission
precautions? - ANS Private isolation room with closed door (Pierson p. 31)
Microorganism move from place to place by various means in a cyclical manner. What is the
cycle of infection? - ANS Reservoir, exit, transmission, infection, susception (Pierson p. 26)
What is the most important activity that caregivers should perform before and after contact to
control infection? - ANS Hand-washing (also practicals)
What are the most common modes of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms? -
ANS Contact, Droplet, Airborne (Pierson p. 31)
What is the recommended length of time for hand washing with ordinary soap and water? -
ANS 15-30 seconds (Pierson p. 32)
When should gloves be worn? - ANS General rule: If there is a risk of coming into contact
with bodily fluid or other contaminant, wear gloves.
Copyright ©2025 BRIGHTSTARS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, (Pierson p. 37: Routinely in situations where it is necessary to control bleeding, perform a
venipuncture, perform oral or nasal suctioning, perform endotracheal intubation, change a
contaminated dressing, handle or clean contaminated instruments or equipment)
When is protective eyewear most important? - ANS Pierson p. 38: Protective eyewear...
should be worn to prevent fluids from entering the eyes. It is especially important... when blood
splashes or spurts are likely to occur and when other body fluids are likely to be sprayed or
splashed in the face
Is it necessary to wear gloves while measuring blood pressure or temperature? - ANS Not
unless other reasons (body fluid contact, eg. open wound) are present (Pierson p. 37)
A pulse oximetry reading of less than ______ is a signal of hypoxemia and the patient should be
rested or put on supplemental oxygen. - ANS O2 sat 90%
Which of the following vital signs is not WNL? (All patients are at rest)
a) BPM 85 for 50 year old Male
b) RR 23 for 22 year old Female
c) BP of 110/85 for 35 year old Male
d) 145 BPM for a newborn female - ANS B) and D) are not WNL. Normal RR for adults is
between 12-18 breaths per minute.(Pierson p. 62) Normal BPM for a newborn is between 80-
120 BPM (Pierson p. 52)
What factors might affect a pulse oximeter reading? - ANS Fingernail polish, artificial nails,
Raynaud's syndrome, poor circulation, cold hands (Assessment of Vital Signs, Slides Unit 3)
To determine how much to inflate the blood pressure cuff, find the occlusion point, then add
how many mm/Hg? - ANS 20mmHg (Assessment of Vital signs, slides Unit 3)
Copyright ©2025 BRIGHTSTARS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
