Which tasks are included in the PCT's responsibilities for urine and catheter care?

Which tasks are included in the PCT's responsibilities for urine and catheter care?

• A. Cleaning the cath, removing the cath, applying an external catheter, cleaning the perineal area, watching for signs of infection, tracking the appearance of urine, and tracking the amount
• B. Replacing the catheter every shift without orders
• C. Administering antibiotics for a UTI
• D. Diagnosing CAUTI

Answer: (A)

Urine and catheter care for a PCT focuses on maintaining cleanliness and safety around the catheter, monitoring output, and recognizing changes that could signal a problem. Cleaning the catheter and surrounding area helps prevent infection and skin irritation. Removing the catheter when medically appropriate and applying an external catheter are tasks that support proper device management and comfort. Cleaning the perineal area keeps the patient cleaner and reduces infection risk. Watching for signs of infection, such as fever, redness, foul odor, or pain, is essential, and documenting what urine looks like and how much urine is produced provides important information about the patient’s fluid status and kidney function. This set of responsibilities is what a PCT is trained to handle, with clear guidelines and the need to report any concerns to the nurse. Replacing the catheter every shift without an order isn’t appropriate or safe protocol, and administering antibiotics or diagnosing a urinary tract infection are medical duties outside the PCT scope.

Urine and catheter care for a PCT focuses on maintaining cleanliness and safety around the catheter, monitoring output, and recognizing changes that could signal a problem. Cleaning the catheter and surrounding area helps prevent infection and skin irritation. Removing the catheter when medically appropriate and applying an external catheter are tasks that support proper device management and comfort. Cleaning the perineal area keeps the patient cleaner and reduces infection risk. Watching for signs of infection, such as fever, redness, foul odor, or pain, is essential, and documenting what urine looks like and how much urine is produced provides important information about the patient’s fluid status and kidney function.

This set of responsibilities is what a PCT is trained to handle, with clear guidelines and the need to report any concerns to the nurse. Replacing the catheter every shift without an order isn’t appropriate or safe protocol, and administering antibiotics or diagnosing a urinary tract infection are medical duties outside the PCT scope.