Patient Assessment
What word means being mentally alert and aware of surroundings, sensations, and thoughts?
Conscious (or conscious/awareness)
What is first aid?
Immediate care given to an injured person by first responders present
What is the ED (emergency department)?
Emergency Department (ED) provides immediate 24/7 care for serious illness/injury
What is ergonomics?
The science of designing equipment/work so it fits the worker and is safer
What does supine mean?
Lying flat on the back
Name three signs a PCT should look for when checking for injury (list any two).
Severe bleeding; changes in consciousness; irregular breathing; unusual skin color/feel; swollen areas; medical alert tags; pain (any two)
What does CPR stand for and when is it used?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; used when heart or lungs have stopped
Which hospital unit provides constant skilled care for critically ill patients?
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Name two common categories of hazards OSHA lists for healthcare (choose any two).
Chemical, biological, physical, safety (or other combinations like ergonomic)
What is Fowler’s position (give the approximate head/shoulder elevation range)?
Head and shoulders elevated about 45-60^\circ
What should a PCT do immediately after an emergency is over regarding documentation?
Document the emergency, complete an incident report as soon as possible, report only facts and as many details as remembered
What device analyzes heart rhythm and can deliver a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm?
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
What is a medical/surgical unit used for?
For patients admitted for surgery, testing, observation, or non‑intensive treatment
What should a PCT do if they find a damaged electrical cord on a medical device?
Do not use the device; unplug safely if trained, report to supervisor/nurse, tag equipment and remove from service
What is a transfer belt used for?
To help support and guide patients who are weak or unsteady during transfers or walking
Define syncope and give two common signs that someone is fainting.
Syncope = fainting / loss of consciousness. Signs: dizziness, nausea, pale skin, weak pulse, shallow respirations, perspiration, blackness in visual field (any two)
Describe what an obstructed airway is and one sign that someone has a severely obstructed airway.
Obstructed airway = blockage of the airway; sign: cannot speak, cough, or breathe (or severe difficulty breathing)
What is hospice care? Give one reason a patient might be in hospice.
What is hospice care? Give one reason a patient might be in hospice.
Define shearing and explain why it matters when moving a patient.
Shearing = friction where skin moves one way and underlying bone stays fixed; can cause pressure injuries when moving patients incorrectly
What does “logrolling” mean and when might you use it?
Moving a person as a unit without disturbing spinal alignment, used after spinal injury or when spinal precautions are needed
Explain how you would check if an unconscious person is breathing and responsive
Check responsiveness (shout/tap), call for help/activate emergency response, open airway, check for breathing, begin CPR if not breathing
What is the difference between hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): give one key cause or sign of each.
Hypoglycemia = too much insulin or too little food (signs: trembling, confusion, rapid pulse, low BP)
DKA = too little insulin, high blood sugars, can lead to diabetic coma
Describe what telemetry is and why some patients might be on telemetry.
Telemetry = cardiac monitoring sending heart rhythm/rate to a monitoring room; used for patients needing rhythm observation
Explain three body mechanics tips a PCT should use when lifting a heavy object or helping a patient stand
Keep back straight, bend at knees, keep load close to body, use legs not back, ask for help or use mechanical lifts/transfer belt, lock wheels on chairs/stretcher
List three safety checks a PCT should make before transferring a patient to a wheelchair or stretcher.
Check wheels locked, bed/stretcher height, patient footwear, secure transfer belt if used, ask for help if needed, clear path, explain steps to patient