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 index and middle fingers are used because the thumb has its own pulse that could be confused with the patient's pulse.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Significant hypoxemia that should be reported immediately

Answer

An SpO2 of 88% is below the normal threshold of 95% and indicates significant hypoxemia requiring immediate nursing notification.

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 cuff bladder must encircle approximately 80% of the upper arm circumference for accurate readings—too small reads high, too large reads low.

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

The side-to-side rolling technique allows complete linen change while keeping the patient safely in bed.

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

Four days without a bowel movement may indicate constipation requiring assessment and intervention, and the nurse needs to evaluate and manage it.

Patient Care Technician Test Practice Test