Patient Care Fundamentals Flashcards

A patient falls while under the PCT's care. After ensuring the patient's safety, what is the NEXT priority action?

Answer: Complete an incident report and notify the nurse

Reporting the fall to the nurse and completing an incident report ensures proper patient assessment and required documentation.

Which patient is at HIGHEST risk for developing a pressure injury?

Answer: A bedridden patient with urinary incontinence

Immobility combined with moisture from incontinence significantly increases the risk of skin breakdown and pressure injuries.

When is it appropriate for a PCT to apply wrist restraints?

Answer: Only with a valid physician's order and after less restrictive measures have been tried

Restraints are a last resort requiring a physician's order, patient/family consent, and documentation that alternatives were tried first.

Which action prevents transmission of infection when a PCT moves from one patient to another?

Answer: Performing hand hygiene before and after each patient contact

Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact is the single most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infection transmission.

A patient's advance directive states 'Do Not Resuscitate (DNR).' The patient becomes unresponsive. The PCT should:

Answer: Notify the nurse and do not initiate CPR

A valid DNR order means resuscitation should not be initiated; the PCT must notify the nurse immediately.

The term 'afebrile' means the patient has:

Answer: No fever

Afebrile means the patient has no fever and the temperature is within the normal range.

When documenting patient care, the PCT should:

Answer: Record care promptly after it is performed, using approved terms

Documentation must be timely, accurate, and use facility-approved terminology to ensure legal and clinical integrity of the medical record.