PCT Practice Test 6

Eye protection (goggles or face shield) is required when risk of blood or body fluid splashing exists during procedures or patient care.

Negligence occurs when healthcare provider fails to meet accepted standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would provide in similar circumstances.

I&O includes all fluid intake (oral, IV, tube feeding) and all output (urine, stool, vomit, drainage) to assess fluid balance.

Trach care involves inner cannula changes (if removable), gentle suctioning of secretions and cleaning around stoma site to prevent infection.

Soiled linens go directly into leak-proof bags without sorting or shaking to prevent airborne contamination and pathogen spread.

Latex allergies can cause severe anaphylactic reactions. Always find latex-free alternatives even if it delays procedure – patient safety is priority.

Suicide precautions require removing potentially harmful objects. Offer safe alternatives while maintaining therapeutic relationship and explaining safety concerns.

Working outside competency level endangers patients. Explain training limitations and ask for proper preparation before performing new tasks.

Advance directives represent patient’s autonomous decisions and take precedence over family wishes when patient cannot speak for themselves.

Chemical spills, especially unknown substances, require evacuation and trained hazmat response to prevent exposure and ensure safe cleanup.

RBBB characteristically shows RSR’ (rabbit ear) pattern in lead V1 due to delayed right ventricular activation.

Therapeutic communication involves listening to patient concerns and working with the healthcare team to address legitimate issues affecting patient comfort and healing.

Droplet precautions during transport require both patient and healthcare worker to wear masks to prevent transmission of respiratory droplets.

Fever of 101.8°F (38.8°C) requires prompt nursing notification for assessment and potential intervention. PCTs cannot administer medications without orders.

Fasting requirements vary by test ordered. Patients should follow specific written pre-collection instructions provided by their healthcare provider or lab.

Lead aVF (augmented vector foot) looks at the inferior wall of the left ventricle, helping detect inferior wall myocardial infarctions.

Professional approach involves private discussion first to give colleague chance to correct behavior, followed by appropriate reporting if unsafe practices continue.

Proper cuff size is essential for accurate BP readings. Cuff should cover 80% of arm circumference. Wrong cuff size causes inaccurate readings.

Terminal cleaning between patients uses EPA-approved disinfectants on all surfaces to prevent transmission of pathogens to the next patient.

Elderly patients often have fragile veins requiring gentle technique, smaller needles, and careful handling to minimize tissue trauma and hematoma formation.

Normal P wave duration is less than 0.12 seconds (less than 3 small boxes). Prolonged P waves may indicate atrial enlargement or conduction delays.

Numbness after BP measurement may indicate nerve compression or vascular compromise requiring immediate cuff removal and nursing assessment.

Patients on bed rest are at risk for orthostatic hypotension. Check for dizziness or lightheadedness before beginning ambulation to prevent falls.

Immediate gentle squeezing encourages blood flow to flush out potential pathogens, followed by washing with soap and water and incident reporting.

Continue oxygen therapy during vital sign measurement unless specifically ordered to discontinue. Removing oxygen could compromise patient’s respiratory status.

Gray-top tubes contain sodium fluoride preservative that prevents glucose breakdown (glycolysis), making them essential for accurate glucose measurement.

Patient safety requires competent operation of equipment. Ask for assistance when unfamiliar with equipment rather than risk patient injury.

Correct PPE donning sequence: gown first, then mask, eyewear, and gloves last. This prevents contaminating clean PPE during application.

ST depression >1mm often indicates myocardial ischemia (inadequate oxygen to heart muscle) requiring immediate medical evaluation and intervention.

Face the patient when speaking to facilitate lip reading and ensure clear communication. Speak clearly but not necessarily loudly unless requested.

Least restrictive approach first – stay with patient, provide reorientation, and redirect behavior. Restraints require physician order and are last resort.

Tuberculosis spreads through small airborne particles requiring special air filtration and N95 respirator protection.

Intake includes all fluids entering the body: IV fluids, oral intake, tube feedings, and liquid medications to accurately assess fluid balance.

Rolling veins require proper anchoring technique – stretch skin taut and anchor vein with non-dominant hand to stabilize for successful puncture.

Double-gloving provides extra protection during high-risk procedures with increased blood exposure or sharp instrument use.

Hemoglobin A1C indicates average blood glucose control over previous 2-3 months, used for diabetes management.

Scope creep involves performing tasks beyond training, authorization or legal scope potentially endangering patients and violating regulations.

RBBB characteristically shows RSR’ ‘rabbit ear’ pattern in V1 due to delayed right ventricular activation.

Sharps must be disposed in rigid puncture-resistant containers specifically designed to prevent needlestick injuries.

Tourniquets left on longer than 1 minute cause hemoconcentration affecting test results and patient discomfort.