General Patient Care Flashcards
6 cards from real PCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 General Patient Care flashcards as text
When providing oral care to an unconscious patient, the PCT should position the patient:
Answer: On their side with the head slightly lowered
The lateral position with a slightly lowered head allows fluids to drain from the mouth by gravity, preventing aspiration.
The normal adult body temperature taken orally is approximately:
Answer: 98.6°F (37.0°C)
The standard reference for normal oral body temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C), with a normal range of 97.8-99.1°F.
When bathing a patient in bed, the water temperature should be:
Answer: 105-110°F (40.5-43.3°C)
Water at 105-110°F is warm enough for comfort and cleaning effectiveness without risk of scalding the patient.
A blood pressure reading of 148/96 mmHg in an adult would be classified as:
Answer: Hypertension Stage 2
Per ACC/AHA guidelines, systolic ≥140 or diastolic ≥90 mmHg is classified as Stage 2 hypertension.
When measuring a patient's respiratory rate, the PCT should:
Answer: Count respirations without the patient's awareness for one full minute
Patients who know their breathing is being counted may unconsciously alter their rate, so unobtrusive observation for a full minute gives the most accurate result.
When providing perineal care, the PCT should always wipe:
Answer: Front to back to prevent urinary tract infections
Wiping front to back prevents fecal bacteria from contaminating the urethral area, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.