Patient Care Technician (PCT) Exam Prep – Real Practice Questions,
Answers & Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026) | Patient Care
Skills & ADLs, Vital Signs & Health Monitoring, Phlebotomy & Specimen
Collection, EKG Procedures, Infection Control & Safety, Mobility &
Transfer Techniques, Documentation & Communication, Emergency
Response & Clinical Patient Care Review
Question 1: Which of the following is the FIRST action a Patient Care Technician
should take when discovering a patient has fallen?
A. Call the nurse immediately
B. Attempt to lift the patient back to bed
C. Assess the patient for injuries and ensure safety
D. Document the fall in the patient's chart
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess the patient for injuries and ensure safety
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority after a fall. The PCT must first ensure the patient
is not in immediate danger and assess for visible injuries before moving the patient or
notifying the nurse. Moving a patient without assessment could worsen injuries.
Documentation and notification follow the initial safety assessment.
Question 2: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, which cuff size selection
is MOST appropriate for an adult with a mid-arm circumference of 35 cm?
A. Child cuff
B. Adult cuff
C. Large adult cuff
D. Thigh cuff
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Large adult cuff
Rationale: Cuff selection is based on arm circumference. A large adult cuff is indicated
for arm circumferences of 34-44 cm. Using an incorrectly sized cuff can lead to
inaccurate readings: too small causes falsely high readings, too large causes falsely low
readings.
Question 3: Which of the following actions BEST demonstrates standard
precautions when providing care to any patient?
A. Wearing gloves only when touching blood
B. Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient contact
C. Using a gown for all patient interactions
D. Wearing a mask when the patient has a cough
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient
contact
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of diagnosis. Hand
hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent transmission of pathogens.
,Gloves, gowns, and masks are used based on anticipated exposure, but hand hygiene is
universal and fundamental.
Question 4: A patient is prescribed 1500 mL of fluid restriction per day. The PCT
should recognize that which of the following items MUST be included in the fluid
intake calculation?
A. Ice chips, gelatin, and soup
B. Only water and juice
C. Solid foods like fruits and vegetables
D. Medications administered orally
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Ice chips, gelatin, and soup
Rationale: Fluid restriction includes all liquids and items that melt to liquid at room
temperature. Ice chips (usually counted as half volume), gelatin, soup, ice cream, and
puddings are included. Solid foods are not counted unless specifically ordered. Oral
medications typically have negligible volume.
Question 5: When assisting a patient with right-sided weakness to ambulate, the
PCT should position themselves:
A. On the patient's right side, holding the right arm
B. On the patient's left side, holding the gait belt on the strong side
C. Directly in front of the patient to guide direction
D. Behind the patient to provide support from the back
CORRECT ANSWER: B. On the patient's left side, holding the gait belt on the strong
side
Rationale: When assisting a patient with one-sided weakness, the caregiver stands on
the patient's unaffected (strong) side to provide maximum support and stability. The gait
belt should be held on the strong side to help control balance and prevent falls.
Question 6: Which of the following vital sign findings requires IMMEDIATE
notification of the nurse?
A. Oral temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
B. Apical pulse of 110 beats per minute in an adult at rest
C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
D. Blood pressure of 128/82 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apical pulse of 110 beats per minute in an adult at rest
Rationale: A resting heart rate above 100 bpm in an adult is tachycardia and may
indicate pain, fever, dehydration, anxiety, or cardiac compromise. This requires prompt
assessment. The other values fall within normal or borderline normal ranges and do not
require immediate notification.
,Question 7: The PCT is preparing to perform fingerstick glucose testing. Which step
is CRITICAL to ensure accurate results?
A. Using alcohol to clean the site and allowing it to air dry completely
B. Wiping away the first drop of blood with a dry gauze
C. Selecting the center of the fingertip for puncture
D. Applying firm pressure to the fingertip before puncture
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Using alcohol to clean the site and allowing it to air dry
completely
Rationale: Alcohol must air dry completely before puncture; residual alcohol can dilute
the blood sample and cause falsely low glucose readings. The first drop of blood is
typically wiped away to remove tissue fluid, but the critical step for accuracy is ensuring
the site is dry after cleaning.
Question 8: When documenting patient care, which of the following entries is MOST
appropriate?
A. "Patient seemed angry and refused care."
B. "Patient stated, 'I don't want to take that pill right now.'"
C. "Patient was uncooperative during morning care."
D. "Patient appears confused and disoriented."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Patient stated, 'I don't want to take that pill right now.'"
Rationale: Documentation should be objective, factual, and include direct patient
quotes when possible. Subjective interpretations like "seemed angry," "uncooperative,"
or "appears confused" are not appropriate. Recording the patient's exact words
provides accurate, legally defensible documentation.
Question 9: Which of the following is the CORRECT sequence for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE) before entering a patient's room requiring contact
precautions?
A. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
B. Mask, goggles, gown, gloves
C. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
D. Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Rationale: The CDC-recommended sequence for donning PPE is: gown first, then
mask/respirator, then goggles/face shield, and gloves last. This sequence prevents
contamination of clothing and ensures gloves cover gown cuffs. Removing PPE follows
the reverse order to minimize self-contamination.
Question 10: A patient with a urinary catheter has dark, cloudy urine with sediment.
The PCT should:
, A. Irrigate the catheter with sterile saline immediately
B. Increase the patient's fluid intake without an order
C. Report the finding to the nurse promptly
D. Clamp the catheter for 30 minutes to assess output
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Report the finding to the nurse promptly
Rationale: Dark, cloudy urine with sediment may indicate infection, dehydration, or
catheter complication. PCTs should report abnormal findings to the licensed nurse for
assessment and intervention. Irrigation, fluid changes, or clamping require a provider
order and are outside the PCT scope.
Question 11: When measuring a patient's respiratory rate, the MOST accurate
method is to:
A. Ask the patient to breathe normally while counting for 30 seconds
B. Count breaths for a full 60 seconds without the patient's awareness
C. Use a pulse oximeter reading to estimate respiratory rate
D. Count breaths for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Count breaths for a full 60 seconds without the patient's
awareness
Rationale: Respiratory rate can be altered if the patient is aware they are being
observed. Counting for a full minute provides the most accurate measurement,
especially if respirations are irregular. Shorter intervals multiplied can magnify counting
errors.
Question 12: Which of the following actions is within the PCT's scope of practice
when caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?
A. Verifying tube placement by auscultating air injection
B. Administering medications through the NG tube
C. Providing oral care and securing the tube to the patient's gown
D. Adjusting the suction pressure on the NG drainage system
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Providing oral care and securing the tube to the patient's
gown
Rationale: PCTs can provide comfort care, oral hygiene, and secure tubing to prevent
dislodgement. Verifying placement, administering medications, and adjusting suction
are licensed nursing responsibilities. Auscultation for placement is no longer
considered reliable even for RNs.
Question 13: A patient is placed on fall precautions. Which intervention should the
PCT implement FIRST?
A. Place the bed in the lowest position with brakes locked
B. Ensure the call light is within the patient's reach
Answers & Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026) | Patient Care
Skills & ADLs, Vital Signs & Health Monitoring, Phlebotomy & Specimen
Collection, EKG Procedures, Infection Control & Safety, Mobility &
Transfer Techniques, Documentation & Communication, Emergency
Response & Clinical Patient Care Review
Question 1: Which of the following is the FIRST action a Patient Care Technician
should take when discovering a patient has fallen?
A. Call the nurse immediately
B. Attempt to lift the patient back to bed
C. Assess the patient for injuries and ensure safety
D. Document the fall in the patient's chart
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess the patient for injuries and ensure safety
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority after a fall. The PCT must first ensure the patient
is not in immediate danger and assess for visible injuries before moving the patient or
notifying the nurse. Moving a patient without assessment could worsen injuries.
Documentation and notification follow the initial safety assessment.
Question 2: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, which cuff size selection
is MOST appropriate for an adult with a mid-arm circumference of 35 cm?
A. Child cuff
B. Adult cuff
C. Large adult cuff
D. Thigh cuff
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Large adult cuff
Rationale: Cuff selection is based on arm circumference. A large adult cuff is indicated
for arm circumferences of 34-44 cm. Using an incorrectly sized cuff can lead to
inaccurate readings: too small causes falsely high readings, too large causes falsely low
readings.
Question 3: Which of the following actions BEST demonstrates standard
precautions when providing care to any patient?
A. Wearing gloves only when touching blood
B. Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient contact
C. Using a gown for all patient interactions
D. Wearing a mask when the patient has a cough
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient
contact
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of diagnosis. Hand
hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent transmission of pathogens.
,Gloves, gowns, and masks are used based on anticipated exposure, but hand hygiene is
universal and fundamental.
Question 4: A patient is prescribed 1500 mL of fluid restriction per day. The PCT
should recognize that which of the following items MUST be included in the fluid
intake calculation?
A. Ice chips, gelatin, and soup
B. Only water and juice
C. Solid foods like fruits and vegetables
D. Medications administered orally
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Ice chips, gelatin, and soup
Rationale: Fluid restriction includes all liquids and items that melt to liquid at room
temperature. Ice chips (usually counted as half volume), gelatin, soup, ice cream, and
puddings are included. Solid foods are not counted unless specifically ordered. Oral
medications typically have negligible volume.
Question 5: When assisting a patient with right-sided weakness to ambulate, the
PCT should position themselves:
A. On the patient's right side, holding the right arm
B. On the patient's left side, holding the gait belt on the strong side
C. Directly in front of the patient to guide direction
D. Behind the patient to provide support from the back
CORRECT ANSWER: B. On the patient's left side, holding the gait belt on the strong
side
Rationale: When assisting a patient with one-sided weakness, the caregiver stands on
the patient's unaffected (strong) side to provide maximum support and stability. The gait
belt should be held on the strong side to help control balance and prevent falls.
Question 6: Which of the following vital sign findings requires IMMEDIATE
notification of the nurse?
A. Oral temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
B. Apical pulse of 110 beats per minute in an adult at rest
C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
D. Blood pressure of 128/82 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apical pulse of 110 beats per minute in an adult at rest
Rationale: A resting heart rate above 100 bpm in an adult is tachycardia and may
indicate pain, fever, dehydration, anxiety, or cardiac compromise. This requires prompt
assessment. The other values fall within normal or borderline normal ranges and do not
require immediate notification.
,Question 7: The PCT is preparing to perform fingerstick glucose testing. Which step
is CRITICAL to ensure accurate results?
A. Using alcohol to clean the site and allowing it to air dry completely
B. Wiping away the first drop of blood with a dry gauze
C. Selecting the center of the fingertip for puncture
D. Applying firm pressure to the fingertip before puncture
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Using alcohol to clean the site and allowing it to air dry
completely
Rationale: Alcohol must air dry completely before puncture; residual alcohol can dilute
the blood sample and cause falsely low glucose readings. The first drop of blood is
typically wiped away to remove tissue fluid, but the critical step for accuracy is ensuring
the site is dry after cleaning.
Question 8: When documenting patient care, which of the following entries is MOST
appropriate?
A. "Patient seemed angry and refused care."
B. "Patient stated, 'I don't want to take that pill right now.'"
C. "Patient was uncooperative during morning care."
D. "Patient appears confused and disoriented."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Patient stated, 'I don't want to take that pill right now.'"
Rationale: Documentation should be objective, factual, and include direct patient
quotes when possible. Subjective interpretations like "seemed angry," "uncooperative,"
or "appears confused" are not appropriate. Recording the patient's exact words
provides accurate, legally defensible documentation.
Question 9: Which of the following is the CORRECT sequence for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE) before entering a patient's room requiring contact
precautions?
A. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
B. Mask, goggles, gown, gloves
C. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
D. Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Rationale: The CDC-recommended sequence for donning PPE is: gown first, then
mask/respirator, then goggles/face shield, and gloves last. This sequence prevents
contamination of clothing and ensures gloves cover gown cuffs. Removing PPE follows
the reverse order to minimize self-contamination.
Question 10: A patient with a urinary catheter has dark, cloudy urine with sediment.
The PCT should:
, A. Irrigate the catheter with sterile saline immediately
B. Increase the patient's fluid intake without an order
C. Report the finding to the nurse promptly
D. Clamp the catheter for 30 minutes to assess output
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Report the finding to the nurse promptly
Rationale: Dark, cloudy urine with sediment may indicate infection, dehydration, or
catheter complication. PCTs should report abnormal findings to the licensed nurse for
assessment and intervention. Irrigation, fluid changes, or clamping require a provider
order and are outside the PCT scope.
Question 11: When measuring a patient's respiratory rate, the MOST accurate
method is to:
A. Ask the patient to breathe normally while counting for 30 seconds
B. Count breaths for a full 60 seconds without the patient's awareness
C. Use a pulse oximeter reading to estimate respiratory rate
D. Count breaths for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Count breaths for a full 60 seconds without the patient's
awareness
Rationale: Respiratory rate can be altered if the patient is aware they are being
observed. Counting for a full minute provides the most accurate measurement,
especially if respirations are irregular. Shorter intervals multiplied can magnify counting
errors.
Question 12: Which of the following actions is within the PCT's scope of practice
when caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?
A. Verifying tube placement by auscultating air injection
B. Administering medications through the NG tube
C. Providing oral care and securing the tube to the patient's gown
D. Adjusting the suction pressure on the NG drainage system
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Providing oral care and securing the tube to the patient's
gown
Rationale: PCTs can provide comfort care, oral hygiene, and secure tubing to prevent
dislodgement. Verifying placement, administering medications, and adjusting suction
are licensed nursing responsibilities. Auscultation for placement is no longer
considered reliable even for RNs.
Question 13: A patient is placed on fall precautions. Which intervention should the
PCT implement FIRST?
A. Place the bed in the lowest position with brakes locked
B. Ensure the call light is within the patient's reach
