Observation and Patient Monitoring Flashcards
7 cards from real PTC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Observation and Patient Monitoring flashcards as text
A psychiatric technician observes a patient exhibiting pressured speech, decreased need for sleep, and grandiose statements over the past 24 hours. This cluster of symptoms MOST likely indicates:
Answer: Emerging manic episode
Pressured speech, decreased need for sleep, and grandiosity are hallmark signs of a manic episode and should be reported promptly so the treatment plan can be adjusted.
Which vital sign change in a patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) should be reported to the nurse IMMEDIATELY?
Answer: Heart rate of 105 beats per minute with fever and sore throat
Tachycardia with fever and sore throat in a patient on clozapine may indicate agranulocytosis, a life-threatening reduction in white blood cells requiring emergency intervention.
A psychiatric technician is monitoring a patient in seclusion. The minimum frequency for checking on the patient per Joint Commission standards is:
Answer: Every 15 minutes
The Joint Commission requires that patients in seclusion or restraints be monitored at least every 15 minutes for signs of distress, injury, and readiness for discontinuation.
When observing a patient for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), a psychiatric technician should monitor for all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: Sudden onset of polyuria and polydipsia
Polyuria and polydipsia (excessive urination and thirst) are not extrapyramidal symptoms; they may indicate diabetes insipidus or lithium toxicity rather than EPS.
A patient on elopement precautions is missing from the unit. The FIRST action the psychiatric technician should take is:
Answer: Notify the charge nurse and initiate the facility's elopement protocol
Immediate notification of the charge nurse and activation of the elopement protocol ensures a coordinated response that prioritizes patient safety and meets regulatory requirements.
A psychiatric technician documents 'Patient appears sad' in the observation record. This documentation is BEST described as:
Answer: Subjective because 'sad' is an interpretation, not a behavioral observation
The word 'sad' is an interpretive label; objective documentation should describe observable behaviors such as 'patient sitting alone, eyes downcast, not responding to greetings.'
Which patient behavior during monitoring should a psychiatric technician recognize as a potential precursor to aggressive behavior?
Answer: Pacing, clenching fists, and making verbal threats
Pacing, clenching fists, and making verbal threats are escalating behavioral cues that signal increasing agitation and potential for physical aggression.