NCCT NCPCT key terms

Everyday self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and moving from place to place. Patient care technicians assist patients who cannot perform these tasks independently while encouraging safety and dignity.

Walking or moving from one place to another with or without assistance. Technicians support ambulation by ensuring proper footwear, clearing hazards, using gait belts when indicated, and staying close enough to prevent falls.

The normal extent of movement at a joint, such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. Passive ROM is performed by a caregiver, while active ROM is performed by the patient; both help prevent stiffness and contractures.

Moving a patient from one surface to another, such as bed to chair or chair to toilet. Safe transfers require planning, correct body mechanics, adequate help, and equipment like gait belts or transfer boards when needed.

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, caused by prolonged pressure or pressure combined with shear. Prevention includes repositioning, skin inspection, moisture control, and pressure-relieving surfaces.

Measurement of fluids a patient takes in and eliminates over a period. Accurate intake and output records help detect dehydration, fluid overload, and kidney problems; technicians measure and document all oral, intravenous, and urinary volumes as ordered.

Measurements of body temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and often oxygen saturation that indicate how well the body is functioning. Changes from a patient's baseline are reported promptly to the nurse.

The force exerted by circulating blood against artery walls, recorded as systolic over diastolic pressure in millimeters of mercury. Technicians measure it with a cuff and stethoscope or an automated device using correct cuff size and patient positioning.

The higher blood pressure number, representing the force against artery walls when the heart contracts and pumps blood out. It is the first number recorded in a blood pressure reading.

The lower blood pressure number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes and fills between beats. It is the second number recorded in a blood pressure reading.

The rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries caused by each heartbeat. Technicians assess rate, rhythm, and strength, commonly at the radial artery, and document findings accurately.

The process of breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. When counting respirations, technicians observe rate, depth, rhythm, and effort without telling the patient, because awareness can alter breathing.

A noninvasive method of estimating oxygen saturation in arterial blood using a sensor placed on a finger, toe, or earlobe. Readings can be affected by poor circulation, nail polish, movement, or improper sensor placement.

A drop in blood pressure when a person stands up, often causing dizziness or fainting. It is checked by measuring blood pressure and pulse while lying, sitting, and standing, and findings are reported promptly.

A measure of the body's heat production and loss, commonly taken orally, rectally, axillary, tympanically, or temporally. Technicians select an appropriate route, use the device correctly, and report abnormal readings.

Infection-control practices used for every patient regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe handling of blood and body fluids. They reduce transmission of pathogens from both recognized and unrecognized sources.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer at key moments to remove or kill pathogens. It is the single most important way to prevent healthcare-associated infections and must be performed before and after patient contact.

Barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to protect skin, clothing, and mucous membranes from contact with infectious materials. PPE is removed carefully to avoid self-contamination.

The sequence required for infection to spread: infectious agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry portal, and susceptible host. Breaking any link helps prevent transmission.

Practices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms, such as hand hygiene, cleaning surfaces, and wearing gloves. These techniques are used in routine patient care to keep the environment as clean as possible.

Extra infection-control measures used for patients with known or suspected contagious conditions, such as contact, droplet, or airborne precautions. They may include a private room, dedicated equipment, signage, and specific PPE.

The coordinated use of posture, balance, and movement to lift, move, or carry safely. Proper body mechanics includes bending at the knees, keeping loads close, and avoiding twisting to reduce injury to patients and staff.

Measures used to reduce a patient's risk of falling, such as keeping the call light within reach, maintaining bed brakes, clearing clutter, and assisting with ambulation. Patients at high risk need frequent checks and close supervision.

A physical or chemical device or method that limits a patient's freedom of movement and cannot be easily removed by the patient. Restraints require a provider order, monitoring, frequent checks, and release as soon as safely possible.

A recording of the heart's electrical activity obtained from electrodes placed on the skin. Technicians prepare the skin, apply electrodes correctly, minimize artifact, and recognize when a tracing needs immediate nurse or provider review.

A conductive pad attached to the skin that detects electrical activity for an ECG. Good skin preparation and correct placement improve tracing quality and reduce artifact.

Unwanted interference on an ECG tracing caused by movement, muscle tremor, poor electrode contact, electrical equipment, or other sources. Technicians reduce artifact by preparing skin, securing cables, and keeping the patient still and warm.

The collection of blood for laboratory testing, usually by venipuncture or capillary puncture. Safe practice includes correct patient identification, aseptic technique, proper specimen labeling, and prompt handling of samples.

Collection of blood from a vein using a needle and collection tube or syringe. Technicians select an appropriate vein, cleanse the site, minimize trauma, and apply pressure afterward to prevent bleeding and bruising.

Collection of a small blood sample by pricking the skin, usually the fingertip or heel. It is used when small volumes are needed and requires warming the site, cleansing, and avoiding excessive squeezing that can hemolyze the sample.

A band applied around an extremity to temporarily slow venous blood flow and make veins easier to see during venipuncture. It should not be left on too long and is released as soon as blood flow is established.

The recommended sequence for filling blood collection tubes to prevent additive contamination between tubes. Following the order preserves specimen integrity and supports accurate laboratory results.

Breakdown of red blood cells that releases hemoglobin into the specimen, which can alter lab results. It is reduced by gentle tube handling, proper needle size, avoiding excessive suction, and not squeezing capillary sites.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law that protects patient health information and sets rules for its use and disclosure. Staff must share protected information only when authorized or required for care, payment, or operations.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a procedure after receiving information about its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The patient must have decision-making capacity and be free from coercion; technicians usually witness rather than obtain consent.

The ethical and legal duty to protect patient information from unauthorized access or disclosure. It includes limiting conversations to appropriate places, securing records, and sharing information only with authorized individuals involved in care.

A patient-centered style of communication that uses active listening, open-ended questions, empathy, and clarification to build trust and support understanding. It avoids judgment, false reassurance, and giving personal advice.

The tasks and responsibilities a healthcare worker is legally permitted to perform based on training, certification, and state or facility rules. Technicians must never perform skills outside their scope and should ask for help when unsure.

Failure to provide the level of care a reasonably prudent technician would provide in similar circumstances, resulting in harm. It requires a duty, a breach, causation, and damages.

A written document that states a patient's wishes for future medical care or names someone to make decisions if the patient cannot. Staff should recognize these documents and notify the nurse or provider.