Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the role of a Patient Care Technician (PCT)?

1. Diagnosing medical conditions

2. Administering medications

3. Assisting patients in daily activities

4. Performing surgical procedures

The correct answer is: Assisting patients in daily activities

The role of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is primarily centered around assisting patients in their daily activities. This includes tasks such as helping with bathing, grooming, feeding, and mobility, which are crucial for supporting patients’ overall well-being and comfort. PCTs play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the personalized care they need to maintain their dignity and improve their quality of life. While diagnosing medical conditions, administering medications, and performing surgical procedures are important aspects of patient care, these tasks fall outside the scope of a PCT’s responsibilities. Diagnosing is typically reserved for licensed healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurse practitioners. Medication administration may also require specific licensure and training beyond what is expected of a PCT, while performing surgical procedures is strictly limited to qualified surgeons and their teams. Thus, the correct focus of a PCT role is on assisting patients with daily living activities, where they can make a significant difference in overall patient care.