PCT Practice Test 3

Supporting the patient’s back and shoulders gently prevents falls and injury.

Unsafe equipment should be reported before it’s used to prevent harm.

Most EKG errors come from misplaced electrodes.

The bend of the elbow (antecubital fossa) is the best spot.

The Five Rights (right task, circumstance, person, direction, and supervision) ensure that delegated tasks are performed safely by qualified individuals.

Cultural competence involves respecting and accommodating different cultural practices, dietary needs, and spiritual beliefs while providing quality care.

Therapeutic communication builds trust and helps patients express their concerns. Open-ended questions encourage patients to share more information about their needs.

Chest pain could indicate a serious cardiac event requiring immediate attention. Always prioritize based on potential life-threatening situations first.

PCTs work within their scope of practice and don’t interpret lab results. This response is professional and directs the patient to the appropriate person for medical interpretation.

Timely documentation ensures accuracy and helps other healthcare team members provide continuous care. Charting right after care prevents forgetting important details.

Clear communication facing the patient allows them to read lips if needed. Speaking clearly without shouting shows respect and improves understanding.

True informed consent requires understanding the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to treatment.

Patient education improves compliance and outcomes. Explaining medical terms in understandable language helps patients participate in their care.

Working within your scope protects patients from unsafe care. Getting qualified help ensures patients receive appropriate, safe assistance.

Professional boundaries protect both healthcare workers and patients by maintaining appropriate relationships focused on care, not personal connections.

The Patient’s Bill of Rights guarantees respectful, dignified care regardless of background, condition, or ability to pay.

De-escalation through calm, professional behavior protects both you and the patient while maintaining therapeutic relationships and ensuring everyone’s safety.

Patient safety requires proper training and competency verification before performing new tasks. Never attempt procedures without proper preparation and supervision.

Patient safety requires speaking up about concerns while maintaining professional respect. Seek clarification to understand the rationale or confirm safety.

Patient safety is the top priority. Address immediate hazards when possible and always report safety concerns to ensure proper follow-up and documentation.

Rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 inch into rectum for adults (1/2 inch for children) to ensure accuracy while preventing injury to rectal tissue.

Patients have the right to understand their care. Brief explanation of why multiple tubes are needed builds trust and cooperation.

V6 electrode is placed at the left midaxillary line in the 5th intercostal space providing lateral wall view of the heart.

Blood spills require 1:10 bleach solution to kill bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis and HIV. Other cleaning agents are not effective against these viruses.

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) patients should sit upright 90 degrees when eating to use gravity and prevent aspiration of food into lungs.

Explain that patient information is confidential but some information may need to be shared with healthcare team. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

Petechiae (small red spots) suggest possible bleeding disorder or platelet problems. May indicate difficulty with hemostasis after venipuncture.

Walk beside patient on their weaker side to provide support and assistance if they become unsteady or begin to fall.

Prolonged QT interval can indicate electrolyte imbalances (especially low potassium or magnesium) or medication effects that increase risk of dangerous arrhythmias.

Latex allergies can progress to severe anaphylactic reactions that are life-threatening. Always use latex-free alternatives for allergic patients.

Pitting edema is assessed by pressing finger into swollen tissue for 5 seconds then observing how long indentation remains (graded 1+ to 4+).

Delegation requires clear understanding of: what task, when to do it, how to perform it properly and who receives the results or reports.

Tourniquets should not remain on longer than 1 minute to prevent hemoconcentration and patient discomfort. Remove if blood flow not established quickly.

Respiratory distress signs include use of neck and chest accessory muscles, nasal flaring, cyanosis and positioning to ease breathing (tripod position).

ST elevation often indicates acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) requiring immediate medical intervention to restore blood flow to heart muscle.

Reverse (protective) isolation protects immunocompromised patients from bacteria and viruses in the environment that could cause serious infections.

PROM should move joints through their normal range of motion without forcing or causing pain. Stop if resistance or discomfort occurs.

Hemoglobin testing measures red blood cell content requiring whole blood specimen usually collected in EDTA (lavender top) tube.

Advance directives document patient wishes for medical treatment when they cannot speak for themselves including DNR orders and life support preferences.

IV site pain and swelling may indicate infiltration or phlebitis. Notify nurse for assessment – don’t remove IV without orders as it may be functioning properly.