NOCTI Review

Code of ethics

A set of written statements describing proper moral/professional conduct for a specific group.

Implied consent in emergencies

Care may proceed under implied consent in emergencies (e.g., CPR on an unconscious patient).

Scope of practice limits

When a task is outside your scope, consult a supervisor immediately rather than attempting the task or abandoning it.

Time management via prioritization

Staying organized and tracking daily work is supported by prioritizing tasks.

Post-care protocol

After completing care, follow facility procedure (e.g., ensure patient safety/comfort, restore environment, and perform required hand hygiene and documentation).

Standard precautions rationale

Standard precautions are used to reduce infection transmission risk by treating blood/body fluids as potentially infectious.

Responding to abuse

If you witness a coworker verbally abusing a patient, take appropriate action per policy (e.g., protect the patient, report promptly through the proper chain of command).

HIPAA purpose

HIPAA is designed to keep a patient's medical information private.

PHI definition

Protected Health Information is individually identifiable health information about a patient.

Authorization for disclosure

A release of information form is the document patients sign to permit disclosure of their health information.

Record amendment right

Patients may request changes (amendments) to their medical records.

HIPAA acronym meaning

HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Privileged communication concept

Privileged communication is information shared within a protected relationship (e.g., doctor-patient).

Incidental disclosure meaning

Incidental disclosure is information overheard/obtained inadvertently despite reasonable safeguards (e.g., overheard through a closed door).

Physical safeguards example

HIPAA physical safeguards can include controlling access to areas such as locked computer server rooms.

Medical record scope

Dental records are legally considered medical records.

Secure disposal of confidential information

Shredding is the preferred method for disposing of confidential paper records.

Why confidentiality matters

Maintaining confidentiality preserves patient trust and meets legal/ethical requirements.

Documentation purpose

Documentation supports continuity of care, legal accountability, and communication among the care team.

Core record elements

Patient records should consistently include required identifiers and encounter details per facility policy (e.g., dates/times, observations, and care provided).

Interpreter etiquette

Speak directly to the patient (not to the interpreter) to maintain rapport and respect.

Cultural competence awareness

Some cultures may view direct eye contact as disrespectful; adapt communication respectfully.

Wheelchair communication positioning

Sit to communicate at eye level with a patient who is in a wheelchair.

Family history focus

Includes genetic/blood relatives (e.g., siblings, grandparents) and excludes non-biologic relations (e.g., stepmother).

Social history focus

Covers lifestyle factors (occupation, tobacco/alcohol use, relationship status) and excludes habits of others (e.g., spouse's alcohol use).

Past medical history focus

Documents previous conditions/events (e.g., past tuberculosis, prior allergic reactions) distinct from the current complaint.

HPI focus

History of Present Illness captures the timeline and development of the current problem.

ROS focus

Review of Systems is a broad symptom checklist that screens beyond the chief complaint.

Subjective data definition

Information the patient reports (symptoms/feelings) and cannot be directly measured by the observer.

Objective data definition

Measurable or observable signs (what you see, hear, measure, or smell).

Best prevention method

Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infection spread.

Infection indicators

Recognize observable signs/symptoms of infection in patients (report per policy).

Hand hygiene importance

Hand hygiene reduces transmission of pathogens between patients, staff, and surfaces.

Standard precautions examples

Use appropriate barriers and practices to prevent spread (apply to all patients).

PPE meaning and examples

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., gloves, gowns, masks).

Soiled linen handling

Remove soiled linens safely to avoid dispersing contaminants (contain and follow facility procedure).

Shortness of breath assistance

Assist a patient with dyspnea using supportive measures per protocol (e.g., positioning, calm coaching, alerting licensed staff).

Exposure protocol

If exposed to blood/body fluids, take immediate actions per policy (e.g., wash/flush, report, seek evaluation).

Hepatitis B vaccination

Workers at risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure are offered free Hepatitis B vaccination.

Vital signs definition

Vital signs are core measurements used to assess basic body function status.

Four main vital signs

Monitor temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.

Systolic vs diastolic

Systolic is pressure during ventricular contraction; diastolic is pressure during relaxation.

Normal temperature ranges

Know expected normal temperature ranges and common measurement methods.

Rectal temperature notes

Rectal temperatures have specific indications/considerations and are generally higher than oral readings.

Oral temperature notes

Oral temperatures require patient/measurement considerations and have an average normal value range.

Glass thermometer safety

Follow special handling considerations if glass thermometers are used.

Pulse assessment

Know typical normal pulse ranges by general category per curriculum.

Most common pulse site

Radial pulse is commonly used when appropriate.

Apical indications

Use the apical site when clinically indicated (e.g., certain patients/conditions).

Irregular pulse follow-up

For irregular pulses, assess as directed (e.g., auscultation at the appropriate site).

Abnormal readings response

Report abnormal findings promptly and follow facility protocol for escalation.

Normal BP ranges

Know typical normal blood pressure ranges expected in practice questions.

Hypertension definitions

Be able to identify pre-hypertension and hypertension thresholds as taught.

Hypotension significance

Readings of 90/60 or lower may be clinically significant depending on context and should be reported per protocol.

Systolic/diastolic meaning

Systolic and diastolic values reflect arterial pressure during contraction vs relaxation.

Measurement positioning

Use correct patient positioning to obtain an accurate BP reading.

Fall management

If a patient begins to fall during ambulation assistance, take immediate safety actions per training to reduce injury and get help.

Wheelchair safety

Lock wheelchair wheels before transfers to prevent movement and reduce fall risk.

Gait belt purpose

Use a gait belt to provide safer support during transfers/ambulation when indicated.

Fire response procedure

Follow R.A.C.E. steps during a fire event as trained.

Proper body mechanics purpose

Use safe mechanics to prevent injury to both patient and staff during lifting/moving.

Initial response sequence

Begin with scene safety, then proceed through required initial actions for an unresponsive person (including calling 911 per protocol).

CAB meaning

Know what CAB stands for and apply it in the correct order for basic life support.

Pulse check sites

Use carotid pulse checks for adults and brachial checks for infants when indicated.

Compression parameters

Know the correct compression-to-breath ratio and target compressions per minute per current training level.

Choking recognition and intervention

Identify choking signs and apply appropriate interventions, including modifications for unconscious patients and differences for infants.

NOCTI purpose

Standardized workforce competency testing commonly used in US career/technical programs.

Active study methods

Use flashcards (term/definition) and study groups to improve recall and application.

Practice testing

Create and swap a 25-question test (multiple choice, matching, word bank) to simulate exam conditions.

Scheduling awareness

Track separate dates for skill exams and written (multiple-choice) exams.

Grading implication

If the NOCTI score is only 'basic,' a separate final grade may still be required (course policy-dependent).

First Aid and General Safety

19%

Medical Terminology

18%

Body Systems

9%

Observation and Communication

15%

Documentation and Legal Issues of the Health Assisting Profession

10%

Health Assistant Skills

29%

Frontal plane

Divides the body into front and back portions.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) portions.

Midsagittal plane

Divides the body into equal right and left halves (midline).

Proximal

Describes a structure closer to the point of attachment.

Superior vs. inferior

Superior means above; inferior means below (e.g., diaphragm is inferior to the heart).

Dorsal cavity location

Long, continuous cavity along the back of the body.

Ventral cavity location

Cavity on the front side of the body.

Thoracic contents

Includes lungs and heart.

Cranial contents

Contains the brain.

Orbital contents

Contains eye structures.

Nasal cavity association

Contains structures of the nose.

Abdominal contents

Includes the stomach and regions such as the left lumbar region.

Dx meaning

Diagnosis.

tab. meaning

Tablet.

BID meaning

Twice a day.

STAT meaning

Immediately.

NPO meaning

Nothing by mouth (no food or water), commonly ordered pre-procedure.

PRN meaning

As needed.

TPR meaning

Temperature, pulse, respirations.

DOA meaning

Dead on arrival.

Common prefixes

peri- (surrounding), anti- (against), hypo- (under), dis- (undo).

Common surgical suffix

-ectomy means surgical removal.

Neoplasm definition

Abnormal new growth of tissue (tumor) that can persist even if the trigger is removed.