CPCT Certification Study Notes

ROLE OF PATIENT CARE TECHNICIANS

  • Scope of practice includes tasks assigned by nurses within certified capabilities.

  • Do not accept tasks outside your functions; always communicate doubts to the charge nurse.

PROVIDE BASIC PATIENT CARE

  • Understand body systems and disease processes for high-quality care.

  • Common tasks: dressing changes, ambulation, skin care, ROM exercises, daily living activities.

  • Focus on safety, emotional support, and prioritization in patient care.

BODY SYSTEMS

  • Understand anatomy (structure) and physiology (function).

  • Key systems:

    • Integumentary: skin protection, temperature regulation.

    • Skeletal: support, movement, mineral storage.

    • Muscular: movement, posture, heat production.

    • Nervous: control system, communication, coordination.

    • Endocrine: hormone regulation for metabolism and growth.

    • Cardiovascular: transport of substances throughout the body.

    • Lymphatic: filter blood, protect against infection.

    • Respiratory: oxygen intake, carbon dioxide elimination.

    • Digestive: nutrient absorption, waste elimination.

    • Urinary: waste removal and fluid balance.

    • Reproductive: hormone production for sexual functions.

DISEASE PROCESSES

  • Disease disrupts homeostasis, caused by factors like pathogens (e.g. infections).

  • Acute vs chronic diseases—acute (short duration) vs chronic (long-term management).

  • Examples: Osteoarthritis, asthma, pneumonia, COPD, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, diabetes mellitus.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

  • Build relationships based on trust and empathy.

  • Active listening and effective communication are essential to support patients.

  • Engage patients through therapeutic communication techniques: accepting, clarifying, and encouraging.

INEFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

  • Avoid advising, agreeing/disagreeing, defending, or minimizing feelings.

  • Maintain professional boundaries; focus on the patient’s needs and experiences.

  • Include cultural competence in interactions and avoid jargon for clarity.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND HEALTH LITERACY

  • Be aware of language barriers and respect cultural preferences.

  • Use interpreters when necessary for communication accuracy.

  • Provide clear, accessible health instruction materials to patients.