DaVita's PCT Final Exam, questions and answers graded A+

Machine alarm tests are performed: ANSWER-Before the initiation of each patient treatment. TRUE OR FALSE? Procedures provide a step-by-step series of actions, processes, or measures to be taken to implement or address a particular activity, system, or problem. ANSWER-True When using an automatic blood pressure cuff on a patient with an irregular heartbeat ANSWER-The recorded blood pressure may be inaccurate. This electrolyte plays a major role in muscle contraction and high or low levels can lead to weakness or cardiac arrest. ANSWER-Potassium Post-treatment, a patient complains of a headache and there was a noted temperature increase to 98.8°F from the pre-treatment baseline of 96.6°F. What follow up is required before patient discharge? ANSWER-This is considered a fever which should be investigated A post treatment patient assessment ANSWER—Is completed to verify that the patient is stable, to determine the patient’s discharge status, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan. -Is compared to the patient’s pre treatment assessment findings -Requires the licensed nurse to notify the physician as needed of changes in patient status For a patient who can stand, a post-treatment blood pressure reading of _______ is considered an abnormal finding and should be reported to a licensed nurse, per DaVita Policy ANSWER-Normal range: 120/80 mm Hg or less Orthostatic hypotension: drops by at least 20 mmHg during transition from lying down to standing up, or when diastolic blood pressure (the bottom reading) drops by at least 10mmHg within three minutes after standing.