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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Free Patient Care Technician Practice Test

Challenge Yourself with Realistic Patient Care Technician Practice Exam Questions

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a PCT practice test quiz on a golden yellow background.

Are you ready to tackle the ultimate pct practice test and boost your chances of acing the pct exam? Our free PCT Practice Test delivers patient care technician practice exam questions that mirror real-world challenges. You'll get instant feedback and targeted tips to strengthen key skills like vital signs, hygiene, and patient communication. Curious how you'd perform on a full patient care technician practice exam? Dive in now, challenge yourself with our patient care tech test and fine-tune your strategy with a cpct practice test - take the quiz now and kickstart your PCT success!

What is the normal adult resting heart rate?
120-140 beats per minute
60-100 beats per minute
40-60 beats per minute
100-120 beats per minute
The normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Rates below or above this range may indicate bradycardia or tachycardia, respectively. Monitoring heart rate is a fundamental skill for patient care technicians. For more information, see American Heart Association.
Which position is best for listening to posterior lung sounds?
Prone
Supine
Trendelenburg
Sitting upright
Sitting the patient upright allows full expansion of the lungs and makes it easier to access posterior lung fields. Supine or prone positions can limit lung expansion and sound transmission. Always ensure patient comfort and proper draping when auscultating. Learn more at lung assessment guide.
What does BMI stand for?
Blood Mass Indicator
Body Measurement Information
Basic Metabolic Index
Body Mass Index
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It's used to categorize underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. This metric helps patient care technicians monitor patients' nutritional status. See guidelines at CDC BMI.
Which device is used to measure blood pressure manually?
Pulse oximeter
Sphygmomanometer
Thermometer
Glucometer
A sphygmomanometer, consisting of an inflatable cuff and pressure gauge, is the standard device for manual blood pressure measurement. A stethoscope is used in conjunction to listen for Korotkoff sounds. Automated devices may measure pressure electronically but aren't called sphygmomanometers. More details at AHA Blood Pressure.
Which level of PPE includes gloves, gown, and mask?
Standard Precautions
Droplet Precautions
Airborne Precautions
Contact Precautions
Droplet precautions require gloves, gown, and a surgical mask to protect against pathogens transmitted by large droplets. Contact precautions use gown and gloves only, while airborne precautions require an N95 respirator. Standard precautions include basic hand hygiene and gloves. For full guidelines, visit CDC Isolation Precautions.
What is the normal respiratory rate for a resting adult?
8-12 breaths per minute
20-30 breaths per minute
12-20 breaths per minute
30-40 breaths per minute
A normal adult respiratory rate at rest is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. Rates below 12 indicate bradypnea, and above 20 indicate tachypnea. Accurate measurement helps detect respiratory distress early. More information is available at NCBI.
What is the primary purpose of a patient identification band?
Confirm the patient's identity before procedures
Monitor heart rate continuously
Measure blood pressure accurately
Track fluid intake and output
Patient identification bands are used to confirm a patient's identity before any procedure or medication administration, reducing the risk of errors. They typically include the patient's name, date of birth, and medical record number. Proper use aligns with Joint Commission safety standards. See The Joint Commission for details.
What is the correct order of draw for phlebotomy tubes?
Yellow (blood culture), Light Blue, Red, Green
Light Blue, Red, Green, Yellow
Green, Yellow, Pink, Light Blue
Red, Green, Lavender, Gray
The CLSI-recommended order of draw begins with blood culture tubes (yellow), followed by citrate tubes (light blue), serum tubes (red), then heparin tubes (green). This sequence minimizes additive cross-contamination. Adhering to proper order ensures accurate test results. Reference: BD Order of Draw.
What is the primary use of a gait belt?
Restrain limbs during procedures
Secure IV tubing in place
Support and transfer patients safely
Measure waist circumference
A gait belt provides a secure handhold for caregivers to support and stabilize patients during transfers or ambulation. It reduces the risk of falls and injury for both patient and caregiver. Proper placement around the waist is critical for effectiveness. Learn more at NIH PubMed.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most directly monitored by EKG changes?
Sodium levels
Calcium levels
Chloride levels
Potassium levels
Potassium imbalances often produce distinctive EKG changes, such as peaked T waves in hyperkalemia or flattened T waves in hypokalemia. While calcium and sodium also affect cardiac function, potassium exerts the most immediate effect on the myocardium's electrical activity. Continuous EKG monitoring aids in detecting dangerous dysrhythmias. More details at MedicineNet.
Before administering a tube feeding, you must first check the patient's:
Blood glucose level
Gastric residual volume
Body temperature
Blood pressure
Checking gastric residual volume ensures the previous feed has emptied sufficiently and the patient can tolerate more nutrition. High residuals may indicate delayed gastric emptying and risk of aspiration. This step is critical in enteral feeding protocols. See guidelines at NCBI PMC.
Which scale is typically used for weighing infants?
Balance beam scale
Platform scale
Standing scale
Spring scale
Infant platform scales have a flat, contoured surface to safely support a lying or seated infant and accurately measure weight. Spring scales and standing scales are not designed for infants. Accurate infant weights are vital for growth monitoring and medication dosing. For more, visit Healthline.
Which symptom is most indicative of hypoglycemia?
Elevated blood pressure
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Shakiness and tremors
Hypoglycemia often presents with autonomic symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and palpitations due to a rapid drop in blood glucose. Blurred vision and frequent urination are more characteristic of hyperglycemia. Immediate recognition and treatment prevent severe complications. See ADA Hypoglycemia.
When taking orthostatic vital signs, how long should you wait between position changes?
1-3 minutes
5 seconds
30 seconds
5 minutes
Waiting 1 - 3 minutes between supine, sitting, and standing measurements allows the cardiovascular system to stabilize. Too short an interval can give inaccurate readings, while too long may mask postural changes. Proper timing is necessary to assess orthostatic hypotension. Guidelines are available at NCBI PMC.
What does the Allen test assess prior to arterial blood gas sampling?
Skin turgor level
Pulse oximetry accuracy
Collateral circulation of the hand
Venous return patency
The Allen test evaluates the adequacy of collateral blood flow (ulnar and radial arteries) in the hand before puncturing the radial artery for blood gas analysis. A positive test (hand flushes properly) indicates sufficient circulation. It prevents ischemic complications. For details see NCBI Bookshelf.
To prevent pressure ulcers, reposition bedridden patients at least every:
6 hours
4 hours
2 hours
8 hours
Repositioning every two hours redistributes pressure and reduces tissue ischemia that can lead to ulcers. Extended immobility even in a good support surface increases risk. Proper turning schedules are a cornerstone of pressure injury prevention protocols. See recommendations at NPUAP.
How many electrodes are used to record a standard 12-lead EKG?
6 electrodes
12 electrodes
8 electrodes
10 electrodes
A standard 12-lead EKG uses 10 electrodes placed on the patient's limbs and chest to produce 12 distinct electrical views of the heart. Six chest leads and four limb leads generate comprehensive cardiac monitoring. Knowing electrode count ensures correct setup. Reference: Mayo Clinic.
What is the normal hemoglobin range for adult males?
8.0 - 10.0 g/dL
17.5 - 20.0 g/dL
10.0 - 12.0 g/dL
13.8 - 17.2 g/dL
Adult males typically have hemoglobin levels between 13.8 and 17.2 grams per deciliter. Values outside this range may indicate anemia or polycythemia. Monitoring hemoglobin is critical in assessing oxygen-carrying capacity. For clinical ranges, see Mayo Clinic.
During a seizure, the patient's immediate priority is to:
Maintain airway patency
Elevate the patient's feet
Restrain the patient's limbs
Offer water to drink
Ensuring an open airway is the first priority during a seizure to prevent aspiration and hypoxia. Restraining limbs can cause injury and is contraindicated. After the seizure, assess breathing and vital signs. Detailed guidelines at Epilepsy Foundation.
What gauge needle is commonly used for adult blood transfusions?
22 gauge
18 gauge
20 gauge
16 gauge
An 18-gauge needle is typically used for adult blood transfusions because it allows adequate flow rates while minimizing hemolysis. Smaller gauges slow transfusion, and larger gauges are unnecessary unless rapid infusion is required. Proper gauge selection ensures safe and efficient transfusion. See AABB Standards.
Which of the following is considered insensible fluid loss?
Perspiration
Urination
Blood loss
Emesis
Insensible fluid loss refers to water loss that is not easily measured, such as through evaporation from the skin (perspiration) and respiratory tract. Urine, emesis, and blood loss are considered sensible losses since volumes can be quantified. Tracking intake and output includes both. More at NCBI Bookshelf.
Why is warming the heel important before performing a neonatal heel stick?
It thickens the capillary walls
It sterilizes the skin better
It increases blood flow to the puncture site
It decreases the infant's pain response
Warming the heel increases local blood circulation, which yields a better capillary blood flow for sampling and reduces the need for multiple punctures. It does not sterilize or significantly affect pain perception. Proper warming technique is recommended by neonatal guidelines. See NCBI PMC.
For surface disinfection in clinical settings, what minimum contact time do Cavi-Wipes require?
1 hour
15 seconds
30 minutes
3 minutes
Cavi-Wipes are EPA-registered for use in healthcare environments and require a minimum 3-minute wet contact time to achieve surface disinfection against bacterial and viral pathogens. Contact times less than recommended may not ensure proper microbial kill. Always follow manufacturer instructions. Details at M3ID Cavi-Wipes.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Assess Core PCT Knowledge -

    Identify and recall fundamental patient care technician principles through targeted pct practice test questions.

  2. Apply Patient Care Techniques -

    Demonstrate proper patient handling, vital sign measurement, and infection control procedures in patient care technician practice test scenarios.

  3. Evaluate Patient Safety Procedures -

    Analyze and reinforce safety protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards on the pct exam.

  4. Analyze Exam-Style Questions -

    Develop efficient strategies for interpreting and answering diverse patient care technician practice exam items under timed conditions.

  5. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses -

    Pinpoint areas for improvement by reviewing performance feedback from the pct practice exam and focusing study efforts effectively.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Vital Signs Mastery -

    Memorize normal vital sign ranges - temperature (36.5 - 37.5°C), heart rate (60 - 100 bpm), respiratory rate (12 - 20 breaths/min), and blood pressure (≈120/80 mmHg). When practicing for the pct practice test, use the rule of thumb: count a pulse for 30 seconds then multiply by two to increase speed without sacrificing accuracy. Knowing Korotkoff sounds phases I and V during blood pressure measurement can boost confidence on patient care technician practice exam questions.

  2. Body Mechanics and Safe Patient Handling -

    Apply proper body mechanics to prevent injury: keep a wide base, bend your knees, and tuck in your pelvis when lifting or transferring patients (OSHA recommends this technique). Use the mnemonic "Wide Stance, Neutral Spine, Enter from Close" to recall these steps. Practicing safe transfers with slide boards or gait belts enhances your performance on a patient care technician practice test scenario.

  3. Infection Control & Hand Hygiene -

    Adhere to WHO's "My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene" by cleaning hands before patient contact, after body fluid exposure, and at other key points. Remember the 20”second rule - sing "Happy Birthday" twice while scrubbing - to ensure you meet CDC guidelines. Mastering this for your patient care technician practice exam reduces cross”contamination and builds your clinical credibility.

  4. SBAR Communication Technique -

    Use the SBAR framework (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to deliver concise and effective handoffs. For example, you might say, "S: Mr. Smith's glucose is 58 mg/dL; B: He's diabetic with a history of hypoglycemia; A: He's diaphoretic and confused; R: Administer 15 g fast”acting carbs." This structure, endorsed by The Joint Commission, will help you excel on pct practice exam communication scenarios.

  5. SOAP Documentation Skills -

    Structure your notes with Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan to ensure clarity and compliance. For instance, "S: Patient reports 7/10 pain in the lower back; O: Vital signs stable, slight grimace observed; A: Likely musculoskeletal strain; P: Encourage gentle ROM exercises and reassess in 1 hour." Consistent SOAP documentation is a key focus of any patient care technician practice test and real”world clinical setting.

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