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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

NHA PCT Practice Test: Patient Care Technician Exam

Quick, free quiz with NHA PCT exam questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Valkyrie JordanUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art icons stethoscope syringe clipboard pencil around quiz text for free patient care tech test on teal background

This NHA PCT practice test helps you check your Patient Care Technician knowledge with realistic, clinic-style questions and instant results. See where you need review before test day, then keep building skills with a free NHA practice test, sharpen blood collection skills with an NHA phlebotomy practice test, or broaden coverage with an NHA CCMA practice test.

What is the normal resting adult pulse rate?
100 - 120 beats per minute
120 - 140 beats per minute
40 - 60 beats per minute
60 - 100 beats per minute
A normal adult pulse ranges from 60 to 100 bpm at rest. Values outside this range may indicate bradycardia or tachycardia. Accurate pulse assessment is vital for patient monitoring.
Which position is best for taking an oral temperature?
Under the armpit
Under the tongue in the sublingual pocket
Inside the ear canal
Between the cheek and gum
The sublingual pocket provides an accurate oral temperature reading. Placing the probe under the tongue is standard practice. Other sites measure differently and can yield less accurate oral readings.
What does the abbreviation 'BP' stand for in vital signs?
Breath Pressure
Body Pulse
Body Position
Blood Pressure
'BP' commonly stands for blood pressure in medical charting. It measures the force of blood against artery walls. Accurate BP readings are crucial for cardiovascular assessment.
Which of the following is a standard precaution to prevent infection?
Reusing single-use gloves
Wearing sandals in the patient's room
Leaving equipment uncleaned
Hand hygiene before and after patient contact
Hand hygiene is the primary standard precaution to reduce pathogen transmission. It should be performed before and after all patient interactions. Other measures like PPE complement hand hygiene.
Which range of motion exercise involves bending and straightening the knee?
Pronation and supination
Flexion and extension
Abduction and adduction
Rotation and circumduction
Flexion decreases the angle of a joint, while extension increases it. Bending and straightening the knee exemplify these movements. Proper ROM exercises help maintain joint function.
What color is used to code a fire hazard in the NFPA diamond?
Red
Blue
White
Yellow
In the NFPA diamond, red indicates flammability hazards. Blue represents health, yellow reactivity, and white special information. This coding aids quick hazard recognition.
How often should you turn a bedbound patient to prevent pressure ulcers?
Every 4 days
Once a day
Every 8 hours
Every 2 hours
Repositioning every two hours helps relieve pressure and promote circulation. Longer intervals increase the risk of skin breakdown. Consistent turning prevents pressure ulcer development.
Which device measures oxygen saturation in the blood?
Thermometer
Sphygmomanometer
Peak flow meter
Pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter noninvasively measures arterial oxygen saturation (SpO?). It uses light wavelengths through the fingertip or earlobe. Accurate SpO? monitoring is critical for respiratory assessment.
Which of the following best defines ambulation?
Walking a patient
Dressing a patient
Bathing a patient
Feeding a patient
Ambulation refers to the act of walking. Assisting patients to walk improves circulation and muscle strength. It is a common PCT task for mobilization.
What is the primary purpose of using standard precautions?
To document care accurately
To reduce patient anxiety
To improve nutrition intake
To prevent spread of infections
Standard precautions are designed to minimize transmission of pathogens. They apply to all patients regardless of infection status. Key elements include hand hygiene and PPE.
Which body system is assessed by checking bowel sounds?
Integumentary system
Respiratory system
Gastrointestinal system
Cardiovascular system
Bowel sounds originate from gastrointestinal motility. Auscultation helps assess digestive function. Absent or hyperactive sounds indicate GI issues.
Which of the following is an example of subjective data?
Blood pressure measurement
Patient complains of pain
Heart rate reading
Body temperature reading
Subjective data are patient-reported feelings or symptoms. Complaints of pain cannot be measured directly. Objective data are measurable vital signs.
What is the correct disposal method for a used disposable razor?
Sharps container
Regular trash
Recycling bin
Biohazard waste bin
Used disposable razors are considered sharps and require a sharps container. This prevents accidental injury and contamination. Other waste bins do not provide puncture-resistant protection.
How should you label a specimen container?
Only patient name
Patient name, date, time, and collector initials
Date and time only
Collector initials only
Accurate labeling with patient identifiers prevents errors. Including date, time, and your initials ensures traceability. Proper labeling is essential for lab integrity.
What does PPE stand for?
Patient Personal Equipment
Protective Patient Essentials
Personal Protective Equipment
Primary Patient Equipment
PPE means Personal Protective Equipment used to protect staff and patients. It includes gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection. Proper PPE use reduces infection risk.
Which linking chain breaks the cycle of infection when hand hygiene is performed?
Susceptible host
Reservoir
Portal of entry
Transmission
Hand hygiene interrupts transmission of pathogens between sources and hosts. This is the link where pathogens move from one person to another. Breaking transmission reduces infection spread.
Which artery is palpated when assessing the dorsalis pedis pulse?
Groin
Neck
Wrist
Top of the foot
The dorsalis pedis artery is located on the dorsal surface of the foot. Palpating here assesses peripheral circulation. It's commonly used in peripheral vascular exams.
What is the correct order of draw for venipuncture tubes?
Green, lavender, blue, red
Lavender, green, blue, red
Blue, red, green, lavender
Red, blue, lavender, green
The standard order is citrate (blue), serum (red), heparin (green), EDTA (lavender). This prevents cross-contamination of additives. Adherence ensures accurate lab results.
When assisting with a mechanical lift, where should you position yourself?
Behind the patient
Outside the device controls
At the patient's feet
Directly facing the patient
Facing the patient allows you to guide and support safely. Proper positioning reduces strain and prevents injury. Team coordination and communication are essential.
Which documentation method uses brief, standardized statements in columns?
Narrative charting
Problem-oriented charting
Focus charting
Charting by exception
Charting by exception records only deviations from norms in a structured format. It uses checkboxes and brief notes. This saves time and highlights abnormalities.
What is the appropriate angle for intradermal injections?
10 - 15 degrees
25 - 30 degrees
45 degrees
90 degrees
Intradermal injections require a shallow angle of 10 - 15 degrees to deposit medication just under the skin. This is used for allergy and TB tests. Correct technique ensures accurate results.
Which electrolyte imbalance is indicated by muscle weakness and arrhythmias?
Hyponatremia
Hypocalcemia
Hyperkalemia
Hypernatremia
Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can cause muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring electrolytes is critical in patient care. Prompt treatment prevents complications.
When feeding a patient with dysphagia, which position is safest?
Trendelenburg
Upright at 90 degrees
Left lateral
Supine
Sitting upright minimizes aspiration risk when swallowing is impaired. Supine or head-down positions increase choking hazards. Proper positioning is key for safe feeding.
Which term describes a contagious skin infection with honey-colored crusts?
Psoriasis
Eczema
Impetigo
Cellulitis
Impetigo presents with vesicles that crust with a golden appearance. It's highly contagious, often in children. Treatment involves topical or oral antibiotics.
What range indicates a normal adult respiratory rate?
20 - 30 breaths per minute
5 - 10 breaths per minute
12 - 20 breaths per minute
8 - 12 breaths per minute
Normal adult respirations range between 12 and 20 breaths/min. Values outside may signal respiratory distress. Accurate counting over one minute provides reliable assessment.
Which isolation precaution is needed for Clostridioides difficile?
Droplet precautions
Airborne precautions
Contact precautions
No special precautions
C. difficile spores spread via contact with fecal material. Contact precautions include gloves and gowns. Hand hygiene with soap and water is essential.
Which fluid intake amount is equivalent to one quart?
64 ounces
8 ounces
32 ounces
16 ounces
One quart equals 32 fluid ounces. Monitoring intake/output helps assess fluid balance. Accurate measurement is critical in patient care.
Which scale is used to assess pressure ulcer risk?
Glasgow Coma Scale
APGAR Score
Apgar Score
Braden Scale
The Braden Scale assesses sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. Lower scores indicate higher risk. It guides prevention strategies.
When performing passive range of motion on the shoulder, which movement involves bringing the arm away from the body?
Adduction
Extension
Abduction
Flexion
Abduction moves a limb away from the midline. Passive ROM requires the caregiver to move the joint. Correct technique preserves joint function.
Which of the following is the correct order of the steps for donning full PPE?
Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
Goggles, gown, gloves, mask
Mask, gloves, gown, goggles
Proper sequence: gown first, then mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, and finally gloves. This prevents contamination when putting on equipment. Following steps reduces risk of exposure.
During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, what is the recommended compression rate?
80 - 100 compressions per minute
100 - 120 compressions per minute
140 - 160 compressions per minute
60 - 80 compressions per minute
Current guidelines recommend 100 - 120 compressions/min for effective CPR. This rate optimizes perfusion to vital organs. Consistent rhythm is crucial for survival.
Which lab value indicates normal blood glucose in mg/dL?
40 - 60 mg/dL
100 - 125 mg/dL
70 - 99 mg/dL
126 - 150 mg/dL
Fasting blood glucose is normal between 70 - 99 mg/dL. Values above may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Timely monitoring prevents complications.
Which of the following EKG waves corresponds to atrial depolarization?
QRS complex
P wave
T wave
U wave
The P wave represents atrial depolarization on an EKG. The QRS complex follows for ventricular depolarization. T wave indicates ventricular repolarization.
Which action is most important when a patient is experiencing syncope?
Place arms overhead
Offer a cold drink
Lower head and raise legs
Sit upright quickly
Trendelenburg-like position improves cerebral perfusion during syncope. Elevating legs helps return blood to the heart and brain. Rapid sitting may worsen fainting.
Which condition is characterized by chronic, nonhealing wounds with slough and necrotic tissue?
Partial-thickness burn
Stage IV pressure ulcer
Psoriasis plaque
Stage I pressure ulcer
Stage IV pressure ulcers extend into muscle and bone with necrosis. They are chronic and require advanced wound care. Early detection prevents progression.
What is the appropriate needle gauge for routine adult intramuscular injections?
30 - 32 gauge
22 - 25 gauge
16 - 18 gauge
12 - 14 gauge
IM injections typically use a 22 - 25 gauge needle for adults. This size balances comfort and flow. Larger gauges increase pain, smaller gauges slow injection.
Which method is best to confirm nasogastric tube placement before feeding?
X-ray verification
Auscultation of air
Testing pH only
Observing patient swallow
X-ray is the gold standard for NG placement confirmation. Auscultation and pH tests alone are unreliable. Radiographic proof prevents aspiration risks.
Which of the following indicates a positive Tinel's sign at the wrist?
Redness over the carpal bones
Pain in the elbow when flexed
Swelling of the wrist on palpation
Tingling in the fingers when tapping over the median nerve
Tinel's sign is positive if tapping the median nerve elicits tingling. It's used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. A reliable physical exam finding.
Which action should a PCT take when a patient's oxygen saturation drops below 90%?
Remove the oxygen
Notify the nurse immediately
Perform deep breathing exercises only
Encourage hydration
Oxygen saturation below 90% is clinically significant. The nurse or provider must intervene promptly. Delays can lead to hypoxia and organ damage.
Which scale assesses pain on a 0 - 10 numeric rating?
Wong-Baker Faces
FLACC Scale
Braden Scale
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale asks patients to rate pain from 0 (none) to 10 (worst). It is simple and widely used for adults. Other scales are used for nonverbal or pediatric patients.
Which acid-base imbalance shows pH 7.30, PaCO? 50 mmHg, HCO?? 24 mEq/L?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Elevated PaCO? with normal HCO?? and low pH indicates respiratory acidosis. The lungs retain CO?, causing acidity. Identifying values guides treatment.
Which lead placement is correct for measuring lead V1 in EKG?
Fourth intercostal space at left midclavicular line
Fourth intercostal space at right sternal border
Fifth intercostal space at left anterior axillary line
Second intercostal space at left sternal border
V1 is placed in the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border. Correct electrode placement ensures accurate EKG interpretation. Misplacement can lead to diagnostic errors.
Which anticoagulant in a collection tube is used for coagulation studies?
Sodium citrate
Oxalate
Heparin
EDTA
Sodium citrate binds calcium reversibly to preserve clotting factors. It's the standard for PT and aPTT tests. Other anticoagulants interfere with coagulation assays.
In which stage of pressure ulcer does full-thickness tissue loss with visible bone occur?
Unstageable
Stage II
Stage IV
Stage III
Stage IV ulcers present full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone or muscle. They require advanced wound care and debridement. Early detection of earlier stages prevents progression.
Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating intake and output in milliliters?
Urine output times specific gravity
Intake divided by urine output
Sum of all fluids in minus sum of all fluids out
Fluid out minus fluid in
Net fluid balance is calculated as total intake minus total output. Tracking I&O in mL helps assess hydration status. Negative balance may indicate dehydration.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Apply Core Patient Care Techniques -

    Use scenario-based questions to practice and refine essential skills such as vital sign measurement, mobility assistance, and infection control in realistic settings.

  2. Analyze Clinical Scenarios -

    Break down multiple-choice challenges to identify correct interventions and patient safety measures, mirroring the structure of the NHA PCT practice test.

  3. Identify Knowledge Gaps -

    Pinpoint areas of weakness through targeted feedback, enabling focused review and efficient preparation for the patient care technician practice exam.

  4. Demonstrate Test-Taking Strategies -

    Implement proven techniques for time management, question prioritization, and answer elimination to boost confidence and accuracy on exam day.

  5. Interpret Vital Sign Data -

    Evaluate common patient measurements and signs, and determine appropriate responses to abnormal readings in line with PCT certification standards.

  6. Measure Exam Readiness -

    Assess overall performance with a comprehensive score analysis to ensure you are fully prepared for your pct certification test.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Accurate Vital Sign Assessment -

    Accurately measuring temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure is foundational for the patient care technician practice exam. Use the mnemonic "T-P-R-BP" to remember the sequence, count pulse and respirations for a full 60 seconds when irregular, and always verify abnormal readings (CDC, 2021).

  2. Proper Body Mechanics for Safe Patient Transfers -

    Adopting a wide stance, bending at the knees, and using leg muscles helps prevent caregiver injury and ensures patient safety during lifts and transfers (OSHA, 2017). Remember the "feet-shoulder-hips-knees" alignment to keep your back straight and center of gravity low.

  3. Infection Control & Standard Precautions -

    Strict hand hygiene and appropriate use of PPE according to CDC guidelines reduce cross-contamination risk in the patient care tech test and clinical practice. Apply WHO's "My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene" framework and change gloves between tasks for maximal protection.

  4. Effective Communication & SBAR Handoff Technique -

    Using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) model ensures clear, concise information exchange during shift changes and emergencies (Joint Commission, 2020). Practice concise, structured reports to boost confidence on the NHA PCT practice test and real-world settings.

  5. Specimen Collection & Labeling Protocols -

    Follow NHA PCT practice test guidelines by verifying patient ID with two unique identifiers, labeling specimens immediately at the bedside with date/time, and sealing them properly to maintain chain of custody. Accurate checks prevent sample misidentification and ensure valid lab results.

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