Mixed Deck — All CPCT Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real CPCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All CPCT Topics flashcards as text
Which of the following statements about a fistula is true?
Answer: usually created in the forearm, near the wrist
An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is the preferred type of vascular access for hemodialysis due to its durability and lower complication rates. It is surgically created by connecting an artery and a vein, most commonly in the forearm near the wrist, to provide a robust blood flow necessary for effective dialysis treatment.
Incentive spirometry is used primarily to:
Answer: Encourage deep breathing and prevent atelectasis
Incentive spirometry promotes sustained maximal inhalation to open alveoli and prevent post-operative atelectasis.
Which type of specimen collection device is used for capillary blood collection from a fingerstick?
Answer: Lancet
A lancet is used to puncture the skin for capillary blood collection via fingerstick or heelstick procedures.
A patient is on a 1,500 mL fluid restriction for 24 hours. They have already consumed 900 mL by 2 PM. How much fluid may the patient have for the rest of the day?
Answer: 600 mL
1,500 mL minus 900 mL consumed equals 600 mL remaining for the rest of the day.
The term 'proximal' in anatomical directional terminology means:
Answer: Closer to the point of origin or attachment
Proximal means closer to the point of attachment or origin; for example, the elbow is proximal to the wrist.
A patient who is NPO (nothing by mouth) asks the PCT for a glass of water. The PCT should:
Answer: Explain the NPO restriction and offer mouth care to relieve dryness
NPO orders prohibit all oral intake including water; the PCT should explain this and offer oral hygiene to help with discomfort.
Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture in adults?
Answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is preferred for venipuncture because it is large, well-anchored, and poses the least risk of injury to surrounding structures.
A 'fall risk' bracelet should be placed on a patient who:
Answer: Has a Morse Fall Scale score indicating moderate to high risk
A standardized fall risk assessment tool such as the Morse Fall Scale is used to identify patients who need fall precautions and a fall risk bracelet.
A patient states they do not want a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The care team should:
Answer: Document the refusal, respect the patient's wishes, and notify the nurse and physician
Competent adult patients have the right to refuse any treatment; the refusal must be documented and communicated to the team.
A patient's call light has been ringing for 10 minutes but their assigned nurse is busy. The PCT should:
Answer: Answer the call light and address the patient's need or relay it to appropriate staff
Responding to call lights promptly is part of patient safety and satisfaction; the PCT should help or ensure the need is communicated to the nurse.
A diabetic patient reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and confused. The PCT suspects hypoglycemia. The FIRST action should be:
Answer: Perform a bedside glucose check and notify the nurse
Confirming hypoglycemia with a glucose check and immediately notifying the nurse is the priority before any intervention.
A patient's skin appears jaundiced. This finding is most commonly associated with:
Answer: Liver or gallbladder dysfunction
Jaundice results from elevated bilirubin, which is processed by the liver; liver or biliary disease typically causes yellowing of skin and sclerae.
Which action by the PCT best prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
Answer: Maintaining a closed drainage system and perineal care
Maintaining a closed drainage system and performing routine perineal hygiene are the primary evidence-based measures to prevent CAUTIs.
What does 'cc' mean as a measurement in clinical documentation?
Answer: Cubic centimeters, equivalent to milliliters (mL)
1 cc equals 1 mL and the two are used interchangeably in clinical fluid measurement.
Which laboratory test requires a fasting specimen from the patient?
Answer: Fasting blood glucose
Fasting blood glucose requires the patient to fast for at least 8 hours because recent food intake raises blood sugar levels and produces inaccurate results.
A patient's intake and output (I&O) record should include which of the following as OUTPUT?
Answer: Urine, wound drainage, vomit, and stool
Output includes all measurable fluid losses: urine, wound drainage, emesis, gastric suction, and significant liquid stool.
Heparin works to stop blood coagulation by?
Answer: Inhibiting thrombin
Heparin functions as an anticoagulant primarily by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, a natural inhibitor of coagulation. This complex then effectively inactivates several key clotting factors, most notably thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa. By inhibiting thrombin, heparin prevents the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin, thereby stopping the formation of a stable blood clot.
When caring for a patient in contact precautions, the PCT must:
Answer: Wear a gown and gloves upon entering the room
Contact precautions require both gown and gloves to be donned before entering the room to prevent transmission of organisms via touch.
The term 'edema' refers to:
Answer: Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues
Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial tissue spaces, causing swelling.
Under HIPAA, a PCT may share a patient's protected health information (PHI) with:
Answer: A nurse on the same care team treating that patient
PHI may be shared with members of the care team directly involved in treating the patient (treatment exception).