Final answer:
To ensure the safety of a patient at risk for falls, a PCT using a mechanical scale should zero the scale, provide support to the patient, and use assistance devices or extra staff as needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is preparing to weigh a patient who is at risk for falls using a mechanical scale, they must take several safety precautions. It is essential that the technician ensures the scale is zeroed before use, supports the patient while they step onto the scale, and remains vigilant throughout the procedure to prevent any falls. Furthermore, the use of assistance devices or additional staff may be necessary for safe transfer to and from the scale.
The mechanical scale might involve a spring mechanism where the patient's weight compresses a spring, and the compression is correlated to the weight displayed. For patients at risk of falls, it's crucial to provide stability and remain ready to assist during the weighing process. Helpers might be needed if the patient requires physical support, and any mobility aids used by the patient should be close at hand. Lastly, the environment should be clear of any obstacles that could pose a risk.