Free PCT Nutrition, Diets, and I&O Monitoring Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following items would be appropriate for a patient on a clear liquid diet?

Accepted Answer

Chicken broth

Answer

A clear liquid diet consists of liquids that are transparent and do not contain any solid particles or pulp. Apple juice, broth, and gelatin are common examples. Orange juice with pulp, milk, and cream of wheat are not considered clear liquids.

Question 2

A patient consumed 8 oz of coffee, 4 oz of juice, and 120 mL of water. What is the total fluid intake in milliliters (mL)?

Accepted Answer

480 mL

Answer

To calculate the total intake, all volumes must be converted to the same unit (milliliters). One ounce is approximately equal to 30 mL. Therefore, 8 oz of coffee is 240 mL (8 x 30), and 4 oz of juice is 120 mL (4 x 30). The total intake is 240 mL + 120 mL + 120 mL = 480 mL.

Question 3

When assisting a patient with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), the most important action is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient is in an upright position

Answer

Patients with dysphagia are at high risk for aspiration, which is when food or liquid enters the lungs. Having the patient sit upright, preferably in a chair or at a 90-degree angle in bed, uses gravity to help guide food down the esophagus and away from the airway.

Question 4

Which of the following describes a mechanical soft diet?

Accepted Answer

Foods that are soft and easy to chew, like ground meat

Answer

A mechanical soft diet is designed for patients who have difficulty chewing. It consists of foods that are soft-textured and easy to chew, such as ground meats, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits. It differs from a pureed diet, where all foods are blended to a smooth consistency.

Question 5

When measuring urine output from a catheter drainage bag, the PCT should first:

Accepted Answer

Drain the urine into a calibrated measuring container

Answer

To get an accurate measurement, the PCT should first drain the urine from the bag into a calibrated measuring container (graduate). Reading the measurement directly from the bag is often inaccurate. After measuring, the urine can be discarded and the amount recorded.

Patient Care Technician Test Practice Test

Patient Care Technician Test Practice Test

Free PCT Nutrition, Diets, and I&O Monitoring Questions and Answers