NHA CPCT/A study guide
NHA CPCT/A · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) is a credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), one of the eight certifications NHA lists on its site. NHA describes the role as assisting in providing care to patients in outpatient or long-term care facilities, and states that its certifications are NCCA-accredited and recognized by employers nationwide. The NHA CPCT/A study guide has 4 sections and about 1,368 words.
01Patient Care: Positioning, Mobility, and Communication
Patient care questions test whether you can keep a patient safe, comfortable, and respected while performing a task. Know the standard positions and their purposes: Fowler's (head of bed elevated 45-60 degrees) eases breathing; semi-Fowler's (about 30 degrees) is used for tube feedings and general comfort; Trendelenburg (feet higher than head) is used in specific shock or postural-drainage situations, not routinely; lateral (side-lying) relieves pressure and supports breathing; prone (face down) is used for certain respiratory conditions; dorsal recumbent and lithotomy appear in pelvic and genital exams.
350 words, about 2 min02Safety and Infection Control: Chain of Infection and Standard Precautions
Safety questions reward the habit of preventing harm before it happens. Learn the chain of infection : infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.
338 words, about 2 min03Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection: Order of Draw and Labeling
Specimen questions test order, technique, and identification. Memorize the order of draw : blood culture (or sterile tube first), then light blue (sodium citrate, coagulation), then serum tubes with or without clot activator (red/gold), then green (heparin), then lavender (EDTA), then gray (oxalate/fluoride).
333 words, about 2 min04EKG and Diagnostic Testing: Lead Placement and Artifact Control
EKG questions test correct setup, recognition of artifact, and safe handling of the tracing. Know the standard 12-lead placement : limb leads on the arms and legs (RA, LA, RL, LL), and precordial leads V1 through V6 across the chest.
347 words, about 2 min