CPCT Random 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's skin appears jaundiced. This finding is most commonly associated with:
- Liver or gallbladder dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory failure
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which action by the PCT helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in an intubated patient?
- Keeping the head of bed flat at all times
- Performing oral care with chlorhexidine as directed (Correct answer)
- Suctioning the airway every 30 minutes prophylactically
- Humidifying the room air with a bedside humidifier
Correct answer: Performing oral care with chlorhexidine as directed
Regular oral care with chlorhexidine reduces oropharyngeal bacteria that can migrate into the lungs of intubated patients, lowering VAP risk.
Question 3: A patient who is NPO (nothing by mouth) asks the PCT for a glass of water. The PCT should:
- Provide a small amount since water is not food
- Explain the NPO restriction and offer mouth care to relieve dryness (Correct answer)
- Give ice chips instead
- Check with a family member before deciding
Correct 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.
Question 4: Which finding in a patient's wound should be reported to the nurse immediately?
- Slight pink discoloration at wound edges on day 2
- Serous drainage that is clear and thin
- Purulent green drainage with a foul odor (Correct answer)
- Wound edges that are approximated and dry
Correct answer: Purulent green drainage with a foul odor
Purulent, foul-smelling drainage indicates wound infection and requires immediate nursing assessment and possible intervention.
Question 5: A diabetic patient reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and confused. The PCT should suspect:
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia (Correct answer)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hypertensive urgency
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia
Shakiness, diaphoresis, and altered mentation are classic signs of hypoglycemia; the PCT should perform a blood glucose check and notify the nurse.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of maintaining a patient's dignity during personal care?
- Leaving the door open to monitor the patient from the hallway
- Exposing only the body part being cleaned and keeping the rest covered (Correct answer)
- Performing care quickly without explaining each step
- Discussing the patient's condition with a coworker in the room
Correct answer: Exposing only the body part being cleaned and keeping the rest covered
Draping and exposing only what is necessary during personal care protects the patient's privacy and upholds their dignity.
Question 7: When caring for a patient in contact precautions, the PCT must:
- Wear a gown and gloves upon entering the room (Correct answer)
- Only wear gloves when directly touching the patient
- Wear an N95 respirator and gown
- Place a surgical mask on the patient before entering
Correct 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.
CPCT Random 5
A patient's skin appears jaundiced.
This finding is most commonly associated with: