Patient Care Technician Certification Practice Test

Some states require you to become certified as a patient care technician, and a PCT certification is preferred by employers.

To qualify for certification, you’ll need to complete a training program or have relevant work experience.

You can get your certification through the NPS, NCCT, or the NHA.

Certification exams will cover the same basic topics, including patient care, compliance, patient safety, ethics, infection control, phlebotomy, and EKG.

Our practice test includes all the topics you’ll see on your patient care technician exam.

Take our test to see if you are ready for your certification.

Patient Care Technician Certification Practice Test

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Question 1
What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
A
100/60 mmHg
B
120/80 mmHg
C
140/90 mmHg
D
160/100 mmHg
Question 2
What is the primary purpose of a bedpan?
A
To collect urine
B
To collect feces
C
To provide comfort
D
To measure blood pressure
Question 3
What is the proper procedure for hand hygiene?
A
Wash hands with water only
B
Use hand sanitizer without water
C
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
D
Wipe hands with a dry cloth
Question 4
Which vital sign is measured using a pulse oximeter?
A
Blood pressure
B
Temperature
C
Respiratory rate
D
Oxygen saturation
Question 5
What is the purpose of using a draw sheet in bed?
A
To keep the bed linens clean
B
To provide comfort to the patient
C
To assist with turning and repositioning
D
To measure body temperature
Question 6
What is the purpose of a Foley catheter?
A
To collect stool samples
B
To monitor blood pressure
C
To drain urine from the bladder
D
To measure oxygen saturation
Question 7
What is the correct order for putting on personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A
Gloves, gown, mask
B
Gown, mask, gloves
C
Mask, gloves, gown
D
Gown, gloves, mask
Question 8
Which of the following is an example of a non-verbal communication technique?
A
Speaking clearly
B
Active listening
C
Using gestures and body language
D
Offering reassurance
Question 9
How often should a patient on strict intake and output (I&O) monitoring be assessed?
A
Hourly
B
Every 4 hours
C
Twice daily
D
Once a day
Question 10
What is the purpose of a sitz bath?
A
To soak and clean the feet
B
To promote wound healing in the perineal area
C
To measure blood pressure
D
To assist with oral hygiene
Question 11
How should a Patient Care Technician assist a patient with dysphagia during mealtime?
A
Offer large food portions to encourage eating
B
Encourage fast eating to finish the meal quickly
C
Provide small, manageable bites and allow adequate time for chewing and swallowing
D
Use a straw for all beverages
Question 12
What is the correct way to measure a patient's respiratory rate?
A
Count breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
B
Count breaths for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
C
Count breaths for 60 seconds
D
Count breaths for 10 seconds and multiply by 6
Question 13
Which position is recommended for a patient with difficulty breathing?
A
Supine
B
Fowler's
C
Prone
D
Lateral
Question 14
What is the primary responsibility of a Patient Care Technician during a code blue emergency?
A
Administering medication
B
Providing emotional support to the family
C
Initiating CPR and calling for help
D
Documenting the incident
Question 15
What is the purpose of an incentive spirometer?
A
To measure oxygen saturation
B
To assist with turning and repositioning
C
To promote deep breathing and prevent lung complications
D
To collect urine samples
Question 16
When caring for a patient with diabetes, which is an important aspect of foot care?
A
Soaking feet in warm water daily
B
Keeping feet moist to prevent dryness
C
Avoiding regular inspection of feet
D
Wearing tight-fitting shoes
Question 17
What is the normal range for blood glucose levels in a fasting adult?
A
50-80 mg/dL
B
70-100 mg/dL
C
120-150 mg/dL
D
200-250 mg/dL
Question 18
How often should a Patient Care Technician reposition an immobile patient to prevent pressure ulcers?
A
Every 2 hours
B
Every 4 hours
C
Twice daily
D
Once a day
Question 19
What is the purpose of a nasal cannula?
A
To administer medication
B
To measure blood pressure
C
To deliver supplemental oxygen
D
To collect sputum samples
Question 20
What is the appropriate water temperature for a patient's bath?
A
32-40°C (90-104°F)
B
50-60°C (122-140°F)
C
70-80°C (158-176°F)
D
90-100°C (194-212°F)
Question 21
Which type of isolation precaution is recommended for a patient with a contagious respiratory infection?
A
Contact isolation
B
Droplet isolation
C
Airborne isolation
D
Standard precautions
Question 22
What is the purpose of a nasal suction bulb?
A
To measure oxygen saturation
B
To administer medication
C
To clear mucus from the nasal passages
D
To collect urine samples
Question 23
What is the appropriate way to document patient care activities?
A
Use abbreviations to save time
B
Document only significant events
C
Record information as soon as possible after providing care
D
Skip documentation if the task was routine and well-known
Question 24
Which of the following is a symptom of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A
Increased thirst
B
Hyperactivity
C
Shaking and sweating
D
Blurred vision
Question 25
What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication?
A
Providing medical advice
B
Building rapport with the patient
C
Offering sympathy and condolences
D
Focusing on the healthcare provider's perspective
Question 26
How should a Patient Care Technician respond to a confused patient who is agitated and combative?
A
Restrain the patient to prevent injury
B
Call for assistance and attempt to calm the patient
C
Ignore the behavior and continue with care
D
Administer sedation without consulting the healthcare team
Question 27
What is the purpose of a 24-hour urine collection?
A
To measure blood pressure
B
To assess kidney function and urine output
C
To collect sputum samples
D
To monitor oxygen saturation
Question 28
Which position is commonly used for a rectal examination?
A
Trendelenburg
B
Fowler's
C
Supine
D
Sims
Question 29
What is the primary responsibility of a Patient Care Technician when a patient refuses treatment?
A
Convince the patient to accept the treatment
B
Ignore the refusal and proceed with treatment
C
Document the refusal and report to the healthcare team
D
Administer the treatment forcefully
Question 30
In the context of patient confidentiality, what is the appropriate action if a family member asks for information about the patient's condition?
A
Provide all requested information to the family member
B
Direct the family member to the healthcare provider
C
Share limited information without disclosing sensitive details
D
Refuse to provide any information to the family member
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results
There are 30 questions to complete.
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