Safety Procedures Flashcards

A patient's IV line has become disconnected and blood is flowing back. What is the FIRST action a PCT should take?

Answer: Clamp the IV tubing

Clamping the IV tubing immediately stops blood loss and prevents air embolism until a nurse can properly address the disconnection.

Which color-coded sharps container should be used for chemotherapy needles?

Answer: Purple

Purple (or yellow with a purple lid) sharps containers are designated for chemotherapy and cytotoxic waste per OSHA and EPA guidelines.

A patient on fall precautions needs to use the bathroom. The PCT should:

Answer: Assist the patient and remain with them throughout

A PCT must accompany and assist fall-precaution patients during all ambulation, including bathroom trips, to prevent falls.

When using a gait belt to assist a patient who begins to fall, the PCT should:

Answer: Guide the patient to a controlled descent to the floor

Guiding the patient into a controlled descent prevents injury to both the patient and the PCT, as trying to stop the fall entirely can cause musculoskeletal injury.

Which type of fire extinguisher is safe to use on an electrical fire in a patient care area?

Answer: Type C

Type C fire extinguishers use non-conductive agents and are specifically rated for electrical fires, making them safe around energized equipment.

A PCT notices a patient's restraint has caused the skin to appear red and irritated. The correct action is to:

Answer: Remove the restraint, assess the skin, and notify the nurse

Signs of skin breakdown require immediate removal of the restraint, skin assessment, and nursing notification to prevent further injury.

What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?

Answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side — the standard technique for extinguisher use.