COCT exam

Which action should the CPCT take when preparing to transfer a patient from a bed to a chair?

Elevate the bed to a position equal to the height of the stretcher.

During a stress test a patient appears to be hyperventilating. What should the CPCT do?

Check the patient's respiratory rate.

Identify the arrhythmia in this tracing.

Ventricular tachycardia.

Which medication should NOT be crushed?

Enteric-coated medication.

Which laboratory results have priority when distributing results to physicians?

Presurgical results.

A CPCT is accidentally stuck with a needle while changing bedding. What should the CPCT do first?

Milk the affected site.

Why is a chain of custody used for specimens?

To guarantee the identification and integrity of samples.

What is the standard needle insertion angle in the antecubital area?

15 to 30 degree angle.

Which tube should be collected first for dermal samples?

Lavender top tube.

When should the code on glucose cuvettes be compared with the glucometer?

When a patient is being tested.

A CPCT makes a mistake measuring blood pressure. What should be done before repeating the test?

Release all air before retesting.

Which vital sign during a blood transfusion should be reported first?

An elevated temperature.

Which statement indicates a need for further HIPAA teaching?

"If necessary my doctor can release my test results at his own discretion."

Which position should a patient receiving continuous tube feedings be placed in?

Semi-Fowler's position.

Which statement about skin preparation for blood cultures is correct?

I will cleanse the area with chlorhexidine gluconate.

Which finding in a patient with severe hypertension should be reported immediately?

Pitting edema in the lower limbs.

Swelling at a peripheral IV site is most likely caused by what?

Catheter infiltration.

Which arrhythmia occurs in the tracing?

Premature atrial complexes.

Red spots appear during a blood draw. What should the CPCT do?

Apply more pressure to the site.

Mislabeling a blood bank specimen can cause what?

A transfusion reaction.

Why might a pulse oximeter not display a reading?

The patient has low blood pressure with cold hands and fingers.

Before manually lifting a nonambulatory patient what should be considered first?

The patient's ability to assist.

Atypical vertical projections on an EKG tracing are most likely what?

Pacemaker spikes.

If all waveforms are negative in lead I which electrodes should be checked?

Right arm and left arm electrodes.

Which finding in a patient with congestive heart failure should be reported immediately?

Swelling in the patient's legs and feet.

What determines whether a capillary puncture should be performed?

The test ordered.

What is the correct way to label specimens?

Label the specimen at the time of collection in front of the patient.

Which EKG finding is most concerning?

ST segment elevation.

What is the first action when a fire alarm goes off in a healthcare facility?

Close all doors to control the fire.

Identify the rhythm in the tracing.

Atrial fibrillation.

Which blood pressure reading should be reported to the nurse?

90/50 mm Hg.

What should the CPCT wear when entering a room with contact precautions?

Gown.

Which patient finding should be reported to the nurse?

A 1-year-old patient with a pulse rate of 50 BPM.

Which procedure requires aseptic technique?

Waste management.

Which patient should be assessed first after shift change?

A patient who is disoriented.

Which vital sign should be reported first?

Temperature of 38.5°C (100.5°F).

Anticoagulant tubes must be inverted to prevent what?

Clotting.

Why is correct data input critical in a laboratory information system?

Incorrect data may be reported to a healthcare provider.

How should the pulse be measured in a patient with atrial fibrillation?

Manually using the apical area.

Which postoperative vital signs should be reported?

BP 180/101 mm Hg with other vitals stable.

Which situation can cause an inaccurate blood pressure reading?

The arm is lower than the heart.

Which statement about preparing a peripheral blood smear indicates incorrect technique?

"I will press down on the spreader slide to fix the cells."

Where is the injury located on the EKG image?

Anterior wall.

How can bleeding from a venipuncture site be prevented?

Apply pressure to prevent blood leaking into tissues.

Why would a patient need an ambulatory heart monitor after an EKG?

The doctor wants to study the heart over a longer period of time.

How can needle sticks be prevented during venipuncture according to OSHA?

Dispose of needles in a sharps container.

A patient produces red-tinged sputum. What should the CPCT do?

Ask the patient what they ate or drank last.

How often should a wound healing by granulation be redressed?

Every 24 hours.

A CPCT forgot to draw a PTT tube. What should be done?

Keep collected specimens and draw the PTT.

A visitor asks about a patient's roommate condition. What is the correct response?

"You can ask the patient about his condition."

Which action is contraindicated when collecting a sputum specimen?

Having the patient use an alcohol-based mouthwash.

During venipuncture the patient becomes pale and sweaty. What condition may occur?

Syncope.

How should a urine spill be cleaned?

Use a disinfectant containing bleach.

Which finding should be reported to the nurse?

Polyuria with blood glucose of 200 mg/dL.

How often should intake and output be recorded for strict I&O?

Every shift.

A patient still has a lunch tray before a 2-hour post-prandial glucose test. What should the CPCT do?

Ask if the patient has eaten within the past 2 hours.

Which product helps prevent skin breakdown?

Barrier cream.

When drawing multiple blood tubes when should the tourniquet be released?

Within 1 to 2 minutes.

Which body mechanics should be used to transfer a patient with right-side weakness?

Grasp the back of the transfer belt and have the patient stand using the stronger side.

Which dressing change requires aseptic technique?

Changing the dressing of a superficial decubitus ulcer.

Before applying wrist restraints what must be done first?

Check with the nurse for a restraint order.

How should a manual radial pulse be measured?

Use index and middle fingers and count for one full minute.

Which vein should be used first for venipuncture?

Median cubital vein.

What should the CPCT do before drawing a glucose tolerance test if a breakfast tray is present?

Ask if the patient has eaten or drunk anything.

How should two CPCTs move a deceased patient safely?

Use a draw sheet to lift the patient.

Large U waves on an EKG are associated with what abnormality?

Decreased potassium level.

What should the CPCT do if a patient with a U wave reports chest pain?

Notify the patient's physician.

Where is the apical pulse measured?

Fifth intercostal space.

Which test should be performed first in an infant?

Oxygen level measurement.

What is the first action for ventricular fibrillation?

Call for help and begin CPR.

Which stool finding suggests an upper GI disorder?

Black tarry stool.

How should a CPCT respond to grieving family members?

Listen when they are ready to talk.

How should anxiety during venipuncture be addressed?

Explain the procedure before starting.

What is the first step if a patient becomes pulseless and stops breathing?

Start chest compressions.

Which arrhythmia is shown in the tracing?

Atrial premature contraction.

After which surgery should deep breathing and coughing be avoided?

Eye surgery.

When should a tobramycin level be drawn if the medication was scheduled for 1100?

Check with the nurse.

What should the CPCT do when discharging a patient?

Escort the patient using a wheelchair.

ST elevation in leads I AVL V5 and V6 indicates what infarction?

Lateral infarction.

Which statement about inhaler use indicates a need for teaching?

"As an adult I don't need to use a spacer."

What position should a patient be in during a Hoyer lift transfer?

Fowler's position.

How should a CPCT respond when visitors ask for test results?

"I'm sorry but I can't give you that information."

Which finding in a nonambulatory stroke patient should be reported immediately?

Change in size and shape of a pressure ulcer.

What is the first sign of skin breakdown?

Redness.

What differentiates accelerated idioventricular rhythm from junctional rhythm?

Wide QRS complexes.

How should a CPCT respond if a patient fears returning home to their spouse?

"Can you tell me if something happened that made you feel unsafe?"

A patient cannot void and is crying in pain but the nurse is unavailable. What should the CPCT do?

Report the pain to the charge nurse.

Which symptom indicates hyperglycemia?

Frequent urination.

Which precautions are used for a patient with hepatitis B?

Standard precautions.

Which ostomy finding should be reported?

Leakage around the wafer.

What should the CPCT do if a hematoma develops during venipuncture?

Release the tourniquet and stop the draw.

Which vital sign before a transfusion must be reported immediately?

Temperature of 102°F (38.8°C).

Which method should be used to draw blood from a 91-year-old patient?

Butterfly needle with syringe.

Which veins may be used if antecubital veins are inaccessible?

Dorsal veins.

What must be done before transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair?

Lock the wheels of the bed and wheelchair.

A visitor has swollen lips and tongue and is in distress. What should the CPCT do?

Ask if the person has any allergies.

How should venipuncture supplies be checked before a draw?

Inspect the needle seal.

A patient extends their arm for a blood draw without speaking. What type of consent is this?

Implied consent.

What is the first step before performing a finger stick?

Confirm the patient's identity.

Which agency ensures safe work environments for healthcare workers?

OSHA.