This test is designed to help you prepare for the CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant) or PCTC (Patient Care Technician Certification) exam.
It covers key topics such as patient care skills, safety protocols, infection control, phlebotomy, EKG monitoring, and communication.
Each question is multiple-choice, with one correct answer.
Use this test to assess your knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence for the actual exam.
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Patient Care Technician Certification Practice Test
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Question 1 |
What is the primary role of a Patient Care Technician (PCT)?
Diagnose medical conditions | |
Assist nurses and doctors with patient care | |
Perform surgical procedures | |
Manage hospital finances |
Question 2 |
Which of the following is a sign of infection in a wound?
Clear drainage | |
Redness and warmth | |
Dry skin | |
Mild itching |
Question 3 |
What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg | |
130/90 mmHg to 140/100 mmHg | |
70/50 mmHg to 90/60 mmHg | |
150/100 mmHg to 160/110 mmHg |
Question 4 |
When performing hand hygiene, how long should you scrub your hands with soap?
5 seconds | |
10 seconds | |
20 seconds | |
30 seconds |
Question 5 |
Which of the following is a proper body mechanics technique when lifting a patient?
Bend at the waist | |
Keep your feet close together | |
Use your back muscles | |
Bend your knees and keep your back straight |
Question 6 |
What is the correct order of steps for donning PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
Gloves, gown, mask, goggles | |
Gown, mask, goggles, gloves | |
Mask, goggles, gown, gloves | |
Goggles, gloves, gown, mask |
Question 7 |
Which of the following is a symptom of hypoglycemia?
High blood sugar | |
Confusion and sweating | |
Increased thirst | |
Slow wound healing |
Question 8 |
What is the purpose of a tourniquet during phlebotomy?
To clean the site | |
To make veins more visible | |
To stop bleeding | |
To numb the area |
Question 9 |
How often should a patient’s vital signs be taken if they are stable?
Every 15 minutes | |
Every hour | |
Every 4-8 hours | |
Once a day |
Question 10 |
Which of the following is a contraindication for taking an oral temperature?
The patient is asleep | |
The patient has a cough | |
The patient has eaten or drank something hot or cold within 15 minutes | |
The patient is sitting upright |
Question 11 |
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?
8-12 breaths per minute | |
12-20 breaths per minute | |
22-30 breaths per minute | |
30-40 breaths per minute |
Question 12 |
Which of the following is an example of a bloodborne pathogen?
Influenza | |
Hepatitis B | |
Tuberculosis | |
Common cold |
Question 13 |
What is the first step in responding to a patient who is choking?
Perform abdominal thrusts | |
Call for help | |
Ask the patient if they can speak | |
Begin CPR |
Question 14 |
Which of the following is a normal oxygen saturation level (SpO2)?
85-89% | |
90-94% | |
95-100% | |
70-84% |
Question 15 |
What is the correct angle for inserting a needle during venipuncture?
10 degrees | |
30 degrees | |
45 degrees | |
90 degrees |
Question 16 |
Which of the following is the responsibility of a PCT during EKG monitoring?
Interpret the EKG results | |
Apply electrodes to the patient’s chest | |
Diagnose heart conditions | |
Prescribe medication |
Question 17 |
What is the most common site for taking a pulse?
Femoral artery | |
Carotid artery | |
Brachial artery | |
Radial artery |
Question 18 |
Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?
Increased urine output | |
Moist skin | |
Dark yellow urine | |
Rapid weight gain |
Question 19 |
What is the correct way to dispose of a used needle?
Throw it in the regular trash | |
Place it in a sharps container | |
Recap it and place it in a biohazard bag | |
Leave it on the bedside table |
Question 20 |
Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication?
Speaking clearly | |
Writing notes | |
Maintaining eye contact | |
Asking questions |
Question 21 |
What is the purpose of a gait belt?
To restrain a patient | |
To assist with walking and transfers | |
To measure blood pressure | |
To secure a patient to a bed |
Question 22 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Increased appetite | |
Painful urination | |
Clear urine | |
Decreased thirst |
Question 23 |
What is the correct way to measure a patient’s height?
Ask the patient to estimate their height | |
Use a tape measure while the patient is lying down | |
Use a stadiometer with the patient standing straight | |
Measure the patient’s arm span |
Question 24 |
Which of the following is a sign of a stroke?
Sudden severe headache | |
Increased energy | |
Improved vision | |
Normal speech |
Question 25 |
What is the correct order of the chain of infection?
Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host | |
Reservoir, infectious agent, portal of entry, mode of transmission, portal of exit, susceptible host | |
Susceptible host, portal of entry, mode of transmission, portal of exit, reservoir, infectious agent | |
Mode of transmission, portal of exit, reservoir, infectious agent, portal of entry, susceptible host |
Question 26 |
Which of the following is a symptom of hypertension?
Low blood pressure | |
Headache and dizziness | |
Rapid weight loss | |
Cold extremities |
Question 27 |
What is the correct way to position a patient for a lumbar puncture?
Supine | |
Prone | |
Lateral recumbent | |
Fowler’s position |
Question 28 |
Which of the following is a normal heart rate for an adult?
40-60 beats per minute | |
60-100 beats per minute | |
100-120 beats per minute | |
120-140 beats per minute |
Question 29 |
What is the purpose of a pulse oximeter?
To measure blood pressure | |
To measure oxygen saturation | |
To measure heart rate | |
To measure body temperature |
Question 30 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a myocardial infarction (heart attack)?
Chest pain radiating to the arm | |
Increased appetite | |
Clear lungs | |
Normal EKG |
Question 31 |
What is the correct way to clean a patient’s dentures?
Use hot water and a toothbrush | |
Use cold water and a soft-bristled brush | |
Use soap and a washcloth | |
Use bleach and a sponge |
Question 32 |
Which of the following is a symptom of shock?
High blood pressure | |
Warm, dry skin | |
Rapid, weak pulse | |
Increased urine output |
Question 33 |
What is the correct way to document a patient’s intake and output?
Estimate the amounts | |
Use a standardized form and record exact measurements | |
Only document intake | |
Only document output |
Question 34 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a pulmonary embolism?
Sudden shortness of breath | |
Increased appetite | |
Normal oxygen saturation | |
Clear lungs |
Question 35 |
What is the correct way to position a patient with dyspnea?
Supine | |
Fowler’s position | |
Prone | |
Lateral recumbent |
Question 36 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a fractured bone?
Swelling and deformity | |
Increased range of motion | |
Warm, dry skin | |
Normal pulse |
Question 37 |
What is the correct way to perform CPR on an adult?
15 compressions and 2 breaths | |
30 compressions and 2 breaths | |
5 compressions and 1 breath | |
10 compressions and 1 breath |
Question 38 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Swelling and pain in the leg | |
Increased appetite | |
Clear lungs | |
Normal pulse |
Question 39 |
What is the correct way to measure a patient’s weight?
Ask the patient to estimate their weight | |
Use a scale with the patient standing straight | |
Use a tape measure | |
Measure the patient’s arm span |
Question 40 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a seizure?
Loss of consciousness and jerking movements | |
Increased appetite | |
Clear lungs | |
Normal pulse |
Question 41 |
What is the correct way to position a patient with a suspected spinal injury?
Supine | |
Prone | |
Lateral recumbent | |
Fowler’s position |
Question 42 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a pneumothorax?
Sudden shortness of breath | |
Increased appetite | |
Normal oxygen saturation | |
Clear lungs |
Question 43 |
What is the correct way to perform a capillary puncture?
Use the thumb | |
Use the index finger | |
Use the middle or ring finger | |
Use the little finger |
Question 44 |
Which of the following is a symptom of pulmonary edema?
Sudden shortness of breath | |
Increased appetite | |
Normal oxygen saturation | |
Clear lungs |
Question 45 |
What is the correct way to position a patient with a suspected hip fracture?
Supine | |
Prone | |
Lateral recumbent | |
Fowler’s position |
Question 46 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a pulmonary embolism?
Sudden shortness of breath | |
Increased appetite | |
Normal oxygen saturation | |
Clear lungs |
Question 47 |
What is the correct way to perform a capillary puncture?
Use the thumb | |
Use the index finger | |
Use the middle or ring finger | |
Use the little finger |
Question 48 |
Which of the following is a symptom of pulmonary edema?
Sudden shortness of breath | |
Increased appetite | |
Normal oxygen saturation | |
Clear lungs |
Question 49 |
What is the correct way to position a patient with a suspected hip fracture?
Supine | |
Prone | |
Lateral recumbent | |
Fowler’s position |
Question 50 |
Which of the following is a symptom of a pulmonary embolism?
Sudden shortness of breath | |
Increased appetite | |
Normal oxygen saturation | |
Clear lungs |
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect.
There are 50 questions to complete.