PCT General Patient Care 3

Question 1

When taking a radial pulse, the PCT should use which fingers?

Accepted Answer

The index and middle fingers

Answer

The thumb

Answer

The pinky finger

Answer

Any finger is acceptable

Question 2

A patient's oxygen saturation (SpO2) reading of 88% indicates:

Accepted Answer

Significant hypoxemia that should be reported immediately

Answer

Normal oxygenation

Answer

Mild hypoxemia that needs monitoring

Answer

Equipment malfunction—SpO2 cannot go this low

Question 3

The correct cuff size for measuring blood pressure is determined by:

Accepted Answer

The circumference of the upper arm—the bladder should cover 80% of the arm

Answer

The patient's age

Answer

One size fits all patients

Answer

The patient's blood pressure history

Question 4

When making an occupied bed, the PCT should:

Accepted Answer

Roll the patient to one side, change that half, then roll to the other side

Answer

Ask the patient to get out of bed first

Answer

Change only the top sheet and leave the bottom

Answer

Wait until the patient is in surgery

Question 5

A PCT observes that a patient has not had a bowel movement in 4 days. This should be:

Accepted Answer

Reported to the nurse as possible constipation

Answer

Ignored as it is within normal limits

Answer

Treated by giving the patient a laxative

Answer

Documented but not reported unless the patient complains

Question 6

When measuring a patient's weight on a standing scale, the PCT should ensure:

Accepted Answer

The patient wears similar light clothing and is weighed at the same time daily

Answer

The patient wears shoes and a heavy robe for consistency

Answer

Weight is rounded to the nearest 10 pounds

Answer

The patient holds onto the wall for stability during weighing