The patient's room should be clean and organized at all times. It is especially important to keep walkways free of clutter, trash, and other trip hazards. The CPCT should wipe down all horizontal surfaces with disinfectant wipes, especially before the patient eats and after the patient bathes. The CPCT should also ensure that bedside tables are within the patient's reach.

Remove Peripheral IVs

The CPCT is responsible for removing intravenous catheters prior to patient discharge. Removing an intravenous catheter requires a gauze pad, a piece of tape, and a pair of gloves. Ensure that the nurse has turned off the intravenous fluid prior to removing the catheter. While holding the catheter, remove any tape securing the catheter to the patient's skin. Next, place the gauze over the puncture site and remove the catheter by pulling straight back on the device, making sure the catheter is still intact. Tape the gauze

in place and hold pressure over the taped gauze for several minutes. If the area around the catheter insertion site appears discolored, swollen or otherwise infected, notify the nurse immediately.

Perform Dressing Changes

Sterile dressing

Sterile dressings are applied and removed by a nurse or physician. Typically, sterile dressings are reserved for the operating room and are rarely applied in another setting. The CPCT cannot remove any sterile dressings without specific direction from a nurse or physician.

Aseptic dressing

Aseptic dressings are commonly encountered in medical settings. The CPCT is often tasked with changing patient dressings. Dressings are designed to protect and cover wounds and incision sites. To reduce the risk of causing infection, the CPCT must strictly adhere to facility policies and guidelines for changing dressings. There are many accepted methods for changing dressings, but most include the following steps:

1. Wash hands.

2. Place the patient in a comfortable position.

3. Don gloves.

4. Remove soiled dressings.

5. Assess the wound and note the amount, color, and odor of any drainage.

6. Remove gloves.

7. Wash hands.

8. Establish an aseptic working area.

9. Open replacement sterile dressing and saturate with sterile water.

10. Cleanse the wound.

11. Assess the wound size, depth, color, and odor.

12. Apply a new aseptic dressing.

13. Wash hands.

Transfer a Patient Using a Mechanical Lift

Mechanical lifts are special devices used for lifting and moving heavy patients. To prevent injury, the CPCT should become familiar with the specific device the facility uses. Lifting devices typically have a sling and a metal frame with a hydraulic lift mechanism. The sling is placed under the patient and is connected to the metal frame. The CPCT engages the lifting mechanism. Patients should only be lifted high enough for the CPCT to safely perform the required task, then slowly lowered back to the bed. Many lifting devices are equipped with wheels to enable the CPCT to move the patient from one bed to another. While lifting and lowering the patient, the wheels must be locked.

Manually Lift and Transfer a Patient

The CPCT should be familiar with the three most common types of patient transfers: independent, assisted, and dependent.

Independent transfer is used when a patient is able to move freely.  The CPCT should monitor the patient during independent transfer, remove any obstacles the patient could trip on, and be prepared to assist the patient.

If the patient has trouble getting up, is unsteady on his or her feet, or requires assistance when moving, use an assisted transfer. The CPCT should discuss the procedure with the patient prior to moving him or her. The CPCT should also ask for help if the patient is too heavy to safely move alone. Several commercial devices exist to facilitate assisted transfer, such as the transfer or slide board. To prevent injury, the CPCT should be trained in the use of such a device prior to using it. The dependent transfer involves moving patients that are completely incapable of helping during the transfer. The CPCT should never attempt to perform the dependent transfer of a patient alone. To prevent injury, two to three people should be used for

dependent transfers.

Apply Immobility Splints to Patients

A splint is used to stabilize an injured extremity and provide temporary support to broken bony structures. If applied correctly, splints minimize pain associated with dislocations, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. 

There are numerous types of splints and multiple manufacturers, each requiring specific application techniques. However, there are a few rules common to all splints. Splints should always be applied from the distal part of the extremity to the proximal part. For example, when applying a splint to the forearm, start at the wrist and work your way to the elbow. Always remove jewelry on the affected limb prior to applying a splint.  After applying the splint, assess for circulation, movement, and sensation (CMS) in the areas

beyond the splint. For example, after applying an elbow splint, assess the fingers for CMS.

Provide One-On-One Care for Patients who are at Risk for Suicide

The CPCT may be assigned to provide one-on-one care for patients who are at risk for suicide. The CPCT is responsible for creating a safe environment for the patient by watching over him or her continuously and removing any items that could cause injury. For example, patients at risk for suicide must not have razors, IV tubing, telephone cords, glass bottles, or medications. Any threats of suicide made by the patient should be reported to the nurse.

Provide Skin Care

The CPCT plays a vital role in preventing skin breakdown in hospitalized patients. The CPCT must ensure that patients are repositioned at least every 2 hours, in order to minimize the risk of developing pressure sores. Some facilities encourage the use of lotion or powder to prevent skin breakdown, while others preclude their use. Refer to your agency's policies on the use of skin protectants and follow the established guidelines.

Apply Sequential Compression Devices

Sequential compression devices, often referred to as boots, are used to prevent blood clots from forming in the lower legs. The devices are placed on each leg and may extend to the knee, thigh area, or just placed on the feet. The devices are connected to an air compressor that inflates and deflates them around the legs or feet. This continuous compression /decompression device promotes blood flow in the legs and feet, preventing blood clot formation.

Apply Anti-Embolitic Stockings

Anti-embolitic stockings prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs. Blood clots are dangerous, because they can travel to the lungs and cause death. The stockings can also prevent fluid buildup in the legs.

Anti-embolitic stockings are commonly referred to as TED hose. They are made of elastic material that is designed to apply firm pressure to the lower legs. The CPCT is often responsible for applying the stockings. The stockings have a hole at the toe area to allow for assessment of circulation. The CPCT should remove stockings prior to bathing the patient, so that a thorough assessment of the skin can be performed.