5.8 Chapter Conclusion
Karen Piette, MHS, CMA and Kristen Hosey
Summary
In this chapter, you learned about direct patient care, standard precautions, and various healthcare professions. It is important to note that the professions discussed here are only a few of the many direct patient care careers available to you. This chapter highlights common direct patient care careers, along with their opportunities and requirements.
Education, requirements, and certifying examinations vary greatly across these professions. Medical assistants, nurses, pharmacy technicians, physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, and surgical technologists all play integral roles in various healthcare settings. If working directly with patients is important to you, one of these careers may be your best choice.
Review Questions
- Define standard precautions.
- Describe three characteristics an employee who works in direct patient care should demonstrate.
- Provide two examples of activities of daily living.
- State five duties a medical assistant can perform in a clinical environment.
- All of the following are vital signs except________.
- Pulse
- Respirations
- Arterial blood gas
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood pressure
- Name three medical providers who may give orders to a medical assistant or licensed practical nurse.
- What are the educational requirements for CNAs, LPNs and RNs?
- In addition to physical therapy offices, what other settings may a PTA work in?
- What is the difference in the requirements for a CRT and RRT?
- Why is it important to ensure that the college or school you choose is appropriately accredited ?
