CPCT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPCT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When collecting a blood culture specimen, which site preparation technique is used? → Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine after alcohol
2. Which blood pressure reading is classified as Stage 1 hypertension according to US guidelines? → 130–139/80–89 mmHg
3. How often should vital signs be taken for a stable post-operative patient unless otherwise ordered? → Every 4 hours
4. Citrate inhibits thrombin, which stops bleeding. → False
5. What does a light blue-top tube contain, and what test is it used for? → Sodium citrate; used for coagulation studies
6. A PCT sustains a needlestick injury. What is the FIRST action to take? → Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water
7. The term 'edema' refers to: → Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues
8. For adult CPR, chest compressions should depress the sternum at least how deep? → 2 inches (5 cm)
9. The PASS acronym is used when operating a fire extinguisher. What does it stand for? → Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
10. A patient's pulse is described as 'thready.' What does this mean? → Weak and easily obliterated
11. A patient has a Stage 2 pressure injury on the sacrum. Which action is MOST appropriate for the PCT? → Report the wound to the nurse and reposition the patient off the area
12. A patient's intake and output (I&O) record should include which of the following as OUTPUT? → Urine, wound drainage, vomit, and stool
13. When a patient's oxygen saturation drops below which threshold should a PCT immediately notify a nurse? → 94%
14. Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture in adults? → Median cubital vein
15. Which of the following patient care items is considered 'non-critical' and requires only low-level disinfection? → Blood pressure cuffs
16. Which of the following statements about a fistula is true? → usually created in the forearm, near the wrist
17. What is the single most effective method to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections? → Proper hand hygiene
18. An apical pulse is measured by placing a stethoscope at which anatomical location? → Left midclavicular line, 5th intercostal space
19. The Braden Scale is used to assess a patient's risk for: → Developing pressure injuries
20. What do the EKG waves reflect? → Both depolarization and repolarization
21. Which test requires the use of whole blood? → CBC
22. How many times should a skin puncture site be wiped with an alcohol swab before the procedure? → Once in a circular outward motion
23. What does the 'C-A-B' sequence stand for in the current adult CPR guidelines? → Compressions, Airway, Breathing
24. What is the correct action if a PCT makes an error in a written medical record? → Draw a single line through the error, write 'error,' initial, and correct it
25. Which medical suffix means 'inflammation'? → -itis
26. A patient's blood sample shows hemolysis. Which of the following could be a cause? → Using a small-gauge needle with a syringe
27. What does 'cc' mean as a measurement in clinical documentation? → Cubic centimeters, equivalent to milliliters (mL)
28. Incentive spirometry is used primarily to: → Encourage deep breathing and prevent atelectasis
29. The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goal regarding patient identification requires: → Using at least two patient identifiers before any procedure
30. What is the purpose of allowing complete chest recoil between CPR compressions? → To allow the heart to refill with blood for the next compression