CPCT CHAPTER 2

What is the role of Patient Care Technicians (PCTs)?

PCTs perform tasks within their scope of practice as delegated by nurses.

What should a PCT do if a task is outside their scope of practice?

Inform the delegating nurse or the charge nurse if the delegating nurse is unavailable.

Why should a PCT never accept a delegation task from another CPCT?

It is better to refuse an assignment than to possibly harm a patient.

What is the purpose of a chain of command in healthcare?

It creates a clear line of responsibility, allowing everyone to know who they report to and reducing chaos.

Who is typically the next step in the chain of command for a patient care tech in acute-care facilities?

The next step is usually a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

What should a PCT do if their problem is not being addressed?

Make an appointment with the next person in the chain of command.

What is the main priority for a PCT when advocating for a patient?

Patient safety.

What is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?

A federal agency established in 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions.

What are the primary focuses of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding healthcare workers?

Identification, prevention, and control of infectious diseases and workplace safety.

What are biological hazards in the workplace?

Infectious agents like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and any type of bodily fluid.

What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require?

Implementation of work practices and engineering controls to prevent incidents.

What must all employees who handle body fluids be?

Trained in safety practices.

What is the proper way to dispose of sharps?

Immediately dispose of them into a sharps container.

What should you never do with needles?

Never recap, bend, or remove needles from the syringe.

What are hazardous chemicals in the workplace?

Chemicals that require safety measures to minimize occupational exposure.

What does an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) provide?

A warning label and information about each chemical, including exposure limits and protective measures.

What are radiological hazards?

Exposure to x-rays and other radioactive materials.

What considerations should be made for patients with radioactive implants?

Time, distance, and shielding.

What device can be worn to record total exposure to radiation?

A dosimeter.

What is the significance of workplace safety training?

It helps protect health care workers and patients from potential hazards.

What is the role of the PCT in preventing workplace injuries?

To follow safety protocols and report unsafe conditions.

What is the importance of patient safety in the context of compliance and professional responsibility?

It is the primary concern for all healthcare workers, ensuring quality care.

What should be done to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace?

No extension cords should be used, equipment must be grounded and have a current inspection sticker, no more than 2 items should be plugged into 1 outlet, and hands should be dry when operating equipment.

What should you do if you encounter unsafe equipment?

Report it to the biomedical engineering department.

What types of hazards are included under fire/explosive hazards?

Open flames, flammable chemicals, and oxygen.

What is the procedure for reporting workplace injuries?

Report accidents immediately to the charge nurse for assessment and to fill out the appropriate reports, focusing only on facts.

What should be done in the event of a needle stick injury?

Clean the area with warm water and antimicrobial soap for 10-15 seconds and report to the supervisor (nurse).

What are the operational standards set by government agencies and healthcare organizations?

They ensure safe and proficient patient care delivery in healthcare facilities.

What is the role of The Joint Commission in patient safety?

It focuses on the continued improvement of patient safety and quality care, requiring sentinel events to be reported.

What are some key areas that standards from The Joint Commission address?

Patient rights, patient education, operational improvements, patient safety, accurate identification, and communication of test results.

What does the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) do?

It sets operational standards for laboratory testing and ensures high standards for laboratories to receive accreditation.

What is Lean methodology in the context of healthcare?

It optimizes people, resources, effort, and energy toward creating value for the customer, based on continuous improvement and respect for people.

What is the primary goal of a CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician)?

Patient safety.

What are some major risk factors for patient falls?

Inadequate lighting, obstacles, health problems, medications, aging, vision loss, and cognitive impairment.

How often should high fall risk patients be assessed?

Every 1 hour.

What general safety precautions should be taken to prevent falls?

Patients should wear shoes or nonskid socks, use eyeglasses if prescribed, keep areas illuminated, know how to use call lights, remove clutter, use gait belts, and ensure they can reach overbed tables.

What should be included in facility policy and procedure manuals?

Protocols for situations encountered, recognizing when a patient requires medical assistance, acting within doctor's orders, and maintaining a safe environment.

What is required for healthcare facilities regarding infection control?

An infection control program that includes proper use of hand hygiene and disinfectants.

What should be done to prevent abuse, neglect, and injury in healthcare settings?

Report any suspected abuse and maintain a safe environment for patients.

What is the significance of documenting timely and accurately in healthcare?

It ensures clear communication with the healthcare team and maintains patient safety.

What should patients wear to prevent falls while ambulating?

Shoes, slippers, or nonskid socks.

What should be done to ensure a patient knows how to use a call light?

Make sure the patient is informed and understands how to use it.

What are some considerations for patients with a history of falls?

They are considered high risk and should be monitored closely.

What is the importance of keeping emergency supplies readily accessible?

To ensure quick response in case of emergencies.

What should be done to ensure patient safety when using a gait belt?

Ensure the patient can reach the overbed table and assist patients who have had sedation medications, orthostatic hypotension, or recent bed rest.

What is the appropriate temperature range for bath water to prevent burns?

The bath water should be between 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit.

What precautions should be taken when using restraints on a patient?

Restraints must be prescribed, never applied for convenience, padded to prevent injury, and should allow for two fingers to fit underneath. They should not be attached to bed rails.

What are the types of abuse that a CPCT must be aware of?

Physical, financial, psychological/emotional, and sexual abuse.

What are some indications of abuse in patients?

Lack of personal care, malnourishment, signs of dehydration, pressure ulcers, physical signs of trauma, inconsistent explanations of injuries, signs of anxiety, and unusual repetitive behaviors.

What should a CPCT do if they suspect abuse?

They must report any suspicion of abuse to the nurse.

What is the role of side rails in patient safety?

Keeping half side rails up can help patients reposition themselves, but all side rails should be up when transporting patients to prevent falls.

What should be done with restraints every two hours?

Remove restraints, reposition the patient, and complete range of motion exercises.

What should be checked every 15 minutes when a patient is restrained?

Check on the patient to ensure their safety and comfort.

What is the definition of neglect in a healthcare context?

Neglect is the failure to deliver care that individuals need to maintain health, safety, and basic needs.

What should be done with electrical devices near water?

Do not use electrical devices near water to prevent accidents.

What is the importance of checking on patients regularly?

Regular checks ensure patient safety and address any immediate needs.

What should be done with canes and walkers to ensure patient safety?

Make sure patients know how to operate them appropriately and that they have nonskid tips.

What is the procedure for transporting a patient on a gurney?

Ensure all four side rails are up and check that IV poles can fit through doorways.

What is the legal duty of a CPCT regarding abuse?

A CPCT has the legal duty to report any suspicion of abuse, as it is a criminal act.

What should be done if a patient is using hot beverages?

Warm patients when food and beverages are hot, and ensure lids are in place on hot cups.

What should be used to prevent burns from heating pads?

Never use a heating pad on high and place a cloth or towel between the heating apparatus and the skin.

What is exploitation in the context of patient care?

Exploitation is taking advantage of a vulnerable individual for the abuser's gain.

What should be done with the wheels of wheelchairs and stretchers during patient transport?

Lock the wheels on wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds when transporting a patient.

What are the signs of substance abuse disorder among staff?

If you suspect a staff member is under the influence while at work, you must report it.

What is the significance of having the bed in the lowest position?

Keep beds in the lowest position when not providing direct care to ensure patient safety.

What should be done if a patient has sleeves on when applying restraints?

Place the restraint over the clothing.

What are common signs of substance use disorder?

Lack of concentration, inability to complete tasks, signs of withdrawal, emotional changes during shift, deteriorating personal appearance, verbal abuse, unexplained errands during work hours, excessive absenteeism, excessive and lengthy breaks.

What does the acronym RACE stand for in emergency response?

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish.

What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?

PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.

What are the rights of patients in inpatient facilities?

Patients have the right to privacy, confidentiality, information about options of care, review and receive a copy of their medical record, advance directives, respectful care, make decisions about their care, refuse treatment, and receive information about their diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis.

What responsibilities do patients have in healthcare settings?

Patients must provide correct and complete information about their health, offer insurance information or ensure payment for services, cooperate with healthcare staff, respect other patients' needs and privacy, and try to understand and comply with treatment instructions.

What is HIPAA and its significance in healthcare?

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that directs healthcare workers in handling protected health information (PHI).

What should you do before disclosing a patient's PHI?

Ensure a consent form is on file prior to releasing any PHI.

What identifiers are acceptable for patient identification?

Full name, date of birth, home address, telephone number, social security number, and photo identification.

What does The Joint Commission mandate regarding patient identification?

The Joint Commission mandates using two identifiers when identifying a patient.

What is the importance of communication in healthcare?

Communication is central to safe patient care and a lack of communication can cause medical errors.

What should you avoid when documenting in electronic medical records?

Avoid documenting opinions or assumptions, and never chart something you didn't see.

What are the advantages of electronic medical records?

Easy accessibility in multiple locations, legibility, consistency, and accuracy.

What is a word root in medical terminology?

The core component of a medical term that combines with a prefix and suffix.

What is a prefix in medical terminology?

The word component that appears at the beginning of a medical term to change the meaning of the rest of the word.

What is a suffix in medical terminology?

The word component that appears at the end of a medical term to change the meaning of the rest of the word.

What should you do if the course of action in patient care is unclear?

Recognize it as an ethical dilemma, as there may be no right or wrong answer.

What is the guideline for documenting patient statements?

Document in quotations if the patient stated something specifically.

What should you do with your computer when not in use?

Never leave your computer unattended; lock it and log off.

What is the guideline regarding social media and patient interactions?

Never connect with patients on social media.

What is the significance of documenting care as soon as it is performed?

It ensures accuracy and completeness in patient records.

What should you avoid discussing in public places?

Patient information with colleagues.

What is the purpose of using abbreviations in medical terminology?

To simplify communication, but they should be used cautiously to avoid confusion.

What is the DO NOT USE List?

A list provided by The Joint Commission that outlines abbreviations that should not be used to prevent misunderstandings.