Free Patient Care Technician Sample Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following brand and generic names are mismatched?
- Tizanidine/Zanaflex
- Prazosin/Minipress
- Gabapentin/Neurontin
- Miglitol/Glucophage (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Miglitol/Glucophage
Glucophage is the brand name for Metformin, a different oral antidiabetic medication. Miglitol's brand name is Glyset. Therefore, the pairing of Miglitol/Glucophage is incorrect, as they are two distinct medications.
Question 2: Which one of the following trade names does not accurately correspond to its generic name?
- Cialis, tadalafil
- Bactroban, mupirocin
- Bentcard, Olmesartan (Correct answer)
- Evista, raloxifene
Correct answer: Bentcard, Olmesartan
Olmesartan's common trade names include Benicar or Olmetec, not Bentcard. The other options correctly match their generic and trade names: Cialis (tadalafil), Bactroban (mupirocin), and Evista (raloxifene). This question tests knowledge of common drug names.
Question 3: Older people frequently have bloating and stomachaches. Which of the following foods should be avoided because they cause gas?
- Cauliflower (Correct answer)
- Prunes
- Protein-rich foods
- Colas and sodas
Correct answer: Cauliflower
Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage contain complex carbohydrates (raffinose) that are difficult for the human digestive system to break down. These carbohydrates are fermented by gut bacteria, leading to the production of gas and often causing bloating and stomachaches. Avoiding these foods can help reduce gas symptoms.
Question 4: Which color of top designates a tube carrying the EDTA additive?
- Dark blue
- Light blue
- Gray
- Lavender (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Lavender
Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), an anticoagulant that binds calcium ions to prevent blood clotting. This additive is crucial for preserving cellular components and morphology, making these tubes ideal for complete blood count (CBC) tests and blood smears. Each tube color signifies a specific additive for different laboratory tests.
Question 5: Which of the following techniques is better to prevent circulatory impairment in an arm when using an elastic bandage?
- Apply the bandage while stretching it slightly (Correct answer)
- Wrap the bandage around the arm loosely
- Start applying the bandage at the upper arm and work toward the lower arm
- Apply heavy pressure with each turn of the bandage.
Correct answer: Apply the bandage while stretching it slightly
Applying an elastic bandage with slight stretching ensures even pressure and provides adequate support without being too tight. This technique helps prevent circulatory impairment by allowing sufficient blood flow while still providing the necessary compression. Wrapping too loosely would be ineffective, and applying heavy pressure would restrict circulation, leading to potential complications.
Question 6: Which of the following reduces fluid aspiration into the lungs when providing oral care to an unconscious client?
- Keep the client dry by placing a towel under the chin
- Put the client on a side-lying position with the head of bed lowered (Correct answer)
- Clean the client’s mouth with oral swabs in a careful and an orderly progression
- Wash hands and observe appropriate infection control
Correct answer: Put the client on a side-lying position with the head of bed lowered
Placing an unconscious client in a side-lying position with the head of the bed lowered utilizes gravity to facilitate drainage of oral fluids. This positioning significantly reduces the risk of aspiration, where fluids could enter the lungs and potentially cause aspiration pneumonia. Maintaining a clear airway and preventing fluid entry into the respiratory tract is paramount during oral care for unconscious patients.
Question 7: Due to the busy day in the ward, the nurse on duty is currently arranging her patients' medications on the medication tray. She hands you a medication tube with instructions to apply the Terramycin ointment to Mrs. Solis' eyes. What response would you make to this?
- As assistant to the nurse, follow the nurse’s request and apply the ointment to Mrs. Solis’ eyes
- Ask the nurse to demonstrate it to you for a clearer and better understanding of the procedure
- Politely refuse the nurse’s request, and explain your job limitations as a patient care technician (Correct answer)
- Ask the nurse to be with you during the application of the ointment
Correct answer: Politely refuse the nurse’s request, and explain your job limitations as a patient care technician
Administering medication, including eye ointment, falls outside the scope of practice for a Patient Care Technician (PCT). PCTs are not licensed or trained to administer medications. Politely refusing and explaining these professional limitations is essential for patient safety and adherence to legal and ethical boundaries of the PCT role.
Free Patient Care Technician Sample Questions and Answers
Which of the following brand and generic names are mismatched?