Chapter 5: Direct Patient Care
Karen Piette and Kristen Hosey
Summary
In this chapter you learned about direct patient care, standard precautions and numerous healthcare professions. It is important to note that the professions discussed in this chapter are only some of the many direct patient care careers available to you. Highlighted in this chapter are common direct patient care careers along with their opportunities and requirements.
Education, requirements and certifying examinations vary greatly between these professions. Medical assistants, nurses, pharmacy technicians, physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, and surgical technologists all play an integral role in various healthcare settings. If working directly with patients is important to you, one of these careers could 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 the clinical environment.
- All are vital signs, except________.
- Pulse
- Respirations
- Arterial blood gas
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood pressure
- State three medical providers who may administer providers’ orders to a medical assistant or licensed practical nurse.
- What are the educational requirements for CNA’s, LPN’s and RN’s?
- What settings may a PTA work in besides a physical therapy office?
- What is the difference in requirements for a CRT and RRT?
- Why is it important to make sure the college or school you choose is accredited appropriately?
