PCT Patient Care Fundamentals 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vital sign change in a post-surgical patient should the PCT report to the nurse FIRST?
- Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
- Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- Oral temperature of 99.1°F
- Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
Correct answer: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is below normal (12–20) and indicates respiratory depression requiring immediate attention.
Question 2: A patient's bed must be kept in the lowest position when:
- Performing a bed bath
- Providing wound care
- The patient is resting and not receiving active care (Correct answer)
- Changing the bed linens
Correct answer: The patient is resting and not receiving active care
The bed should be in its lowest position whenever the patient is resting or unattended to reduce fall and injury risk.
Question 3: Which action by a PCT demonstrates proper body mechanics?
- Bending at the waist to lift a heavy patient
- Twisting the torso while carrying a supply crate
- Keeping feet shoulder-width apart and bending at the knees to lift (Correct answer)
- Reaching across the bed without repositioning closer
Correct answer: Keeping feet shoulder-width apart and bending at the knees to lift
Bending at the knees with a wide base of support uses leg muscles and protects the PCT's back from injury.
Question 4: A patient who is NPO (nothing by mouth) asks for water before surgery. The PCT should:
- Give a small sip to satisfy the patient
- Explain that NPO means no food or fluids and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Offer ice chips as a substitute
- Provide water and document it in the chart
Correct answer: Explain that NPO means no food or fluids and notify the nurse
NPO means no oral intake of any kind; the PCT should explain the restriction and report the request to the nurse.
Question 5: When taking a blood pressure reading, the cuff should be placed:
- 1 inch above the antecubital fossa (Correct answer)
- Directly over the antecubital fossa
- On the forearm below the elbow
- Tightly around the wrist
Correct answer: 1 inch above the antecubital fossa
The blood pressure cuff bladder should be centered over the brachial artery with the lower edge about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the antecubital fossa.
Question 6: A patient with dysphagia is being fed. Which sign indicates the PCT should stop feeding and call the nurse?
- The patient chews food thoroughly
- The patient coughs repeatedly while swallowing (Correct answer)
- The patient requests a different food texture
- The patient drinks water between bites
Correct answer: The patient coughs repeatedly while swallowing
Repeated coughing during swallowing is a sign of possible aspiration and requires immediate nursing assessment.
Question 7: The purpose of a draw sheet (lift sheet) when repositioning a patient is to:
- Keep the patient warm during the procedure
- Reduce friction and shear forces on the patient's skin (Correct answer)
- Restrain the patient during repositioning
- Replace the need for a second caregiver
Correct answer: Reduce friction and shear forces on the patient's skin
A draw sheet allows caregivers to move the patient smoothly, reducing skin friction and shear that can cause pressure injuries.
PCT Patient Care Fundamentals 4
Which vital sign change in a post-surgical patient should the PCT report to the nurse FIRST?