CPCT MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's blood pressure reading is 148/92 mmHg. How should the PCT correctly document this finding?
- 148 over 92
- 148/92
- BP 148/92 mmHg (Correct answer)
- Systolic 148, Diastolic 92 millimeters
Correct answer: BP 148/92 mmHg
Blood pressure should be documented as 'BP 148/92 mmHg' using standard clinical abbreviation and unit notation.
Question 2: When applying ECG electrodes, where should the V1 precordial lead be placed?
- 4th intercostal space, right sternal border (Correct answer)
- 5th intercostal space, left midaxillary line
- 4th intercostal space, left sternal border
- 2nd intercostal space, right sternal border
Correct answer: 4th intercostal space, right sternal border
V1 is placed at the 4th intercostal space along the right sternal border.
Question 3: Which isolation precaution category is required for a patient diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis?
- Contact precautions
- Droplet precautions
- Airborne precautions (Correct answer)
- Protective precautions
Correct answer: Airborne precautions
Active pulmonary TB requires airborne precautions because M. tuberculosis is transmitted via small airborne particles.
Question 4: A patient reports their pain level as 7 out of 10. What is the PCT's most appropriate immediate action?
- Administer the PRN analgesic ordered by the physician
- Reposition the patient and reassess in 30 minutes
- Document the finding and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Apply a cold pack to the reported pain site
Correct answer: Document the finding and notify the nurse
The PCT must document the pain assessment and notify the nurse, as administering medications is outside the PCT scope of practice.
Question 5: Which of the following describes the correct order for putting on (donning) PPE?
- Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection
- Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves (Correct answer)
- Mask, gloves, gown, eye protection
- Eye protection, gown, gloves, mask
Correct answer: Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves
The CDC-recommended donning order is gown first, then mask/respirator, then eye protection, then gloves.
Question 6: What is the normal range for an adult's resting respiratory rate?
- 8–12 breaths per minute
- 12–20 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 20–30 breaths per minute
- 24–36 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths per minute
A normal adult resting respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute; outside this range requires reporting.
Question 7: A patient asks the PCT about the results of their lab work. The best response is:
- Tell the patient the results as seen on the chart
- Explain that the doctor will discuss results with them and notify the nurse of the request (Correct answer)
- Look up the results and explain them in simple terms
- Tell the patient to ask the PCT supervisor
Correct answer: Explain that the doctor will discuss results with them and notify the nurse of the request
Interpreting and communicating lab results is outside PCT scope; the nurse or provider should be notified to address the patient's request.
CPCT MCQ 2
A patient's blood pressure reading is 148/92 mmHg.
How should the PCT correctly document this finding?