Patient Care Technician Practice Test

Take your time and good luck!

1.

A conductivity alarm sounds during hemodialysis treatment. The technician should expect which of these events to have occurred?

 A. The blood pump has stopped.

 B. Dialysate flow rate has increased.

 C. Electrical power source interrupted.

 D. Dialyzer was bypassed.

2.

During hemodialysis, a patient goes into cardiac arrest. Which of these actions should be taken first?

 A. Apply a precordial thump to the patient.

  B. Call for help.

 C. Return the patient’s blood.

  D. Stop ultrafiltration.

3.

Mr. Jones has a dry weight of 72 k.g. He weighed 73kg after the last treatment. Today he weighs 75.5 kg Assume prime and rinse back=500 ml total. What is Mr. Jones’ fluid removal goal for today?

  A. 2.5 liters or 2500 ml

 B. 3.0 liters or 3000 ml

 C. 4.0 liters or 4000 ml

  D. 4.5 liters or 4500 ml

4.

The appropriate time for labeling a patient specimen is:

 A. Before the blood is drawn

 B. After all blood has been collected for the day

 C. Immediately after collection

  D. None of the above

5.

Chain of custody refers to which of the following?

 A. Handcuffs, used to control people who are arrested.

 B. The process an arrested person follows when in jail.

 C. The order of laboratory supervisors, similar to the chain of command.

 D. The process for maintaining control of a specimen, from the actual collection to final disposition, used under special circumstances such as workplace, sports, or law enforcement testing.

6.

The first American Medical Association code of ethics was written in what year?

  A. 1847

 B. 1856

 C. 1845

  D. 1849

7.

A female technician has been caring for a male patient for several months. The patient tells the technician that he is lonely and depressed. He asks the technician to go out to dinner with him. In addition to politely declining the patient’s invite, which action should be taken?

 A. refer the patient to a social worker

 B. recommend over counter mood stimulant

 C. share patients need for socialization with other patients

 D. no further action needed

8.

What lab values are monitored for assessing bone disease?

 A. calcium, phosphorus, PTH

 B. calcium, phosphorus, albumin

  C. calcium, phosphorus, potassium

  D. calcium, phosphorous, magnesium

9.

Which following is correct regarding a fistula?

 A. usually created in the leg, near ankle B. usually created in the forearm, near the wrist

  B. usually created in the forearm, near the wrist

 C. made of silastic tubing

 D. none of the above

10.

Which of the following is a dilemma that may face a physician?

 A. balancing the cost of treatment against the advantage of the treatment

 B. scheduling office staff vacations

 C. planning a professional development conference for allied staff

  D. setting hospital affirmative action policy

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What Is a Patient Care Technician?

Patient care technicians (PCTs) work at patients’ bedsides, taking care of basic needs such as meals and hygiene similar to a CNA’s duties but PCTs usually have more training that allows them to complete other tasks as well. For example, under the supervision of doctors and RNs, PCTs may be responsible for some medical or medication-related care. 

What Are the Primary Job Duties for PCTs?

The day-to-day work of a PCT could include any of the tasks expected of a CNA. In addition, PCTs may:

• Administer specific medications
• Draw blood for lab work
• Operate some medical monitoring equipment
• Begin or discontinue specific catheters
• Perform and manage wound care
• Remove stitches or staples
• Administer electrocardiograms
• Other duties as allowed

• What Are the Requirements to Become a PCT?

  To become a patient care technician, you can begin with CNA training and gain other on-the-job skills. Generally, a certified nursing assistant may receive additional training that enables them to perform skills authorized by a healthcare facility.

  This provision for additional training and skills is where PCT programs come in. Some programs only allow those who have already trained as CNAs to enroll. PCT programs vary in length depending on the state, but they usually take at least several months to complete.

  Some employers may opt to provide the required training and validation of competence required to elevate their CNAs to PCTs.

  Those training to become PCTs will learn basic medical terminology and anatomy/physiology. They will also receive hands-on instruction in procedures expected of PCTs and will usually need to complete an externship. Students must practice these skills for a specific number of hours before certification. 

  What Do Job Growth and Salary Potential Look Like for PCTs?

  PCTs in Florida can make an annual salary of around $43,000. Hospitals often seek to hire PCTs because the medical needs of patients in hospitals are generally greater than those served by skilled nursing facilities and home health services. By taking on routine medical tasks, hospital PCTs can free up RNs to focus on higher-level duties. Kidney care centers also hire many PCTs because they can assist with dialysis treatments.

  Working with RNs and other healthcare professionals can give PCTs clarity about what they want in their careers. A PCT may decide they would like to continue with nursing training by completing a PCT to LPN training program.