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NHA CPCT/A study materials
NHA CPCT/A study resources

NHA CPCT/A practice questions

One question at a time. Build your NHA CPCT/A understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

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Question 1Patient Care

A patient care technician is about to measure a patient's blood pressure. Which action best prepares the patient for an accurate reading?

  1. Ask the patient to stand during the measurement
  2. Place the cuff over the patient's sleeve
  3. Have the patient sit quietly for about five minutes before measuring Correct answer.
  4. Measure immediately after the patient walks into the room

Explanation

Resting quietly for roughly five minutes allows blood pressure to stabilize and reduces falsely elevated readings from recent activity. The patient should be seated with the arm supported at heart level and the cuff on bare skin.

Question 2Patient Care

When counting a patient's respirations, which technique promotes an accurate count?

  1. Ask the patient to breathe deeply during the count
  2. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four for all patients
  3. Tell the patient you are counting breaths so they breathe normally
  4. Keep your hand on the pulse while observing chest rise Correct answer.

Explanation

Counting respirations while appearing to still take the pulse helps prevent the patient from consciously altering breathing. Respirations should be counted for a full minute, especially when abnormal.

Question 3Patient Care

A patient's temperature is measured orally. Which factor should the technician consider because it can falsely lower an oral reading?

  1. The patient is wearing dentures
  2. The patient is lying supine
  3. The patient drank a cold beverage within the past few minutes Correct answer.
  4. The patient has a fever

Explanation

Recent ingestion of cold fluids can temporarily lower the oral cavity temperature and produce a falsely low reading. Waiting about 15 minutes after eating or drinking is standard practice.

Question 4Patient Care

Which pulse site is most commonly used for routine adult pulse assessment because it is easily accessible and safe?

  1. Carotid artery
  2. Femoral artery
  3. Radial artery Correct answer.
  4. Dorsalis pedis artery

Explanation

The radial artery at the wrist is accessible, safe, and does not require exposure of sensitive areas, making it the standard site for routine pulse checks.

Question 5Patient Care

A technician is assisting a patient with a bed bath. Which action protects the patient's privacy and dignity?

  1. Ask the patient to wash themselves regardless of ability
  2. Complete the entire bath quickly without speaking to the patient
  3. Expose only the area being washed and keep the rest covered Correct answer.
  4. Leave the door open so staff can monitor the patient

Explanation

Exposing only the area being cleansed and keeping the rest of the body covered preserves privacy and warmth. Explaining each step also supports dignity and cooperation.

Question 6Patient Care

When making an occupied bed, why should the technician lower the bed to a safe working height and raise the side rail on the far side?

  1. To speed up the procedure
  2. To make the bed look neater
  3. To reduce the risk of the patient falling while linens are changed Correct answer.
  4. To keep the linens from wrinkling

Explanation

Lowering the bed and using the far side rail reduce fall risk and protect both patient and technician during the change. The near rail stays down so care can be provided.

Question 7Patient Care

A patient is on fall precautions. Which intervention is most appropriate when the patient needs to use the bathroom?

  1. Leave the call light out of reach to discourage getting up
  2. Instruct the patient to call for help and wait for assistance Correct answer.
  3. Allow the patient to walk alone to save staff time
  4. Apply a physical restraint before leaving the room

Explanation

Patients on fall precautions should be assisted to the bathroom and should call for help rather than ambulate alone. Keeping the call light within reach supports this plan.

Question 8Patient Care

Which technique demonstrates proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy object with a coworker?

  1. Bend at the waist and twist to reach the object
  2. Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lift close to the body Correct answer.
  3. Keep the feet together and lift with the back
  4. Hold the object away from the body for better balance

Explanation

Bending the knees and keeping the load close uses the strong leg muscles and reduces spinal strain. Twisting while lifting should be avoided.

Question 9Patient Care

A patient is being transferred from bed to a chair. Which action should occur before the transfer begins?

  1. Lock the bed wheels and confirm the patient's ability to bear weight Correct answer.
  2. Have the patient cross their arms over the chest
  3. Remove the chair's armrests
  4. Raise the bed to its highest position

Explanation

Locking the wheels prevents the bed from moving, and confirming weight-bearing status ensures the correct transfer method and equipment are used.

Question 10Patient Care

A patient is ordered to remain on strict bed rest. Which action helps prevent complications of immobility?

  1. Avoid turning the patient to prevent discomfort
  2. Keep the patient in one position to promote rest
  3. Reposition the patient at regular intervals and encourage ankle exercises Correct answer.
  4. Restrict all fluid intake

Explanation

Regular repositioning and range-of-motion or ankle exercises promote circulation and help prevent pressure injuries and venous stasis. Activity should be encouraged within ordered limits.

Question 11Patient Care

Which finding should be reported immediately because it may indicate a pressure injury is developing?

  1. A reddened area over a bony prominence that does not blanch when pressed Correct answer.
  2. A small bruise on the shin from bumping the bed frame
  3. Warmth over a healing surgical incision
  4. Mild itching on the forearm

Explanation

Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is an early sign of pressure injury and must be reported so preventive measures can be started.

Question 12Patient Care

A patient has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action supports infection prevention?

  1. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
  2. Hang the drainage bag on the bed rail above the bladder
  3. Routinely irrigate the catheter every shift
  4. Disconnect the tubing to empty the bag each shift

Explanation

Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level prevents backflow of urine, which reduces the risk of urinary tract infection. The system should remain closed.

Question 13Patient Care

A patient is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula. Which safety measure is essential?

  1. Apply petroleum jelly to the nostrils liberally
  2. Tape the cannula tightly to the face
  3. Adjust the flow rate without an order
  4. Post no-smoking signs and keep ignition sources away Correct answer.

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so ignition sources must be avoided and no-smoking precautions posted. Petroleum-based products should be avoided near oxygen.

Question 14Patient Care

When feeding a patient who has difficulty swallowing, which action is safest?

  1. Encourage talking during each bite
  2. Have the patient lie flat during meals
  3. Give large bites to shorten the meal
  4. Have the patient sit upright and offer small, slow bites Correct answer.

Explanation

An upright position and small, slow bites reduce the risk of aspiration in a patient with dysphagia. Talking during eating also increases aspiration risk.

Question 15Patient Care

A patient is on intake and output monitoring. Which item should be recorded as intake?

  1. Ice chips consumed at the bedside Correct answer.
  2. Wound drainage
  3. Emesis
  4. Urine output

Explanation

Ice chips melt to liquid and count as fluid intake, usually recorded at half their volume. Urine, emesis, and wound drainage are outputs.

Question 16Patient Care

A patient reports new shortness of breath and chest pain. What is the technician's first action?

  1. Wait to see if the symptoms resolve
  2. Give the patient an extra dose of a prescribed medication
  3. Report the findings to the nurse immediately Correct answer.
  4. Document the complaint and continue the shift

Explanation

New shortness of breath with chest pain may indicate a serious condition and requires prompt reporting to the nurse. The technician does not independently treat or medicate.

Question 17Patient Care

Which statement best describes the correct use of standard precautions?

  1. They apply only to blood, not other body fluids
  2. They are used only when a patient has a known infection
  3. They apply to all patients regardless of diagnosis Correct answer.
  4. They replace the need for hand hygiene

Explanation

Standard precautions treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and apply to every patient. Hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection control.

Question 18Patient Care

A technician is removing gloves after patient care. Which action is correct?

  1. Wash the gloves and reuse them for the next patient
  2. Snap the gloves off toward the patient
  3. Remove gloves and skip hand hygiene if hands look clean
  4. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene immediately Correct answer.

Explanation

Gloves do not replace hand hygiene; hands must be cleaned immediately after glove removal to prevent transmission. Gloves are single-use items.

Question 19Patient Care

A patient must be placed in a side-lying position. How should the technician position the patient's body?

  1. Place the patient flat on the back with legs extended
  2. Raise the head of the bed to 90 degrees
  3. Place pillows to support the back, between the knees, and under the upper arm Correct answer.
  4. Position the patient face down with arms at the sides

Explanation

In a side-lying (lateral) position, pillows support alignment of the back, hips, and upper arm, and a pillow between the knees prevents pressure between bony prominences.

Question 20Patient Care

A patient is being repositioned in bed. Which technique reduces friction and shear on the skin?

  1. Grasp the patient under the arms and pull
  2. Slide the patient across the sheets
  3. Use a draw sheet and lift rather than drag the patient Correct answer.
  4. Pull the patient quickly by the arms

Explanation

Using a draw sheet and lifting rather than dragging reduces friction and shear forces that damage skin. Pulling by the arms also risks injury to the patient and technician.

Question 21Patient Care

A patient with an altered mental status is at risk for aspiration. Which position is generally recommended for this patient?

  1. Flat supine with the head turned
  2. Side-lying with the head of the bed elevated Correct answer.
  3. Prone with the face turned to the side
  4. High Fowler's with the neck flexed forward

Explanation

A side-lying position with the head elevated helps secretions drain and reduces aspiration risk in a patient with altered mental status.

Question 22Patient Care

A technician is preparing to ambulate a patient for the first time after surgery. Which action is most important?

  1. Leave the patient alone to build confidence
  2. Ask the patient to walk quickly to the door
  3. Remove the gait belt to avoid pressure
  4. Assess for dizziness and use a gait belt before assisting the patient to stand Correct answer.

Explanation

Patients are at risk for orthostatic hypotension after surgery, so assessing for dizziness and using a gait belt before standing improves safety.

Question 23Patient Care

Which action best demonstrates respect for a patient's autonomy during morning care?

  1. Skip explanations because the patient has received care before
  2. Decide the patient's preferences based on age
  3. Explain the care and ask the patient's preference before proceeding Correct answer.
  4. Perform the care without discussion to save time

Explanation

Explaining care and offering choices respects the patient's right to participate in decisions. Assuming preferences based on age or familiarity undermines autonomy.

Question 24Patient Care

A patient becomes confused and tries to climb out of bed. Which initial action is most appropriate?

  1. Raise all side rails and walk away
  2. Close the door and leave the patient alone
  3. Stay with the patient and use calm redirection while lowering the bed Correct answer.
  4. Apply wrist restraints immediately

Explanation

Staying with the patient, lowering the bed, and calmly redirecting address the immediate safety risk without restraint. Restraints require an order and are a last resort.

Question 25Patient Care

A patient's family member asks the technician about the patient's test results. What is the technician's best response?

  1. Guess the results based on the patient's condition
  2. Share the results because the family member is present
  3. Refer the family member to the nurse or provider for the results Correct answer.
  4. Tell the family member to look in the chart

Explanation

Results are shared through appropriate channels and by authorized staff, respecting confidentiality and the patient's privacy preferences. The technician should redirect the family member to the nurse or provider.

Question 26Patient Care

A patient asks the technician to explain what a living will is. Which description is most accurate?

  1. A form that transfers a patient's financial assets to a family member
  2. A record of the medications a patient takes at home
  3. A physician's order that limits a patient's visitors during hospitalization
  4. A legal document stating a patient's wishes about life-sustaining treatment Correct answer.

Explanation

A living will is an advance directive that records a patient's preferences about life-sustaining treatment in case the patient later cannot speak for themselves. It does not transfer money, restrict visitors, or list home medications.

Question 27Patient Care

A patient is told to be kept NPO. Which action should the technician take?

  1. Give clear liquids but no solid food
  2. Allow the patient to eat only if hungry
  3. Withhold all food and fluids by mouth Correct answer.
  4. Offer ice chips only when the patient asks

Explanation

NPO means nothing by mouth, so all food and fluids are withheld unless a specific order says otherwise. Even ice chips or clear liquids require an order before they are given.

Question 28Patient Care

A patient has new onset of vomiting and diarrhea. Which personal protective equipment is most appropriate in addition to gloves?

  1. A surgical mask only
  2. A gown and shoe covers only
  3. No additional equipment if gloves are worn
  4. A gown and a face shield or mask with eye protection Correct answer.

Explanation

Splashes of vomit or stool can contaminate clothing and mucous membranes, so a gown plus eye and face protection are added to gloves. Gloves alone do not protect the technician's clothing or face.

Question 29Patient Care

A patient is on a clear liquid diet. Which item is appropriate to serve?

  1. Vanilla pudding
  2. Apple juice Correct answer.
  3. Scrambled eggs
  4. Cream of mushroom soup

Explanation

Clear liquids are foods that are transparent and liquid at room temperature, such as apple juice. Cream soups, pudding, and eggs are opaque or require digestion and are not clear liquids.

Question 30Patient Care

A patient's call light is placed out of reach. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Leave the call light where it is to prevent tampering
  2. Place the call light within reach and confirm the patient can use it Correct answer.
  3. Move the call light to the nurses' station
  4. Tell the patient to shout when help is needed

Explanation

The call light is a safety device and must be within the patient's reach and working so the patient can summon help. Confirming the patient knows how to use it completes the safety check.

Question 31Patient Care

Which action best demonstrates proper hand hygiene before patient contact?

  1. Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  2. Rubbing hands together without soap for a few seconds
  3. Wiping hands on a clean towel after touching the patient
  4. Using alcohol-based hand rub on visibly soiled hands

Explanation

Hand hygiene with soap and water should last at least 20 seconds and cover all surfaces of the hands. Alcohol rub is used when hands are not visibly soiled, and wiping on a towel is not hand hygiene.

Question 32Patient Care

A patient is receiving a tube feeding. Which action supports safe delivery?

  1. Keep the patient flat to promote comfort
  2. Elevate the head of the bed during and after the feeding Correct answer.
  3. Rush the feeding to shorten the procedure
  4. Flush the tube with air only

Explanation

Elevating the head of the bed reduces the risk of aspiration during and after tube feedings. Feedings should be given at the prescribed rate, and the tube is flushed per policy.

Question 33Patient Care

A patient asks the technician to close the door and curtain during a bath. Which principle does this action support?

  1. Fall prevention
  2. Privacy and dignity Correct answer.
  3. Efficiency of care delivery
  4. Infection control

Explanation

Closing the door and curtain protects the patient's privacy and preserves dignity during personal care. While the action may have other minor benefits, its primary purpose is privacy.

Question 34Patient Care

A patient with a new colostomy is hesitant to look at the stoma. Which response is most supportive?

  1. Skip the pouch change until the patient feels better
  2. Tell the patient not to worry and change the pouch quickly
  3. Explain each step calmly and offer to let the patient watch or participate when ready Correct answer.
  4. Insist the patient perform the pouch change alone today

Explanation

Teaching should be paced to the patient's readiness, with clear explanations and an invitation to participate when comfortable. Forcing participation or avoiding care can harm coping and skin integrity.

Question 35Patient Care

A patient is ordered to have a urine specimen collected. Which action best prevents contamination of the sample?

  1. Have the patient clean the area and collect a midstream sample into a sterile container Correct answer.
  2. Store the specimen at room temperature until the end of the shift
  3. Collect the specimen from the collection bag after it has sat for an hour
  4. Collect the first few drops of urine directly into the container

Explanation

A clean-catch midstream specimen reduces contamination by discarding the initial urine and collecting the flow into a sterile container after cleansing. Bag specimens and delayed transport can alter results.

Question 36Patient Care

A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and reports chills and back pain. What should the technician do first?

  1. Document the symptoms and check again at the next round
  2. Stop the transfusion and notify the nurse or provider immediately Correct answer.
  3. Slow the transfusion and reassess in 15 minutes
  4. Give the patient a warm blanket and continue monitoring

Explanation

Chills and back pain can signal a transfusion reaction, so the transfusion is stopped and the nurse or provider is notified right away. Vital signs are then taken and the event documented per policy.

Question 37Patient Care

A patient has an order for a cold compress to a sprained ankle. Which action is correct?

  1. Apply the cold pack for two hours without checking
  2. Place the cold pack directly on bare skin for 30 minutes
  3. Wrap the cold pack in a cloth and check the skin periodically Correct answer.
  4. Use a hot pack instead if the patient prefers warmth

Explanation

A barrier such as a cloth protects the skin from cold injury, and the skin is checked periodically during application. Direct application and prolonged use without checks increase the risk of tissue damage.

Question 38Patient Care

A patient with diabetes reports shakiness, sweating, and hunger. Which action should the technician take?

  1. Have the patient lie flat and rest quietly
  2. Give the patient a dose of insulin
  3. Encourage the patient to wait until the next meal
  4. Check the blood glucose and provide a fast-acting carbohydrate per protocol Correct answer.

Explanation

Shakiness, sweating, and hunger suggest hypoglycemia; checking glucose and giving a fast-acting carbohydrate per protocol corrects it. Giving insulin would worsen hypoglycemia.

Question 39Patient Care

A patient is prescribed a knee-high compression stocking. Which action is correct when applying it?

  1. Roll the stocking down to the ankle to check the skin
  2. Apply it smoothly without wrinkles and check the toes for circulation Correct answer.
  3. Leave it off if the patient finds it uncomfortable
  4. Apply it over a wrinkled sheet to save time

Explanation

Compression stockings should be applied smoothly to avoid constriction, and circulation is checked at the toes. Rolling or wrinkling the stocking creates pressure points.

Question 40Patient Care

A patient has a new order for a clear liquid diet after surgery. The patient reports nausea. Which action is best?

  1. Give small sips of clear fluids and monitor for vomiting Correct answer.
  2. Withhold all fluids until the patient asks for food
  3. Encourage the patient to drink a large volume quickly
  4. Offer a full meal to test tolerance

Explanation

After surgery, intake is advanced gradually, starting with small amounts of clear fluids while watching for nausea or vomiting. Large volumes or full meals can trigger vomiting and aspiration.

Question 41Patient Care

A patient with an indwelling catheter has a new order for a urine sample. Which action is correct?

  1. Collect urine from the drainage bag
  2. Clamp the tubing and collect from the sampling port using sterile technique Correct answer.
  3. Collect urine from the bedpan after removing the catheter
  4. Disconnect the catheter from the bag to obtain a sample

Explanation

Catheter specimens are obtained from the sampling port with sterile technique, often after clamping briefly per policy. Bag urine is not a fresh, uncontaminated specimen.

Question 42Patient Care

A patient who uses a walker needs to go to the bathroom. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Place the walker in front of the patient and walk slightly behind and to the side Correct answer.
  2. Have the patient hold the technician's arm and leave the walker behind
  3. Walk ahead of the patient and hold the walker
  4. Ask the patient to shuffle quickly to reduce time

Explanation

The walker is placed in front of the patient, and the technician stays slightly behind and to the side to guard against falls. The patient should not be rushed or left without the device.

Question 43Patient Care

A patient has a stage 2 pressure injury. Which description best fits this stage?

  1. Purple or maroon area of intact skin
  2. Full-thickness loss with exposed bone or tendon
  3. Partial-thickness loss of skin with a shallow open wound or blister Correct answer.
  4. Intact skin with nonblanchable redness

Explanation

A stage 2 pressure injury involves partial-thickness skin loss, presenting as a shallow open ulcer or a blister. Intact redness is stage 1, and full-thickness loss with exposed structures is stage 4.

Question 44Patient Care

A patient is on a fluid restriction. Which action best supports the order?

  1. Allow unlimited ice chips because they melt
  2. Count only water drunk at meals
  3. Estimate intake at the end of the shift
  4. Record all oral, intravenous, and other fluid intake accurately Correct answer.

Explanation

A fluid restriction requires accurate accounting of all fluids, including oral, intravenous, and other sources. Ice chips, for example, count as fluid when melted.

Question 45Patient Care

A patient has an order for oxygen by nasal cannula at 2 L/min. The patient's nose becomes irritated. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Switch to a nonrebreather mask without an order
  2. Remove the oxygen and document the irritation
  3. Apply a water-based lubricant to the nares per policy and reposition the cannula Correct answer.
  4. Increase the flow rate to relieve irritation

Explanation

Nasal irritation from a cannula is managed by gentle repositioning and, per policy, a water-based lubricant. Flow rates and oxygen devices are changed only on order.

Question 46Patient Care

A patient with dementia becomes agitated during a shower. Which action is best?

  1. Restrain the patient's arms to complete the shower
  2. Continue the shower quickly to finish the task
  3. Tell the patient the behavior is unacceptable
  4. Stop, speak calmly, and offer a different approach such as a partial bath Correct answer.

Explanation

Agitation in dementia often reflects fear or discomfort, so care is paused and the approach is adapted calmly. Restraint and scolding escalate distress and are not appropriate.

Question 47Patient Care

A patient is receiving a tube feeding and the head of the bed is lowered for a procedure. Which action is most important afterward?

  1. Check the tube placement once at the end of the shift
  2. Return the head of the bed to the elevated position per order Correct answer.
  3. Document the procedure only
  4. Increase the feeding rate to catch up

Explanation

After any procedure that lowers the head of the bed, it must be returned to the prescribed elevation to reduce aspiration risk with tube feedings. Placement and residuals are checked per policy.

Question 48Patient Care

A patient on fall precautions has a new order for a sedating medication. Which action is most important?

  1. Raise all four side rails and leave the room
  2. Remove the bed alarm to reduce noise
  3. Allow the patient to walk unassisted because the medication is calming
  4. Continue the same precautions and reassess the patient's risk Correct answer.

Explanation

Sedating medications increase fall risk, so precautions continue and the patient's risk and needs are reassessed. Removing alarms or leaving the patient unassisted increases the danger.

Question 49Patient Care

A patient reports pain that is sharp and worsens with deep breathing after abdominal surgery. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Give the patient a large meal to improve energy
  2. Encourage splinting the incision and using the incentive spirometer as ordered Correct answer.
  3. Apply heat to the abdomen without an order
  4. Tell the patient to avoid breathing deeply to reduce pain

Explanation

Splinting the incision and using the incentive spirometer help the patient breathe deeply despite pain and reduce the risk of atelectasis. Avoiding deep breathing increases pulmonary complications.

Question 50Patient Care

A patient's family asks the technician to explain the difference between hospice and palliative care. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. Hospice care is limited to patients who are expected to live less than six months, while palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness Correct answer.
  2. Hospice care and palliative care are the same thing
  3. Palliative care is only provided in a hospital setting
  4. Palliative care is only for patients who have stopped all treatment

Explanation

Hospice is generally for patients with a limited prognosis, often six months or less, while palliative care focuses on comfort and can be provided at any stage alongside curative treatment.