PCT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PCT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is an example of passive range of motion (PROM) exercise? → The PCT moves the patient's leg to bend at the knee.
2. Which communication method helps improve patient comfort during care? → Speaking calmly and explaining actions beforehand
3. When giving a bed bath, the PCT should change the water when it becomes: → Cool, soapy, or dirty
4. Which finding suggests that a urinary catheter may be obstructed? → Patient reports bladder fullness or discomfort with little or no drainage
5. What is the primary goal of OSHA regulations in healthcare settings? → To ensure a safe work environment for healthcare workers
6. When measuring a patient's respiratory rate, the PCT should: → Count respirations without the patient's awareness for one full minute
7. What is the role of red blood cells? → To transport oxygen throughout the body
8. Peristalsis refers to: → Wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract
9. Which of the following is a common sign of dehydration in an elderly patient? → Sudden onset of confusion
10. What is considered a normal respiratory rate for a resting adult? → 12-20 breaths per minute
11. Which device delivers low-flow oxygen to patients? → Nasal cannula
12. When inserting a urinary catheter, which principle is most important to maintain throughout the procedure? → Maintain a sterile field throughout the entire procedure
13. Proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy object include: → Bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and holding the object close to the body
14. To prevent pressure ulcers in a bedridden patient, the PCT should reposition the patient at least every: → 2 hours
15. The correct cuff size for measuring blood pressure is determined by: → The circumference of the upper arm—the bladder should cover 80% of the arm
16. Where should the urinary drainage bag always be positioned relative to the patient's bladder? → Below the level of the bladder
17. How often should bed linens be changed in a hospital setting? → Daily or when soiled
18. How should catheter drainage tubing be positioned between the patient and the collection bag? → Free of kinks and dependent loops, hanging straight down
19. When assisting a patient with a weak left leg to walk with a cane, the cane should be held in which hand? → Right hand
20. When performing perineal catheter care on a female patient, where should cleaning begin? → From the urethral meatus outward in a single downward stroke
21. Proper documentation in the patient's medical record requires: → Recording objective observations with accurate times and signatures
22. What should the PCT verify BEFORE applying EKG electrodes to a patient? → That the patient's skin is clean, dry, and free of excess hair at electrode sites
23. The PCT notices a medication error has occurred. The correct action is to: → Report the error to the supervising nurse immediately
24. A patient asks to be raised to a higher position in bed. What is the safest technique? → Use a draw sheet with two staff members
25. A patient with dementia becomes agitated during mealtime. What is the best initial action for the PCT to take? → Move the patient to a quiet, less distracting area
26. Which of the following is a common site for measuring blood pressure? → Brachial artery
27. What is the purpose of applying sterile dressings to surgical wounds? → To protect the wound and prevent infection
28. A patient on a sodium-restricted diet should avoid which food? → Canned soup
29. Which three of the following are fundamental cell structure elements? → Nucleus
30. Which combination of symptoms most strongly suggests a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)? → Cloudy, foul-smelling urine with patient fever and discomfort