CPCT MCQ 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient states they do not want a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The care team should:
- Proceed with the transfusion if the physician orders it
- Notify the ethics committee and administer the transfusion once approved
- Document the refusal, respect the patient's wishes, and notify the nurse and physician (Correct answer)
- Place the patient in a private room and re-approach the topic later
Correct 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.
Question 2: When moving a patient up in bed using a draw sheet with one helper, the PCT should:
- Lift the patient from under the arms while the helper lifts the legs
- Count to three, then both workers slide the draw sheet toward the head of the bed simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to hold the side rails while the PCT pulls the sheet alone
- Lower the bed to the lowest position first, then both workers pull the sheet
Correct answer: Count to three, then both workers slide the draw sheet toward the head of the bed simultaneously
Coordinating a simultaneous draw sheet pull with a verbal cue reduces shear force on the patient and protects both workers.
Question 3: Which tube color is used for a complete blood count (CBC)?
- Red/gold (SST)
- Light blue (sodium citrate)
- Lavender/purple (EDTA) (Correct answer)
- Green (lithium heparin)
Correct answer: Lavender/purple (EDTA)
The lavender/purple top tube contains EDTA, which preserves cell morphology and is required for CBCs.
Question 4: A patient has a stage 2 pressure injury on their coccyx. Which action is within the PCT's scope of care?
- Pack the wound with saline-soaked gauze per protocol
- Reposition the patient every 2 hours and report skin changes to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Apply a hydrocolloid dressing to protect the wound
- Debride loose tissue and irrigate with sterile water
Correct answer: Reposition the patient every 2 hours and report skin changes to the nurse
Repositioning to relieve pressure and reporting wound changes are PCT responsibilities; wound treatment requires nursing or physician orders.
Question 5: The minimum time a PCT should count a patient's radial pulse before documenting it in a healthy adult is:
- 15 seconds and multiply by 4
- 30 seconds and multiply by 2
- 60 seconds for a full minute count
- Either 30- or 60-second count depending on rhythm regularity (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Either 30- or 60-second count depending on rhythm regularity
An irregular rhythm requires a full 60-second count; a regular rhythm may use a 30-second count multiplied by two.
Question 6: Which sign or symptom should prompt a PCT to IMMEDIATELY stop a patient's tube feeding and notify the nurse?
- Residual gastric volume of 50 mL at a scheduled check
- Patient reports mild bloating 30 minutes after feeding starts
- Patient begins coughing forcefully and shows signs of respiratory distress (Correct answer)
- The feeding rate is slightly faster than ordered
Correct answer: Patient begins coughing forcefully and shows signs of respiratory distress
Coughing and respiratory distress during tube feeding suggest aspiration, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate action.
Question 7: When caring for a patient in contact precautions, the PCT should wear:
- N95 respirator and gloves only
- Gown and gloves when entering the room (Correct answer)
- Surgical mask and eye protection only
- Full PPE including N95, gown, gloves, and face shield at all times
Correct answer: Gown and gloves when entering the room
Contact precautions require a gown and gloves upon entering the patient's room to prevent transmission via touch.
CPCT MCQ 5
A patient states they do not want a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs.
The care team should: