AHN AGH Patient Care Technician 2 Study Guide
How many cotton balls come in the intermittent urinary catheter kit?
3 cotton balls
Where to apply V2?
4th intercostal space, left sternal border
Where to apply V1?
4th intercostal space, right sternal border
Where to apply V4?
5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
Incentive Spirometry
A device that helps a patient achieve maximal ventilation by providing feedback on respiratory effort and promoting deep breaths to increase lung volume and prevent alveolar collapse
12-lead EKG
A diagnostic tool that records the heart's electrical activity from 12 different views to identify abnormalities and conditions
Clean Technique
A method of infection control that involves using clean hands and non-sterile gloves to perform a procedure
Sterile Technique
A method of infection control that involves using sterile gloves and equipment to perform a procedure
What is the Red draw cap used for?
AIDS antibody, viral studies, serology tests, Blood Bank Testing
When removing a indwelling urinary catheter (foley) what will you need to do to ensure the removal of it?
Allow the pressure in the urinary catheter's balloon to force the plunger back and fill the syringe with all the sterile water in the balloon to deflate the balloon.
What will you always need to ask the patient?
Always ask the patient about pronouns and preferred anatomic terms. Because it may be traumatic if assumed gender of PT.
Flow-Oriented Incentive Spirometer
An incentive spirometer that measures and visually indicates the degree of inspiratory flow
Volume-Oriented Incentive Spirometer
An incentive spirometer that measures the volume of air inhaled by the patient
What is the preferred venipuncture site?
Antecubital site, because several large veins lie relatively near the skin's surface.
What assessments does patient needs before undergoing a venipuncture?
Anticoagulant therapy, low platelet count, bleeding disorders, and other abnormalities that increase the risk of bleeding and hematoma formation.
Where do I apply a tourniquet for a venipuncture site?
Apply a tourniquet about 2" (5 cm) above the intended venipuncture site to accurately identify and prioritize the veins for use in order to minimize the potential for injury and complications.
What is the Green draw cap used for?
Blood chemistries (electrolytes, BMP)
What is the Yellow Cap draw used for?
Blood culture specimen collection.
How do we remove old dressings?
Carefully by pulling it gently on horizontal plane away from the patient's skin while simultaneously stabilizing the skin to avoid tearing it.
What do you do after disconnecting the 12 lead ECG?
Clean and disinfect reusable equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent the spread of infection.
What is the Light Blue draw cap used for?
Coagulation studies (PTT, PT/INR)
What to do after applying the 12-lead Electrocardigram?
Connect the lead wires to the electrodes. Note that the tip of each lead wire is lettered and color-coded for easy identification.
When do you not collect a venous sample?
Don't collect a venous sample from an infection site because doing so may introduce pathogens into the vascular system.
What is the Gray draw cap used for ?
Glucose, blood alcohol, and lactic acid.
What position should we have the patient be in while they're using a incentive spirometer.
Help the patient into a comfortable sitting or semi-Fowler position to promote optimal lung expansion.
What is the Lavender draw cap used for?
Hematology studies (WBC, hemoglobin/hematocrit, platelets)
What do you do if a tourniquet has been place longer than 1 minute?
If a tourniquet has been in place for longer than 1 minute before accessing the vein, release it and reapply it after 2 minutes before performing the venipuncture.
Where to apply V5?
In the horizontal plane of V at the anterior axillary line (or halfway between V and V if the anterior axillary line is ambiguous)
Where to apply V6?
In the horizontal plane of V at the midaxillary line.
Where to apply V3?
Midway/halfway between V2 and V4
What will you need to document after ECG?
Note any appropriate clinical information, positioning changes, and calibration variations on the ECG tracing, and place it in the patient's medical record.
What do you need to observe for after IV catheter removal?
Observe the IV catheter tip and length after removal for damage and possible fragmentation. Notify the practitioner if you see or suspect damage
Contraindications for Incentive Spirometry
Patients who cannot cooperate, receive instruction, or generate adequate inspiration due to pain, diaphragmatic dysfunction, or opioid analgesic use
Indications for Incentive Spirometry
Patients with atelectasis, conditions that predispose them to atelectasis, or a restrictive lung defect associated with quadriplegia or dysfunctional diaphragm
Indications for Intermittent Catheterization
Patients with neurogenic bladder or urinary retention who require temporary bladder drainage
What position do you have a female patient be in while inserting a intermittent urinary catheter?
Place the patient in the supine position with both knees flexed and separated and both feet flat on the patient's bed, about 2′ (61 cm) apart.
Where do you select to put electrodes on a patient?
Select flat, fleshy areas on which to place the limb lead electrodes.
What can cause resistance while trying to put a urinary catheter in?
Sphincter spasms or strictures may cause resistance.
To mechanically clean a wound, where to start first?
Start at the center of the wound and clean the wound gently with a moistened gauze pad, working outward toward the edges in a circular pattern.
Pre-procedure Steps
Steps completed before performing a PCT II/III skill: verify practitioner's order, review patient's medical record, gather necessary equipment, introduce yourself and explain the task, confirm patient's identity, provide privacy, explain procedure to patient and family, perform hand hygiene, apply gloves and necessary PPE
Atelectasis
The collapse of alveoli in the lungs, often caused by shallow breathing or immobility
Specimen Removal from Indwelling Catheter
The collection of a urine sample from a long-term urinary catheter
Intermittent Straight Catheterization (Female)
The insertion of a temporary catheter into the female bladder to drain urine
Intermittent Straight Catheterization (Male)
The insertion of a temporary catheter into the male bladder to drain urine
Wound Dressing Application
The process of applying a dressing to a wound to maintain a moisture balance, prevent infection, and protect the wound and surrounding tissue
Venipuncture
The process of puncturing a vein with a needle or winged collection device to collect a blood sample
Indwelling Urinary Catheter Removal
The removal of a long-term urinary catheter that has been in place for an extended period of time
Wound Dressing Function
To provide an optimal environment for wound healing by maintaining moisture balance, preventing bacterial proliferation, and protecting the wound and surrounding tissue
What will need to be verified for the use of ECG?
Verify the date, time, patient's name, and assigned identification number on the ECG itself.
Do you instruct the patient to breath normally when a patient is on the 12 lead Electrocardiogram.
YES.
Do you clean the patient's skin after removing the electrodes?
Yes
As a PCT 2 what is the only dressing change are we permitted to do?
You are only permitted to change simple dry dressings. Once the dressing is removed, the nurse should complete the assessment prior to redressing the site.
Post-procedure Steps
return patient's bed to lowest position, remove and discard gloves, perform hand hygiene, document procedure
What are the most used veins for phlebotomy?
the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins in the antecubital area.
How many times should a patient use an incentive spirometer?
the patient may take 10 breaths every 1 to 2 hours while awake
