Theory Ch4 Application

A patient refuses to eat breakfast because they are in pain. Which basic physiological need must be addressed first?

Comfort/pain relief

A PCT notices that an elderly patient hasn’t had water all morning. Which human physiological need is not being met?

fluids

A patient expresses anxiety about losing their job due to hospitalization. Which psychosocial need is involved?

emotional security

A PCT knocks before entering a patient's room and explains each step of care. Which psychosocial need is being supported?

dignity and respect

A patient going through opioid withdrawal is restless, sweating, and yelling at staff. What is the most appropriate PCT response?

offer emotional reassurance and notify the nurse

A patient tells the PCT they feel lonely and miss their family. Which psychosocial need is not being met?

love and belonging

Which of the following statements about opioid abuse is true?

a person may need higher doses to feel the same effect

A patient who hasn’t slept well becomes irritable during morning care. Which physiological need is affecting their behavior?

rest/sleep

A patient is scared about surgery and asks the PCT to stay a few minutes and talk. Which psychosocial need is being expressed?

emotional support

A diabetic patient is left without their breakfast tray. Which physiological need is being impacted the most?

nutrition

Which of the following is one of the five basic physiological needs?

fluids

A preschool-aged child (3–5 years old) is most likely to:

learn to speak and begin social play

Which age group begins to care deeply about peer acceptance?

adolescents

What is a common task of early adulthood?

forming a career or long-term goals

What is a characteristic of a mentally healthy person?

maintains stable relationships

Which mental health disorder is characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest?

depression

A patient in late adulthood is most likely dealing with which developmental challenge?

adjusting to aging changes and loss

Which psychosocial need involves feeling valued and capable?

self-esteem

What is an appropriate way for a PCT to respect a patient's spiritual needs?

provide support or notify the nurse if the patient requests clergy

A patient says, “I don’t feel safe when people come into my room without asking.” Which need is not being met?

safety and security

A 9-year-old patient is admitted after an accident. The child expresses guilt, saying the accident happened because they “were bad.” Based on stages of development, what is the child most likely struggling with?

Developing conscience, morals, and self-esteem (school-age stage: 6–12 years).

An older adult patient in the hospital says, “I don’t feel like myself anymore since I’ve lost weight and get tired so easily.” What stage of development does this represent?

Middle adulthood to late adulthood — where decreased metabolism, strength, and weight maintenance issues occur.

A patient demonstrates the ability to adapt to new treatments, cooperates with staff, and takes responsibility for missed medications. What does this show about their mental health?

It shows characteristics of being mentally healthy — adaptability, responsibility, and positive relationships.

List two examples of legal substances that can be abused

Alcohol and prescription medications (others: cigarettes, glue, paint, etc.).

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder may experience sudden mood changes. What two extremes do they cycle between?

Mania (high energy, impulsivity) and depression (low mood, hopelessness).

Name two types of treatment commonly used for mental health disorders.

Medication (such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers) and therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling).

A patient who was prescribed opioids after surgery later starts buying street fentanyl. How might this have happened?

They developed tolerance and dependence on prescribed opioids, then turned to illegal drugs when prescriptions ran out or no longer gave the same effect.

Name two physiological needs and two psychosocial needs that a PCT should help support.

• Physiological: Nutrition, rest/sleep, fluids, oxygen.

• Psychosocial: Love/belonging, dignity/respect, emotional support, self-esteem.

While assisting a patient with lunch, a PCT notices slurred speech and the smell of alcohol on the patient’s breath. What should the PCT do?

Document observations objectively and report them to the nurse (not confront or ignore)

A patient nearing the end of life expresses fear and sadness about losing independence. What holistic care approach should a PCT use?

Provide emotional support, listen to concerns, maintain dignity, and report needs for further spiritual or counseling support.

In what stage of human development is peer acceptance the most important factor influencing self-esteem?

Adolescence.

Why is it inappropriate for a PCT to give in to a toddler’s tantrum to keep them quiet?

Because it reinforces negative behavior and prevents healthy emotional development.

A middle-aged patient expresses a desire to change careers suddenly, saying they feel “unfulfilled.” What developmental event might this represent?

A midlife crisis (common in middle adulthood).

A patient tells a PCT: “I just want to feel respected. People talk to me like I’m a child.” Which psychosocial need is being unmet?

Esteem (dignity and respect).

What should a PCT keep in mind when providing holistic care to a patient who is hospitalized long-term?

Address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, not just physical health.

Why are a PCT’s communication skills important to the quality of patient care?

Because PCTs communicate observations and concerns about patients to the nurse

A patient being treated in the emergency department collapses. He is not breathing and has no pulse. The patient has a DNR order in his chart. Which of the following is true?

CPR should not be performed

A patient has a fever of 101°F. She is pale and her skin is damp. She reports having a headache. She also says she has been feeling lightheaded and feels pressure in her sinuses. Which of these are signs?

Fever, headache, and sinus pressure

The Patient Self-Determination Act requires medical facilities to inform patients about

advance directives

How does HIPAA protect patient rights?

By keeping health information private and secure

A child is brought to the emergency department of a hospital by her aunt. Her parents are on a cruise and cannot be contacted. What legal concept allows the child to be treated?

Implied consent

Which of the following is a common type of information shared during a shift change report?

Whether the patient has strict I&O measurements taken

A local news anchor is being treated at the hospital where Juan works as a PCT. He tells his friends that he is caring for the news anchor and even drew her blood. Which of the following is true?

What Juan did was illegal and unethical

In the situation described below, which are symptoms?

A patient has a fever of 101°F. She is pale and her skin is damp. She reports having a headache. She also says she has been feeling lightheaded and feels pressure in her sinuses. 

Fever, headache, and sinus pressure. 

A PCT who does not wash hands before providing care may be considered guilty of

negligence

A PCT is caring for an elderly patient who has complained several times that a new medication is making her feel sleepy and confused. The PCT believes these feelings are not related to the medication and are normal for an older person. Which of the following is true?

The PCT should report the patient’s complaints.

Which of the following should be included in patient records?

Consent forms, both general and for procedures/surgeries