CPCT Random 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient states, 'I don't want any more blood draws.' The PCT should:
- Proceed with the draw since it is ordered by the physician
- Inform the nurse and document the patient's refusal (Correct answer)
- Attempt to persuade the patient to comply
- Ask a family member for consent
Correct answer: Inform the nurse and document the patient's refusal
Patients have the right to refuse treatment; the PCT must report and document refusal so the care team can address the situation appropriately.
Question 2: Which pressure injury stage involves full-thickness skin loss with visible fat but no exposed bone, tendon, or muscle?
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3 (Correct answer)
- Stage 4
Correct answer: Stage 3
Stage 3 pressure injuries exhibit full-thickness skin loss with subcutaneous fat visible but without exposed deeper structures.
Question 3: Before obtaining an axillary temperature, the PCT should:
- Have the patient drink a cold beverage
- Pat the axilla dry and place the thermometer in the center (Correct answer)
- Apply petroleum jelly to the thermometer tip
- Ask the patient to hold their breath during the reading
Correct answer: Pat the axilla dry and place the thermometer in the center
Moisture in the axilla can lower the reading, so drying the area and centering the probe ensures an accurate axillary temperature.
Question 4: A patient's call light has been ringing for 10 minutes but their assigned nurse is busy. The PCT should:
- Wait until the nurse is available to respond
- Answer the call light and address the patient's need or relay it to appropriate staff (Correct answer)
- Ask another patient to check on them
- Silence the call light remotely
Correct 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.
Question 5: When performing a bed bath, the water temperature should be checked by the PCT using:
- The back of the wrist or inner forearm (Correct answer)
- A thermometer set to 98°F
- The patient's preference alone
- A gloved fingertip
Correct answer: The back of the wrist or inner forearm
The inner forearm or wrist is more sensitive to temperature changes than the palm, helping the PCT detect water that could burn a patient.
Question 6: Which action by the PCT best prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
- Irrigating the catheter with sterile saline daily
- Keeping the drainage bag above bladder level
- Maintaining a closed drainage system and perineal care (Correct answer)
- Changing the catheter every 48 hours
Correct 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.
Question 7: A patient recovering from hip replacement surgery should avoid:
- Bearing weight on the unaffected leg
- Crossing the legs or adducting the hip past midline (Correct answer)
- Using a raised toilet seat
- Sleeping with a pillow between the knees
Correct answer: Crossing the legs or adducting the hip past midline
Crossing the legs or adducting the hip beyond midline creates a high risk of dislocation after total hip replacement surgery.
CPCT Random 3
A patient states, 'I don't want any more blood draws.' The PCT should: