PCT NHA EXAM 2026/2027 | 100% Correct Answers with
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Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety (20 Questions)
Q1: A 78-year-old patient with right-sided weakness following a stroke requires
assistance transferring from bed to wheelchair. The patient can bear weight on the left
leg but needs support. Which transfer technique is most appropriate?
A. One-person assist with the patient using a gait belt and the PCT supporting the weak
side
B. Two-person assist with a draw sheet to lift the patient completely off the bed
C. One-person assist with the patient holding the PCT's shoulder while the PCT bears
the patient's weight
D. Mechanical lift transfer due to complete inability to bear weight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A one-person assist with a gait belt is appropriate for patients who can bear
some weight but need stability support. The PCT should position on the patient's weak
side (right) to provide support while the patient bears weight on the strong leg (left). B is
incorrect because a draw sheet is for bed mobility, not transfers, and two-person assist
is unnecessary if the patient can bear weight; C is incorrect because patients should
never hold the caregiver's shoulder (risk of injury to both) and the PCT should never bear
the patient's full weight; D is incorrect because mechanical lifts are reserved for patients
who cannot bear any weight or are obese.
,Q2: A patient is placed in wrist restraints to prevent removal of a nasogastric tube.
According to CMS and Joint Commission standards, which nursing action is required?
A. Check circulation and reposition every 15 minutes with release every 2 hours
B. Check circulation every 30 minutes, offer toileting/hydration every 2 hours, and
release every 2 hours for range of motion [CORRECT]
C. Document restraint use every 8 hours and release once per shift
D. Keep restraints continuously applied without removal to prevent self-extubation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restraint standards require: assessment of circulation/sensation every 30
minutes (15 minutes for behavioral restraints), offering care (toileting, hydration,
position change) every 2 hours, and release with range of motion exercises every 2
hours for medical/surgical restraints. Continuous assessment and least restrictive
alternatives are mandated. A is incorrect because 15-minute checks are for behavioral
restraints, and release should occur every 2 hours, not just repositioning; C is incorrect
because 8-hour intervals violate safety standards; D is incorrect because continuous
application without assessment causes injury and violates patient rights.
Q3: A patient with a Stage 2 pressure injury on the sacrum is being repositioned. Which
positioning schedule and technique is most appropriate?
A. Reposition every 4 hours with the head of bed elevated 45 degrees continuously
B. Reposition every 2 hours, limit head-of-bed elevation to 30 degrees or less when
possible, and use pressure-redistributing support surface [CORRECT]
,C. Keep the patient flat on the back to avoid shearing forces
D. Massage the reddened area to promote circulation before repositioning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pressure injury prevention requires repositioning every 2 hours (or more
frequently based on risk assessment), limiting head-of-bed elevation to ≤30 degrees to
reduce shearing forces, and using appropriate support surfaces. Shearing (skin sliding
against sheets) is a major injury mechanism. A is incorrect because 4-hour intervals are
too long and 45 degrees increases shear; C is incorrect because supine positioning
increases sacral pressure; D is incorrect because massaging reddened areas damages
underlying tissue (NPUAP guideline contraindication).
Q4: A patient is being ambulated for the first time post-surgery. The patient becomes
pale, diaphoretic, and reports dizziness after standing. Which action is the priority?
A. Continue ambulation to build tolerance
B. Assist the patient to a nearby chair and notify the nurse immediately [CORRECT]
C. Leave the patient standing while obtaining vital signs
D. Return the patient to bed quickly without support
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Signs of orthostatic hypotension/syncope require immediate sitting or lying
to prevent falls. The PCT should assist to a chair (or floor if necessary), stay with the
patient, call for help, and notify the nurse. Never leave a symptomatic patient
unattended. A is incorrect because continuing risks syncope and injury; C is incorrect
, because leaving the patient standing risks fall; D is incorrect because rapid movement
without support risks patient fall.
Q5: A patient requires passive range of motion (ROM) exercises for the left shoulder
following surgery. Which technique is correct?
A. Move the joint quickly through its full range to prevent stiffness
B. Support the proximal and distal joints, move slowly to the point of resistance without
pain, and repeat 5-10 times [CORRECT]
C. Force the joint beyond mild discomfort to achieve maximum flexibility
D. Perform ROM only once daily to prevent fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Passive ROM requires supporting joints above and below, slow controlled
movement to the point of resistance (not pain), and repetition (5-10 times per joint, 2-3
times daily). This maintains mobility without causing injury. A is incorrect because rapid
movement causes pain and injury; C is incorrect because forcing beyond resistance
damages tissues; D is incorrect because infrequent ROM allows contractures.
Q6: A patient with a total hip replacement is being taught about hip precautions. Which
instruction is correct?
A. "You can cross your legs at the knees for comfort"
B. "Avoid bending past 90 degrees at the hip, keep knees apart, and use a raised toilet
seat" [CORRECT]
C. "Low chairs are preferable for easier standing"
Complete Solutions | Expert Verified | NHA Certification |
Patient Care Technician | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety (20 Questions)
Q1: A 78-year-old patient with right-sided weakness following a stroke requires
assistance transferring from bed to wheelchair. The patient can bear weight on the left
leg but needs support. Which transfer technique is most appropriate?
A. One-person assist with the patient using a gait belt and the PCT supporting the weak
side
B. Two-person assist with a draw sheet to lift the patient completely off the bed
C. One-person assist with the patient holding the PCT's shoulder while the PCT bears
the patient's weight
D. Mechanical lift transfer due to complete inability to bear weight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A one-person assist with a gait belt is appropriate for patients who can bear
some weight but need stability support. The PCT should position on the patient's weak
side (right) to provide support while the patient bears weight on the strong leg (left). B is
incorrect because a draw sheet is for bed mobility, not transfers, and two-person assist
is unnecessary if the patient can bear weight; C is incorrect because patients should
never hold the caregiver's shoulder (risk of injury to both) and the PCT should never bear
the patient's full weight; D is incorrect because mechanical lifts are reserved for patients
who cannot bear any weight or are obese.
,Q2: A patient is placed in wrist restraints to prevent removal of a nasogastric tube.
According to CMS and Joint Commission standards, which nursing action is required?
A. Check circulation and reposition every 15 minutes with release every 2 hours
B. Check circulation every 30 minutes, offer toileting/hydration every 2 hours, and
release every 2 hours for range of motion [CORRECT]
C. Document restraint use every 8 hours and release once per shift
D. Keep restraints continuously applied without removal to prevent self-extubation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restraint standards require: assessment of circulation/sensation every 30
minutes (15 minutes for behavioral restraints), offering care (toileting, hydration,
position change) every 2 hours, and release with range of motion exercises every 2
hours for medical/surgical restraints. Continuous assessment and least restrictive
alternatives are mandated. A is incorrect because 15-minute checks are for behavioral
restraints, and release should occur every 2 hours, not just repositioning; C is incorrect
because 8-hour intervals violate safety standards; D is incorrect because continuous
application without assessment causes injury and violates patient rights.
Q3: A patient with a Stage 2 pressure injury on the sacrum is being repositioned. Which
positioning schedule and technique is most appropriate?
A. Reposition every 4 hours with the head of bed elevated 45 degrees continuously
B. Reposition every 2 hours, limit head-of-bed elevation to 30 degrees or less when
possible, and use pressure-redistributing support surface [CORRECT]
,C. Keep the patient flat on the back to avoid shearing forces
D. Massage the reddened area to promote circulation before repositioning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pressure injury prevention requires repositioning every 2 hours (or more
frequently based on risk assessment), limiting head-of-bed elevation to ≤30 degrees to
reduce shearing forces, and using appropriate support surfaces. Shearing (skin sliding
against sheets) is a major injury mechanism. A is incorrect because 4-hour intervals are
too long and 45 degrees increases shear; C is incorrect because supine positioning
increases sacral pressure; D is incorrect because massaging reddened areas damages
underlying tissue (NPUAP guideline contraindication).
Q4: A patient is being ambulated for the first time post-surgery. The patient becomes
pale, diaphoretic, and reports dizziness after standing. Which action is the priority?
A. Continue ambulation to build tolerance
B. Assist the patient to a nearby chair and notify the nurse immediately [CORRECT]
C. Leave the patient standing while obtaining vital signs
D. Return the patient to bed quickly without support
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Signs of orthostatic hypotension/syncope require immediate sitting or lying
to prevent falls. The PCT should assist to a chair (or floor if necessary), stay with the
patient, call for help, and notify the nurse. Never leave a symptomatic patient
unattended. A is incorrect because continuing risks syncope and injury; C is incorrect
, because leaving the patient standing risks fall; D is incorrect because rapid movement
without support risks patient fall.
Q5: A patient requires passive range of motion (ROM) exercises for the left shoulder
following surgery. Which technique is correct?
A. Move the joint quickly through its full range to prevent stiffness
B. Support the proximal and distal joints, move slowly to the point of resistance without
pain, and repeat 5-10 times [CORRECT]
C. Force the joint beyond mild discomfort to achieve maximum flexibility
D. Perform ROM only once daily to prevent fatigue
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Passive ROM requires supporting joints above and below, slow controlled
movement to the point of resistance (not pain), and repetition (5-10 times per joint, 2-3
times daily). This maintains mobility without causing injury. A is incorrect because rapid
movement causes pain and injury; C is incorrect because forcing beyond resistance
damages tissues; D is incorrect because infrequent ROM allows contractures.
Q6: A patient with a total hip replacement is being taught about hip precautions. Which
instruction is correct?
A. "You can cross your legs at the knees for comfort"
B. "Avoid bending past 90 degrees at the hip, keep knees apart, and use a raised toilet
seat" [CORRECT]
C. "Low chairs are preferable for easier standing"
