PCT Safety Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When is it appropriate for a PCT to apply a wrist restraint without a physician's order?
- When the patient is at immediate risk of self-harm and no other option exists
- When the charge nurse verbally approves it
- When the patient is confused and pulling at lines
- It is never appropriate without a valid physician order (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It is never appropriate without a valid physician order
Restraints require a physician order except in a true emergency where the patient is in imminent danger, and even then the order must be obtained immediately after.
Question 2: A PCT preparing to administer a tube feeding should position the patient at a minimum of:
- 15 degrees head-of-bed elevation
- 30 degrees head-of-bed elevation (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees head-of-bed elevation
- Flat in supine position
Correct answer: 30 degrees head-of-bed elevation
The head of the bed must be elevated at least 30 degrees during tube feeding to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Question 3: Which hand hygiene method is MOST effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?
- Alcohol-based hand rub for 15 seconds
- Soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- Alcohol-based hand rub for 30 seconds
- Waterless antiseptic wipes
Correct answer: Soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Alcohol-based hand rubs do not kill C. diff spores; soap and water must be used because mechanical friction physically removes the spores.
Question 4: A patient asks a PCT to unlock the side rails so they can get up independently. The PCT should:
- Unlock the rails since the patient has the right to refuse assistance
- Explain that the rails are for safety and offer to assist them (Correct answer)
- Tell the patient to wait until their family arrives
- Unlock the rails and stay close by in case they need help
Correct answer: Explain that the rails are for safety and offer to assist them
Side rails serve a safety function; the PCT should explain this and offer assistance rather than simply complying, and should notify the nurse if the patient insists.
Question 5: When handling soiled linen from an isolation room, the PCT should:
- Place it in the hallway linen cart immediately
- Bag the linen in the patient's room before removing it (Correct answer)
- Carry the linen at arm's length to the soiled utility room
- Double-bag all linen regardless of contamination level
Correct answer: Bag the linen in the patient's room before removing it
Soiled isolation linen must be bagged at the point of use (in the patient's room) to prevent spreading contamination through the hallways.
Question 6: A PCT notices a wet floor in a patient hallway. The immediate action is to:
- Report it to housekeeping and move on
- Place a wet floor sign and stay until housekeeping arrives or it is dry (Correct answer)
- Dry the floor with paper towels from the supply cart
- Close the hallway until maintenance arrives
Correct answer: Place a wet floor sign and stay until housekeeping arrives or it is dry
Placing a wet floor sign and remaining present until the hazard is resolved protects patients and staff from slip-and-fall injuries.
Question 7: Which of the following situations requires the PCT to use an N95 respirator rather than a standard surgical mask?
- Caring for a patient with MRSA wound infection
- Collecting a stool specimen from a patient with C. diff
- Assisting a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis (Correct answer)
- Changing the linens of a patient on droplet precautions
Correct answer: Assisting a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis spreads via airborne droplet nuclei that remain suspended in air, requiring the filtration protection of an N95 respirator.
PCT Safety Procedures 5
When is it appropriate for a PCT to apply a wrist restraint without a physician's order?