Complete Test Bank Fundamental Concepts and Skills
for the Patient Care Technician 1st Edition Townsend
Questions & Answers
Handwashing - ANSWER Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water for at
least 20 seconds before and after providing care to patients to maintain hygiene.
Temperature Measurement - ANSWER PCT workers measure the patient's body
temperature using a thermometer to measure the patient's body temperature orally,
in the ear, on the forehead, or under the armpit.
Pulse (Apical, legs, feet, heart) - ANSWER PCT workers assess a patient's pulse
rate by counting the beats per minute. Different pulse points can be checked,
including the apical pulse (located at the apex of the heart using a stethoscope),
peripheral pulses in the legs and feet (such as the dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial
pulses), and the radial pulse at the wrist.
Respiration Monitoring - ANSWER PCT workers monitor the patient's respiratory
rate by observing their breathing pattern. They assess the number of breaths taken
per minute to ensure that the patient's breathing is within the normal range.
Blood Pressure Measurement - ANSWER PCT workers measure a patient's blood
pressure using a sphygmomanometer. This can be done electronically using an
automated blood pressure monitor or manually by auscultating the Korotkoff sounds
with a stethoscope and using a blood pressure cuff.
Glove Donning & Removal - ANSWER PCT workers follow proper procedures to
don and remove gloves to maintain infection control. They wear gloves when
performing tasks that involve potential contact with bodily fluids or when dealing with
contaminated materials. Proper removal ensures that they do not contaminate
themselves or the surrounding environment.
Indwelling Catheter Insertion - ANSWER PCT workers skillfully insert an indwelling
catheter into a patient's bladder to help with urinary elimination. This procedure
requires appropriate sterile technique and proper placement to prevent infection.
Indwelling Catheter Removal - ANSWER PCT workers need to safely and
aseptically remove an indwelling catheter. They follow specific steps to ensure a
smooth removal process, minimizing discomfort or complications for the patient.
Ostomy Appliance Change - ANSWER PCT workers assist patients with changing
their ostomy appliance, which collects waste from a surgically created opening in the
abdomen (stoma). This involves removing and disposing of the used appliance,
cleansing the stoma, and applying a new pouching system.
, Nasogastric Tube Insertion - ANSWER PCT workers insert a nasogastric tube
through the patient's nose and down into the stomach. It is used for various
purposes, such as feeding, medication administration, or drainage, and requires
precise positioning to ensure proper functioning.
Nasogastric Tube Placement Check - ANSWER To confirm correct placement of a
nasogastric tube, PCT workers use different methods such as pH testing, aspiration
of stomach contents, observing respiratory distress, or imaging techniques like X-
rays. These checks ensure that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach.
Nasogastric Tube Removal - ANSWER PCT workers safely remove a nasogastric
tube by following sterile procedures and minimizing discomfort to the patient. Care is
taken to prevent any inadvertent trauma or complications during the removal
process.
Wound Swab Culture Collection - ANSWER PCT workers use sterile swabs to
collect samples from wounds for laboratory analysis. They carefully clean the wound
area, insert the swab into the wound site, rotate it gently, and then place it in a sterile
container for transportation to the lab.
Sputum Sample Collection - ANSWER PCT workers assist patients in providing
sputum samples for diagnostic purposes. They explain the process to the patient,
provide a sterile container, and instruct them to cough deeply to produce sputum.
The collected sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.
Midstream Urine Sample Collection - ANSWER When a patient needs to provide a
urine sample, PCT workers instruct them to clean their genital area and then begin
urinating into the toilet. After a few seconds, they provide a sterile cup and ask the
patient to collect a midstream sample for urinalysis or other laboratory tests.
Fingerstick Blood Sugar Test - ANSWER PCT workers monitor blood sugar levels
by performing fingerstick tests. They use a lancet to puncture the patient's finger,
collect a small sample of blood using a test strip, and then use a glucometer to
measure and record the patient's blood sugar level.
Incentive Spirometry - ANSWER PCT workers assist patients in using an incentive
spirometer to improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications. They
instruct the patient to take slow, deep breaths through the device, encouraging deep
inhalation and measuring the volume of air inhaled.
Antiembolic Stockings Application - ANSWER PCT workers help patients prevent
blood clot formation by properly applying antiembolic stockings. They measure the
patient's leg, select the appropriate size of stockings, and ensure a snug but not
overly tight fit to promote venous circulation
Arm Sling Application - ANSWER PCT workers apply an arm sling to support and
immobilize a patient's arm after an injury or surgery. They position the sling properly,
ensuring that the patient's arm is adequately supported and their hand is elevated
above the level of the heart.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller leonardmuriithi061. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $17.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.