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. A patient states, 'I don't want any more blood draws.' The PCT should: → Inform the nurse and document the patient's refusal
2. Which of the following is NOT a component of standard precautions? → Isolating all patients in private rooms
3. A patient falls while ambulating with PCT assistance. After ensuring patient safety, what is the PCT's next priority? → Complete an incident report and notify the nurse immediately
4. When collecting a blood culture specimen, which site preparation technique is used? → Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine after alcohol
5. A patient recovering from hip replacement surgery should avoid: → Crossing the legs or adducting the hip past midline
6. Which blood pressure reading is classified as Stage 1 hypertension according to US guidelines? → 130–139/80–89 mmHg
7. How often should vital signs be taken for a stable post-operative patient unless otherwise ordered? → Every 4 hours
8. Citrate inhibits thrombin, which stops bleeding. → False
9. What does a light blue-top tube contain, and what test is it used for? → Sodium citrate; used for coagulation studies
10. A patient's chart shows a temperature of 38.9°C. What is this in Fahrenheit? → 102.0°F
11. Which finding in a patient's wound should be reported to the nurse immediately? → Purulent green drainage with a foul odor
12. The normal resting respiratory rate for an adult is: → 12–20 breaths per minute
13. A PCT sustains a needlestick injury. What is the FIRST action to take? → Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water
14. The term 'edema' refers to: → Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues
15. A patient's pulse oximetry reading drops to 91% on room air. The PCT should FIRST: → Notify the nurse immediately
16. For adult CPR, chest compressions should depress the sternum at least how deep? → 2 inches (5 cm)
17. The PASS acronym is used when operating a fire extinguisher. What does it stand for? → Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
18. A patient's pulse is described as 'thready.' What does this mean? → Weak and easily obliterated
19. 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
20. A patient's intake and output (I&O) record should include which of the following as OUTPUT? → Urine, wound drainage, vomit, and stool
21. When a patient's oxygen saturation drops below which threshold should a PCT immediately notify a nurse? → 94%
22. Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture in adults? → Median cubital vein
23. Which of the following patient care items is considered 'non-critical' and requires only low-level disinfection? → Blood pressure cuffs
24. Which of the following statements about a fistula is true? → usually created in the forearm, near the wrist
25. When assisting a patient who has had a stroke with left-sided weakness, the PCT should dress the patient by: → Dressing the left (weak) side first, then the right
26. Which action by the PCT helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in an intubated patient? → Performing oral care with chlorhexidine as directed
27. What is the single most effective method to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections? → Proper hand hygiene
28. An apical pulse is measured by placing a stethoscope at which anatomical location? → Left midclavicular line, 5th intercostal space
29. Which of the following is an example of maintaining a patient's dignity during personal care? → Exposing only the body part being cleaned and keeping the rest covered
30. The Braden Scale is used to assess a patient's risk for: → Developing pressure injuries