Question

Which of the following actions is within a PCT's scope of practice when providing wound care?

A) Suturing a laceration
B) Assessing signs of infection
C) Prescribing antibiotics
D) Administering local anesthesia

Answer 1

A PCT can assess signs of infection in a wound, which is within their scope of practice. Suturing, prescribing antibiotics, and administering local anesthesia are tasks reserved for more advanced medical practitioners.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing wound care, a Patient Care Technician's (PCT) scope of practice typically includes assessing signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or the presence of pus. Other tasks such as suturing a laceration, prescribing antibiotics, and administering local anesthesia are outside of the PCT scope of practice and are reserved for licensed medical professionals such as nurses, advanced practice nurses, physicians, or physician assistants.